Question 1

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture has been widely studied and proven to be effective in the treatment of many conditions. How does it work physiologically? Simply, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well being. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow to the area of pain, stimulate the immune system, calm the nervous system, stimulate the release of dopamine and other pain relieving neurotransmitters in the brain, balance hormones, and release bound up muscular and facial tissue. Essentially acupuncture restores balance and function within your body.

Question 2

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

Accepted Answer

Several years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an official report listing 31 symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be treated effectively by Acupuncture. Following is the list of conditions shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by Acupuncture: Low back pain - Neck pain - Sciatica - Tennis elbow - Knee pain - Peri-arthritis of the shoulder - Sprains - Facial pain - TMJ - Headache - Dental pain - Acute and chronic gastritis - Rheumatoid arthritis - Induction of labor - Breech birth presentation - Morning sickness - Nausea and vomiting - Postoperative pain - Stroke - Essential hypertension - Primary hypotension - Renal colic - Leucopenia - Radiation/chemo reactions - Allergic rhinitis - Hay fever - Biliary colic - Depression - Acute bacillary dysentery - Primary dysmenorrhea - Acute epigastralgia - Peptic ulcer

Question 3

WHAT INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?

Accepted Answer

You can contact your insurance provider with specific questions regarding your coverage. I am credentialed with the following insurance companies:
 • Blue Cross
 • BPA
 • Canada Life
 • Canadian Construction Workers Union
 • Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
 • CINUP
 • ClaimSecure
 • Cowan
 • Desjardins Insurance
 • First Canadian
 • GMS Carrier 49
 • GMS Carrier 50
 • GroupHEALTH
 • GroupSource
 • Industrial Alliance
 • Johnson Inc.
 • Johnson Group Inc.
 • LiUNA Local 183
 • LiUNA Loal 506
 • Manion
 • Manulife Financial
 • Maximum Benefit
 • Sun Life Financial
 • TELUS AdjudiCare

Question 4

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A TREATMENT?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you are well hydrated and have eaten a small meal or snack before your appointment. Avoid caffeine two hours prior to your treatment if possible. Bring a list of your medications and supplements with you. Dress in comfortable loose clothing, workout shorts and t-shirts or tank tops are best.

Question 5

I KNOW ACUPUNCTURE INVOLVES NEEDLES. DOES IT HURT?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, Acupuncture should not be painful. You may feel a dull ache, perhaps a feeling of electricity or tingling, a sensation of heat or cold, or it may just feel strange. You may experience a vague numbness, heaviness tingling or dull ache. Occasionally you may feel like you’ve been stung by a bee. This should pass almost immediately, and does not have any lasting sensation. If it doesn’t, tell your practitioner right away so they can adjust or remove the needle.
Occasionally you may feel a throbbing ache, which may also be somewhat uncomfortable, especially if you are being treated for a chronic condition. At no time, though, should you have any sensation that is beyond your tolerance level. If you do, let your practitioner know right away. The fact is that the vast majority of clients report that, after a while, they begin to feel a real sense of well-being, almost euphoria.

Carly Potter Acupuncture

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