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How does an acupuncturist or TCM practitioner make a diagnosis?
What happens there during an acupuncture treatment?
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
In addition to the needles, what are the techniques of Chinese Medicine?

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Disclaimer

The material, views and comments provided on this site are intended for educational and informational purposes only. The material, views and comments provided do not constitute a medical service or advice. The information provided is not a substitute for a professional medical opinion. If you have a medical problem, please contact a qualified health professional. Note that the natural products and Chinese herbs mentioned on this site have not necessarily been approved by Health Canada. The owner and author of this site, as well as any collaborator or information provider assume no responsibility in regards to any consequences of using the views, comments or other information as well as any link to external sites. The owner and author of this site, as well as any collaborator or information provider assume no responsibility in regards to any consequences of consumption of natural products or Chinese herbs mentioned on this site.

How does an acupuncturist or TCM practitioner make a diagnosis?

Diagnosis is made by observing, feeling, listening to the sounds of the body. interviewing, takin the pulse and observing the tongue.  It is a methodical approach, based on rigorous and strict observation of nature. Back to list

What happens there during an acupuncture treatment?

An acupuncturist introduced normally 6 at 12 very thin needles on specific points of the body. Once the needles are in place, the patient usually feels a sense of relaxation and well being. Back to list

How long does an acupuncture session last?

Depending on the condition treated, a session can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Back to list

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

No. Imagine the sensation that you can feel for a split second when a mosquito bites you. In addition, the patient often feels a sense of relaxation and well-being once the needles in place. Back to list

In addition to the needles, what are the techniques of Chinese Medicine?

There are several techniques:

  • Moxibustion: a moxa stickmade of mugwort heats an acupuncture point or region of the body.
  • Cupping: cups are fixed or drags on the skin and are used for certain medical conditions. 
  • The Seven Star Hammer: a little small hammer with very fine needles which the acupuncturist  slighty hit the surface of the skin. It is also used for certain health conditions.
  • The electro-stimulator which is used to stimulate the needles to achieve a specific therapeutic effect, particularly in cases of musculoskeletal pain.
  • The low-intensity laser has promising applications in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • Chinese Herbs which include techniques to preparare unique herbal formulas.
  • Chinese food cures and it's cooking techniques and food preparation. 
  • Tui Na massage and its many effective techniques. 
  • Qi Gong exercises that adapt well to many health problems.

Can there be any disease transmitted?

The risk of disease transmission is virtually zero because the needles used are disposable and have been pre-sterilized. Back to list

Are there any side effects to acupuncture or Chinese Herbs ? 

The only side possible side effect of acupuncture is mild bleeding and minor bruises, but it is quite rare. 

As for Chinese herbs, when they are prescribed by a experience practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is virtually no side effects. In rare cases, the herbal formula used may be difficult to digest. When that happens, the herbalist will modify the herbal formula to adapt it to the patient's digestion. Back to list

How many treatment does it take? 

This always depends on the severity and duration of the disease as well as the vitality of the patient. The acupuncturist will be able to specify the number and the frequency of the treatments during the first consultation. In the case of pain, improvement should be felt after a few sessions of acupuncture. A TCM practitioner trained in Chinese herbs such as Alain Bernard can suggest herbal formulas to maintain and enhance the effect of acupuncture between sessions. Herbal therapy will often be necessary to achieve sustainable results in the case of more serious illnesses and chronic conditions. Back to list

Are treatments covered by the RAMQ?

The treatment are not covered by the Régie de l'Assurance-Maladie du Québec. However, a growing number of private and collective insurance companies reimburse a portion or the full course of a consultation with an acupuncturist.  Ask your insurance company and insist that acupuncture should be added to your insurance policy. Acupuncture is a regulated profession in Quebec since 1995. The CSST and the SAAQ pay acupuncture treatment on medical recommendation. Back to list

 

 

   

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