Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a deep-rooted history in East Asian healthcare, helping people with various health issues for thousands of years.
Over the past five decades, acupuncture, a part of TCM, has become increasingly popular in the West. In the last two decades, it’s gained official recognition as a healthcare profession through the Health Professions Act.
Western healthcare providers have also started realizing the benefits of using TCM and acupuncture for certain health problems that didn’t respond well to Western treatments, showcasing a growing acceptance of these practices in Western medicine.
In acupuncture, extremely thin sterile and disposable needles are used to stimulate the acupoints determined during the assessment to be a problem. Due to the fineness of the needles, most patients only feel the initial light poke and after, they barely feel the presence of the needles on their body.
All registered acupuncturists have completed 1900 hours of studies and clinical practice training to obtain their license from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and are regulated according to their college bylaws.
Acupuncture Treatments Do NOT Require A Doctor’s Referral.
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Conditions Treated by Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help with both recent injuries (acute pain) and long-term pain (chronic pain). It’s especially effective for reducing inflammation after injuries and managing chronic pain, like lingering pain from car accidents.
- Infertility
- Sciatica
- Over Weight/Obesity
- Headaches and Migraines
- Anxiety and Stress
- Knee Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Tendonitis
- Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder
- Depression
- Chronic Pains
- Neck Pain
- Tendonitis
- Sciatica
- Anxiety/Stress
- Shoulder Pain
- Migraines and Headaches
- Insomnia
- Knee Pain
Suffering from Any of These Conditions?
Book an Assessment Session with Our Registered Acupuncturist.
Meet Our Coquitlam Registered Acupuncturist
Farshid Khajehpour
Farshid, a registered acupuncturist with a background in western medicine, can combine Eastern and Western approaches to your treatment. He has over 10 years of experience as a family physician and received his acupuncture diploma in 2019.
What to Expect in Our Acupuncture Treatment Sessions?
In an acupuncture session performed by Fulcrum Therapy acupuncturists, you can expect:
Comprehensive Medical Assessment: Your initial visit will involve a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed history and examination. The registered acupuncturist will assess your pulse, tongue, and ears to determine a diagnosis.
Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment findings, our acupuncturists will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and concerns. The plan focuses on addressing the root cause of your issue while alleviating associated symptoms.
Acupuncture Treatment: The session may include the use of fine, sterile, and disposable needles inserted into specific acupoints. Needle retention typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your comfort level and requirements. The acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles or apply an electrical pulse. You may experience a sensation of energy flow during the session, indicating the movement of Qi.
Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acupuncture Painful? Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture consists of thin needles being inserted into specific points of tissues on the body to revive the natural healing process.
Every individual has a different pain threshold so acupuncture can vary for everyone, although it is considered a painless and non-invasive treatment.
Usually people find that there is a slight sensation during the initial insertion of the needle that is described as a dull ache or tingling feeling. A slight pinch or feeling of discomfort is also a common sensation acupuncturists hear, this is usually temporary and lasts for a few seconds.
Generally speaking, acupuncture is not a painful treatment. Some people find this type of treatment to be soothing and may fall asleep during their session. If you do have questions or concerns regarding your treatment, it is best to raise these concerns with your acupuncturist beforehand so they are able to provide you with the most comfort possible for your session.
Are Acupuncture Needles Reused?
Acupuncturists use new needles for every patient. The needles they use are a single use medical device, this means they are to be used only once and then thrown away.
Reusing these types of needles can lead to cross contamination between people and other health risks such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other bloodborne pathogens.
All acupuncturists are required to follow strict safety and hygienic protocols to ensure safety of patients and prevent spread of infection and or bacteria. Each acupuncture needle is sterile, individually packed and labeled with the name and expiration date of the manufacturer.
If you do have any questions or concerns regarding your safety and the hygienic components of your treatment, speaking with your acupuncturist is the best way to bring this discussion to surface.
Can Acupuncture Help with Weight Loss?
Although there have been studies regarding acupuncture as potential treatment for weight loss, the evidence with this matter is very limited and inconsistent.
Some studies portray that by regulating hormones, decreasing inflammation and increasing metabolism, weight loss may occur but others did not experience a drastic effect.
The insertion of small thin needles betters energy flow and stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
The weight loss exponent of acupuncture treatments comes from the assistance of decreased appetite, increased metabolism and better digestion. With this, it is important to remember treatments on their own are not enough.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining your goals, acupuncture is an add on therapy to assist with this.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help Treat?
While acupuncture is not a cure-all, research suggests it may be helpful for a variety of conditions. Here are some of the most commonly treated conditions with acupuncture:
- Chronic Pains
- Musculoskeletal Pains
- Sports Injuries
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Digestive Disorders
- Anxiety and Depression
- Insomnia
- Allergies
Does Acupuncture Have Any Side Effects?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner like our acupuncturist, Farshid Khajehpour. However, like any medical intervention, it can have side effects, though they are usually mild and temporary. Some potential side effects of acupuncture may include:
- Soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites.
- Fatigue or drowsiness after the treatment.
- Temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement.
- Light-headedness or dizziness during or after the session.
- Minor bleeding or infection at the needle site if proper hygiene practices are not followed.
Schedule Your Acupuncture Treatment Session Now!
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