Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture, TCM and Herbs at the Total Wellness Centre

How does acupuncture feel?
Is Acupuncture safe?
How many sessions do I need?
How often should I receive acupuncture treatment?
Should I stop other medications?
Can I combine IVF and western fertility medicine safely with acupuncture or herbs?
How far ahead of my IVF or IUI treatment should I attend your clinic?
What is the success rate of acupuncture used to treat infertility?
Is acupuncture more effective than herbs in treating infertility?
Do I need to be under the care of a Western Doctor or Gynecologist while attending your clinic?
How does one choose an acupuncturist?
What are the lamps and electronic gadgets I see during acupuncture treatment?
Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
What should I expect during my first visit?
Can western and Chinese medicine be combined?
Why do my acupuncture points and herbal prescriptions keep changing every week?

How does acupuncture feel?
Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distending, warmth and pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. We find that most of our patients are so relaxed during a session that they may even nap.

Acupuncture needles differ from hypodermic needles used for injections. Unlike hypodermic needles which are hollow and cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and as thin as a hair.

If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes, we use disposable single use sterile needles. In addition, our experienced practitioners know exactly where to insert the needles, avoiding sensitive areas.

How many sessions do I need?
As each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition being treated, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the over health of the individual. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist.

How often should I receive acupuncture treatment?
The number and frequency of acupuncture treatments depend entirely on the physical condition of each individual. A treatment plan will be created during the first initial visit to our clinic.

Should I stop other medications?
No. You should continue to follow your current physician's instructions. Please remember that acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician's treatments not to replace them. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist. Also, most herbs that Total Wellness Centre prescribes do not react with western medication. However, please inform our practitioners of all western medication that you are taking so that they may ensure that their prescriptions do not interfere with the efficacy of other medications.

Can I combine IVF and western fertility medicine safely with acupuncture or herbs?
Yes, in most instances. However, please tell us about all the medication (prescription and over the counter) that you are taking. Studies have shown that the use of acupuncture and herbs prior to IVF greatly increases the efficacy of IVF. Modern medical wisdom seems to suggest that we combine what is useful from each source. Indeed, this is the case in China today. In medical schools in China the students learn 60% Chinese and 40% Western medicine and can apply both after training. Because Chinese medicine addresses the underlying cause of a condition rather than just the symptoms, it is often helpful to treat conditions generally unresponsive to western drug-oriented treatment. Examples include PMS, headache, vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, etc. Conversely, some conditions, most notably bacterial infections and conditions with structural changes, e.g., fractures or tumors, respond more rapidly to Western techniques. Very frequently the two methodologies can be combined to the patient's greater benefit. For example, in our infertility practice we can use Chinese medicine alone, or in combination with fertility promoting medications prescribed by western doctors, as indicated by the patient's age, medical history, etc.

How far ahead of my IVF or IUI treatment should I attend your clinic?
The answer depends on the individual's needs, however we suggest treating the root cause of infertility using acupuncture and herbs as far ahead of time as possible. The more time you have to treat the underlying cause of infertility, the more prepared you will be physically, mentally and emotionally to deal with IVF or IUI.

What is the success rate of acupuncture used to treat infertility?
Patients attending Total Wellness Centre experience success rates which are above average. However, the success rate varies with many factors including patient adherence to the treatment program, age of the patient, and the specific medical condition of the patient. Studies show that patients undergoing concurrent treatments, such as IVF in combination with Acupuncture, will significantly elevate their rate of conception. However, the patient is advised to bear in mind that traditional Western medical treatments alone, such as IVF, achieve a modest success rate at best. While some clinics claim success rate as high as 80%, we do not wish to instill false hopes. Each patient must be considered an individual and treated as such. In addition, simply conceiving is not the goal of Total Wellness Centre, but rather carrying a healthy baby to term.

