Frequent Asked Questions
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. It can:
- • Relieve pain
- • Treat various medical conditions
- • Promote health and well-being, prevent illness: effectively relieve stress, increase energy and boost immune system function
In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture has a much broader application for different diseases and health conditions than just relieve pain.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on a concept of balanced Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, that is believed to flow throughout the body. It is the oldest and one of the most effective health care in the world. For 5000 years, this unique method has been helping people successfully regain their health.
TCM doctors use a variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxa, ear acupuncture and etc.
What’s your acupuncturists’ qualification?
Founded by Dr. Benny Xu in 1992, the Great Wall Health Centre is a full scale acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Calgary led by Dr. Xu and his colleagues.
Services are provided by Licensed and Registered acupuncturists with extensive training and clinical experiences.
Are your clinical environments excellent for treatment?
Yes, we are. We offer a safe, modern and comfortable setting in Great Wall Health Centre. Besides therapeutic results, most patients experience deep relaxation after a treatment.
Needles in our centre are for single use only. Each patient during each session gets a new set of high quality sterile needles from sealed package. Your acupuncturists will swab treatment sites with alcohol before inserting needles.
Exam rooms are outdoor shoes free. Table paper and draping towels are disposable; lights and music in treatment rooms are adjustable to provide a hygienic, relaxing and comfortable treatment environment.
Onsite herbal pharmacy is very convenient for patients who want to take herbal medication.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a safe and natural way to maintain health when administered by well-trained practitioners using sterile needles.
The WHO (World Health Organization), the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Medical Association(AMA) and various government reports have studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most of our patients feel no or minimal pain during the insertion. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
What would I experience during a session of acupuncture?
During initial visit, you will receive an acupuncture treatment after a thorough checkup by your acupuncturist.
Your acupuncturist decides which points to treat by diagnosis according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy. Your check up might include the following according to your condition:
- • Analysis of your tongue
- • Pulse checking
- • Palpation of your muscles and abdomen
- • Inquiring on chills or fever, perspiration, appetite, thirst and taste, defecation and urination, pain, sleep, menses and leucorrhea etc.
- • Inquiring on your medical history
- • etc.
While your Acupuncturist inserts or manipulate the fine needles into specific points on your, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness or tingling around the insertion area. This is called the “Qi sensation”. All these reactions mean that your body is responding to the treatment and your vital energy is starting to flow better. During or after the treatment you may feel energized or experience a deep sensation of relaxation. Your needles will be retained for 20 minutes, giving you time to relax, and your Qi time to circulate.
Heat lamp or stimulator might be used to enhance your treatment according to your condition.
How should I get prepared for acupuncture treatment?
Step 1, Read our brochure or other reliable resources to have a brief idea about acupuncture and us. Phone and ask us questions if you have any concern. Positive attitude is very important for you to get ready for acupuncture treatment.
Step 2, Check with your insurer. (for details, check the last party of this page.)
Step 3, Phone (403) 265-8889 or drop by to book an appointment. Inform us which one of our acupuncturists you want to see if you have a referral.
Step 4, Get information ready about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. Make a list and bring it in if it is easier for you.
Step 5, Wear an outfit you are able to relax in when you are coming for a treatment. You might need to remove your clothes for certain treatment. We have disposable table paper and tissue drape for your convenience and comfortableness.
Step 6, Do not have a treatment with empty stomach or just after heavy meals. Empty your bladder before a treatment is recommended.
How long does each appointment last?
Initial session of acupuncture takes 60 minutes. Follow up visit takes about 45 minutes.
Advise your acupuncturist if you prefer a short or longer treatment. Ask for a buzzer before your treatment if you have any feelings of apprehensive.
How many treatments will I need? How often should I come for a treatment?
Acupuncture is very effective for a range of health condition. However, the number of treatments varies, as each person is different. Most patients experience relief after one or two sessions, while others take weeks or months to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer, and prevention is an ongoing process.
As people respond to acupuncture differently, your acupuncturist might be able to tell you how many sessions you will need after one or three sessions of treatment.
A treatment once or twice a week is usually recommended at the beginning.
What should I do or expect after a session of acupuncture?
Most of our patients feel a deep relaxation after acupuncture treatment. It is normal that some patient feel a little lightheaded especially when it’s their first treatment. The reason is that acupuncture helps to improve energy flow and our body has to respond to it.
Do not struggle if you feel very tired after your treatment. Try to rest and avoid excessive exercise. Avoid a warm bath within 3 hours of your treatment.
How much will acupuncture cost? Will it be covered by my insurance?
Cost of acupuncture in our centre is $110 for initial visit; $75 for second visit and on. All fees are including GST.
Check with your insurer to see whether acupuncture will be covered, if so, should be provided by what kind of practitioner, to what extent. Some insurance plans require preauthorization for acupuncture.
If your policy covers acupuncture provided by registered (licensed) acupuncturist, or doctor of acupuncture, we are qualified.
After you pay for your treatment, we will provide you with a receipt with necessary information you will need be eligible for your reimbursement.
Should you have any concern or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact us at (403) 265-8889. Professionals in our centre would love to help you at our earliest convenience.
Great Wall Health Centre
(403) 265-8889
March, 2009