What do I wear to an acupuncture appointment?

While wearing comfortable clothes to your appointment is helpful it’s not necessary, should you be coming from, or, heading to work, there are linens provided for draping and comfort.

Where do you get your acupuncture needles? 

I source my needles from several reputable suppliers including Eastern Currents and EACU Medical Instruments. I have a passion for quality and use the highest grade needles available. All needles are sterile and single use and made of medical grade stainless steel.

Is acupuncture painful?

The short answer is “no”. But I always tell my patients that acupuncture is NOT a sensation-less technique. There will be sensations, generally a very slight prick when the tiny needle makes contact followed by a feeling of pressure, often described as a dull, achey or heavy feeling. This is a normal and desired sensation that indicates the point has been activated. 

What can I expect after an acupuncture treatment?

Generally you should feel relaxed and lightly energised after your treatment. It’s important to remember that the effects of acupuncture are far reaching, when possible try to schedule your day after so that you have some time to move a bit more slowly, drink some water and eat well. It’s best to avoid excessive alcohol consumption on the same day after a treatment, so keep this in mind when booking your appointment. 

Do cupping and gua sha leave bruises?

No, the markings produced by cupping and gua sha are not the same as a bruise. These marks are called transitory petechiae and in TCM we call it sha, and unlike a bruise sha has therapeutic value. Sha is intentionally created using cupping or gua sha and produces myriad beneficial effects that persist even after the marks fade.

How long does sha take to fade?

Sha can take between 3-7 days to completely fade away. The rate at which sha fades provides important information about your unique constitution such as how your qi and blood are circulating.

What’s the difference between glass cups and silicone cups?

Silicone cups are flexible and their suction is created by the practitioner squeezing them before  applying them to the surface of the body. The amount of suction they produce is less intense than glass cups but their flexibility allows them to be used over irregular shaped areas of the body where glass cups won’t work as well.

Glass cups are inflexible and being made of glass allow us to use a flame to remove the oxygen from the cup before it is placed on the body. This is also called fire cupping. Glass cups produce a stronger suction and therefore can affect deeper levels of tissue. Because the lip of the cup is firm and inflexible, glass cups work best over larger surfaces of the body such as the back, chest, legs or arms.

What tool do you use to perform gua sha?

I use single use, stainless steel caps for gua sha. This is best practice for clinical settings as each patient is guaranteed a sterile tool for their treatment. Traditionally tools are made from jade, horn or other materials, and while these tools are effective and in many ways superior, it is better to use them for personal use only.

How does cosmetic acupuncture work?

Cosmetic acupuncture involves the insertion of many fine needles into target areas on the face and neck. This process stimulates an increased production of collagen and elastin at the desired areas. In TCM terms acupuncture increases the flow of qi and blood to the face. Not only does the complexion appear smoother, but a noticeable brightness illuminates the face. While one session will produce a noticeably brighter complexion, several sessions done over the course of five to six weeks are necessary to visibly decrease deep lines and wrinkles and create visible lift.

Can I get cosmetic acu when I’ve had botox?

Cosmetic acupuncture and botox work in opposite ways in the body. Botox essentially blocks the muscles in the face from contracting, in TCM terms this is a form of blood stasis and qi stagnation.  Cosmetic acupuncture increases the circulation of qi and blood to the tissues of the face so it may negate or shorten the effect of the botox you've had done. Cosmetic acupuncture can still be used on areas of the face that have not received botox. In addition it can be beneficial to get cosmetic acupuncture between botox injections to help maintain the tone of facial muscles so that they don’t become lax over time.

What product line do you use in your TCM Rejuvenation Facial?

The products I use are handcrafted by Phiona Gitsham, Doctor of Chinese Medicine at her alchemical lab Bio HerboloQi, in Vermont. What I admire about Phiona’s products is the union of TCM herbal medicine with spagyric alchemy. This brilliant approach produces superior herbal products that are nutrient dense and have maximum bioavailability for improved absorbption. The herbs, oils and butters she uses are of the highest purity and rigorously tested to ensure they’re free from contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. For more information on these products and spagyric alchemy please visit bioherboloqi.com .

Is cosmetic acupuncture covered by extended health insurance like regular acupuncture?

Yes, all treatments that are within the scope of practice of a Registered Acupuncturist (this includes cosmetic acupuncture) are billed as acupuncture and can be submitted to your extended health insurance provider as such. Why is TCM so focused on not eating or drinking cold things?

In TCM cold is perceived as a pathogen that can enter the system and disrupt the smooth flow of qi and blood. The organs of digestion are particularly sensitive to cold and consuming cold foods and beverages weakens them, diminishing their ability to perform their necessary functions. Over time this can create chronic issues that extend beyond the digestive system resulting in things like fatigue and low energy to name just a few.

What is one thing I can start immediately that will benefit my digestion?

A glass of warm lemon water with a touch of raw honey first thing each morning. This is something that can benefit almost everyone. Lemon water warms the stomach, kindles digestion and provides hydration after a night’s sleep.

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to food, diet and nutrition?

I believe that food is meant to bring us joy. When we source, prepare and eat food consciously and with awareness it becomes a potent act of self-care, learning and healing.

I like my diet, will I have to change everything about how I eat?

Absolutely not. When it comes to one’s diet I have found that making a few small, sustainable changes begins to produce beneficial results which grow over time. As you see the positive results of the changes you’ve made, your willpower and resolve increase which in turn makes future changes to your diet easier.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda comes from India where it is one of six recognized health systems. It is known as the science of life and is often referred to as the sister-science of yoga. Together Ayurveda and yoga support and maintain the health of the body and mind. An underpinning philosophy of Ayurveda is that our bodies are a microcosm of the environment around us. By adapting how and what we eat as the external seasons change  we can find balance throughout the year.

How do yoga and Ayurveda fit in with TCM?

Ayurveda teaches us that each person has a unique constitution both physiologically and psychologically. This is in agreement with the teachings of TCM. Although the models and organizational structures of these systems may be different, they are united in their understanding of the body as a holistic system operating within nature and not separate from it. My background in yoga and Ayurveda inform my practice as a Registered Acupuncturist, this often includes the prescription of yoga postures suitable for my patients to help speed their recovery and alleviate their pain.



We hope the above is useful to you. Should you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out