Frequently asked questions
Who should you see for acupuncture?
See an acupuncturist registered with the BC branch of the Canadian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (CTMCA). Check the CTCMA website for your qualified professional. Registrants the CTMCA (BC Ministry of Health) have the highest standards of training in BC and Canada of any medical professional employing acupuncture. Mary is a Registered Acupuncturist (RAc)
Many other health professionals practice acupuncture; however, their training, knowledge, and experience is far below that of the Registered Acupuncturist and/or Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Is acupuncture painful?
When done by a skillful, qualified, and traditionally trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is not painful.
I want to come in for treatment, but I’m scared of needles. What should I do?
Come in for treatment! Mary can use other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine with you.
Do you work on mental or emotional problems, or just physical illnesses?
There are no separate parts to the individual (i.e. mind, body, spirit). You come in one beautiful package, so when Mary treats you, she is treating all aspects. When you are physically ill, you won’t feel well emotionally and visa versa.
How often will I need a treatment?
Usually, acute conditions are resolved after two or three treatments. Chronic conditions take longer, but that depends on how long the condition has gone on, how far the condition has progressed, and the vitality of the individual. But remember, your body wants to return to an optimal state of health, given the correct treatment and conditions.
You should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture within 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take a many treatments to resolve.
If the condition is acute and painful, treatments may be as frequent as 2-3 times per week for the first 2 – 3 weeks. The benefits of acupuncture treatments tend to hold longer as you receive treatments, so what typically happens is that patients need fewer treatments over time and eventually only come periodically for maintenance.
Mary can outline a course of treatment once she meets with you and assesses your condition
What should I expect after the treatment?
You may feel sleepy or relaxed after the treatment. There are generally no side effects from the treatment.
What should I wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Will my extended health insurance cover acupuncture?
Many of the extended health insurance plans available in British Columbia cover acupuncture to a set dollar amount per year. You will pay for treatments directly to Mary Lee. Then you can use the receipt to claim your reimbursement from your insurance company. Please check with your extended health insurance company for more information.
Will MSP cover acupuncture?
For those on Premium Assistance, MSP partially covers acupuncture visits for an annual total of $230. (Contact MSP at 604.660.2421 to see if you qualify.
How can I pay?
You can pay by cash, e-transfer, or a local cheque.
What conditions can you treat with acupuncture?
The World Health Organization lists over 40 different disorders that acupuncture is effective in treating. These conditions include:
-
Digestive: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Acid reflux, Indigestion
-
Eye-Ear-Throat: Cataracts, Gingivitis, Poor vision, Tinnitis, Toothache
-
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain and weakness, Neck pain, Sciatica
-
Respiratory: Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, Sinusitis, Smoking cessation, Tonsillitis
-
Emotional: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis
-
Gynecological: Pregnancy and postpartum issues, Infertility, Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual and Menstrual symptoms
-
Neurological: Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, Postoperative pain, Stroke
-
Miscellaneous: Addiction control, Athletic performance, Blood pressure regulation
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treat both the symptoms and the root of an illness. Chinese Traditional Medicine focuses on the whole person and on maintaining the optimum balance of energy that creates health.