Acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has a history of more than 3000 years of successfully diagnosing, treating and preventing illness.

Your body is interconnected by meridians and pathways through which vital energy flows. The Acupuncturist inserts very fine, pre-sterilized, disposable (one time use) surgical grade stainless steel needles into specific points along these meridians. This allows your energy flow to be manipulated, aiding in both physical and mental ailments. Modern research has shown that stimulating acupuncture points decreases inflammation, increases endorphins to relieve pain, regulates blood circulation and hormone secretion, and boosts the immune system.

Dr. Ken Tang, BSc, R.Ac, DTCM

Ken is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been providing treatments in acupuncture, tuina and herbal medicine since 2004. Ken graduated from the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine's 4200 hr program after receiving his BSc from the University of Alberta and he is a member of the National Certification and Commission Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Ken has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in dealing with difficulties associated with infertility (natural, as well as IVF and IUI cycles), sports injuries, back pain and anxiety/stress. Ken ensures that his treatments are always customized to fit the needs of his clients so they are able to achieve their health goals.

When Ken is not working, he enjoys snowboarding, golfing, and muay thai.

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what does acupuncture treat?

It is strange how tiny needles can affect the body so much. The body's normal response to foreign objects within the skin can create many different reactions which lead to healing a plethora of chronic and acute conditions. The most common health conditions include (as per the World Health Organization):

To view the entire WHO document please click on:
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html


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what to expect on your first treatment?

In order to understand your health history, you will complete an in depth personal health form. All information that you provide is strictly confidential and will only be released with your written consent. Your practitioner will then perform an assessment to understand your concerns and work with you towards your health goals. Questions regarding your history of disease and accompanying symptoms, and an examination of your pulse and tongue will provide an overall picture of your condition and concludes the initial assessment.

The needles used on patients will be single use, sterilized needles. These needles (no thicker than a strand of hair) will cause a slight feeling of pressure/heaviness, dull ache or distension surrounding the local area where they are inserted. On occasion, some people will feel more circulation in the local area or a trickling sensation. Under no circumstances should the patient experience any pain or discomfort - we are an interactive clinic and respond to the feedback of our patients. If you are in any discomfort, let us know and we will adjust or retract the needles as necessary - increasing stress during your treatment can be said to hinder your body's healing mechanisms.

Depending on your ailments, points may be selected along the arms, legs, abdomen or back. Your appointment following the assessment will be between 30-40 minutes, to slowly ease your body into your first acupuncture treatment. Follow ups are usually closer to an hour. We will check on you frequently during your treatment to make sure you are comfortable. **Please be sure to communicate any problems or concerns you may have.**

Be sure to have something to eat before your treatment as acupuncture can naturally lower sugar levels within the body. On occasion if your blood sugar is low (and you have not had anything to eat prior to your treatment) your energy will also be low following the treatment; as any energy you did have will be directed towards healing the body during your treatment.

COST OF TREATMENT

Acupuncture
Initial Consultation and Treatment               90 minutes  |  $105.00
Follow-Up Visits                                               60 minutes  |  $80.00
Consultation Fee (without treatment)          $25.00

Cupping
30 minutes  |  $55.00
Free with Acupuncture treatment



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IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

One of the striking advantages of acupuncture is that there are no side effects. In our Centre, only sterile needles are used for treatments. These needles come in sterile containers and are used only once, and then disposed of safely and appropriately.

There is no risk of infection. In particular, there is no possibility of transmission of AIDS or the Hepatitis virus.

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IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL?

Some people may be afraid of needles and assume that acupuncture is painful. Actually there is no pain at all. The needles used for acupuncture is solid and extremely thin, much thinner than those used for injections or when donating blood.

When the needles reach the acupuncture points, there is a sensation that could be described as tingling or numbing, rather than ‘painful'. Sometimes you may feel a little soreness, heaviness, distension, or pressure during the course of needle insertion. These sensations may also be transferred along the acupuncture channels to another part of the body. None of these typical feelings could be described as painful.

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HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Each patient is unique. The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may take four to ten treatments. While a specific problem is being worked on, you may visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week, and gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a month. To simply maintain good health, you may limit your treatments to once every season - four times a year.

If you have any questions please contact us by email at info@peaceofmindmassage.ca or by phone at 403.452.7899

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WHAT IS CUPPING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

30 minutes  |  $50.00

Cupping (sometimes referred to as ‘vacuum massage’) is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups (either glass or plastic) when placed on the skin, either by means of heat or suction. This practice draws up the underlying tissues, and when left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.

Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians' of the body. Meridians are the channels through which energy flows to every part of the body; every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow revitalizing energy to travel the whole length of the body. Cupping is probably the best way of opening these meridians.

Cupping has also been found to have an effect on the body up to four inches into the tissues; causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages; help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries; activate the skin; clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.

Is Cupping Safe?

Cupping, the technique, is very useful and very safe. It can however, cause some swelling and bruising on the skin. As the skin under a cup is drawn up, the blood vessels at the surface of the skin expand. This may result in small, circular bruises on the areas where the cups were applied. These bruises are usually painless, and disappear within a few days of treatment.

Cupping should not be used on you if you have: areas of skin which are inflamed; a high fever; convulsions or cramping; easy bleeding; or if you are pregnant.