Is acupuncture more effective than herbs in treating infertility?
The causes of infertility vary. Some causes respond well to acupuncture, others to herbal treatment, while still others require both acupuncture and herbs. At Total Wellness Centre, we believe that all acupuncturists should have extensive experience with herbs, herbal formulas and the prescription of herbs. Understanding who can benefit from herbs demonstrates a deep understanding of both acupuncture and herbs. Practitioners should know when and when not to prescribe herbs.

Do I need to be under the care of a Western Doctor or Gynecologist while attending your clinic?
No. We are happy to see you with or without a referral. We can develop your treatment plan using Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis and treatments even if you have never seen a Western Doctor regarding your medical issues. However, if you have been seen by a Western Doctor and have been diagnosed by him or her, although not necessary to begin treatments at our clinic, the diagnosis and any relevant test results do help us to specify the right treatment plan for you as quickly as possible.

How does one choose an acupuncturist?
You should ask where the acupuncturist was trained and how much experience he/she has had in treating your disease or disorder. Some acupuncturists receive very little training, even as little as a weekend course. Our Doctors of Chinese Medicine have at least four years of University undergraduate acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine schooling followed by three and four year advanced degrees in acupuncture and Chinese Herbs and prescriptions. In addition, our Doctors of Chinese Medicine have at least 25 years of experience each.

We consider it mandatory for each of our Doctors to be well versed in all aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and custom herbal prescriptions (raw herbs and 'patent' herbal pills). Even if you will not be receiving herbs for the treatment of your disorder, we believe that patients are best served by well-rounded, properly educated and highly experience Doctors.

Some practitioners in associated or allied health fields do practice acupuncture. For example, Chiropractors, medical doctors, physiotherapists, and so on. We strongly believe that only trained doctors of traditional Chinese medicine are qualified to perform acupuncture for the treatment of complex systemic disorders such as infertility. Chiropractors and others who perform acupuncture may help in limited areas such as pain management, they simply do not have the years of focused education and experience treating other disorders using acupuncture.

Lastly, inquire if the acupuncturist is a member of a local governing body or acupuncture board. In Ontario, the provincial government is in the final stages of forming a College of Traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the profession.

What are the lamps and electronic gadgets I see during acupuncture treatment?
An infrared lamp as well as low-voltage direct current stimulation via the acupuncture needle may be used to maintain stimulation of the acupoints. These are now well-accepted techniques in bolstering the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture.

Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
Yes. Each system of medicine has its own areas of greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture excels in those areas in which conventional medicine comes up short. Chronic disease, fertility issues, pain control, and stress related disorders are just a few of the areas in which acupuncture and Chinese medicine are effective. Please read our more complete list of what acupuncture and herbs can treat.

What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. The practitioner will also use standard traditional Chinese medical diagnostic techniques such as taking the pulses and checking the tongue.

Depending on the problem being treated and your prior condition, you may experience a wide range of sensations the first time you have acupuncture. Since the treatment goal is the restoration and balance of the body's Qi, some patients will experience a burst of energy while others may feel relaxed or even tired. Many people experience a sense of calm and well being. Occasionally a patient may feel euphoric or lightheaded, especially after the first treatment.
 
Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent, but do happen. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The re-absorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the presence of the needle.

The practitioner will insert the needles and then leave you to rest for a period of time, often 20-30 minutes, depending on what is being treated. In every case, the practitioner will return to both re-stimulate the needes and to remove the needles and safely dispose of them. All you have to do is relax!

Why do my acupuncture points and herbal prescriptions keep changing every week?
TCM treats both the symptoms and underlying cause of your disorder at the same time. As your symptoms improve or change, both acupuncture points and herbs need to be adjusted. You may find that some acupuncture points tend to be the same, and some herbs seem to be a part of every formula from week to week. These points and herbs may be the ones used to address the underlying cause of your disorder. In addition, TCM is a very individualized practice of medicine. No two people will receive the same herbs, or have the same points addressed using acupuncture. For these reasons, the Doctor must continually adjust your treatment plan and prescriptions so that they are most beneficial to you.

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