FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Acupuncture
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Generally, acupuncture from a qualified practitioner should not cause any pain. Most people find Acupuncture to be calming and relaxing. The needles used are no thicker than a strand of hair and should cause very little discomfort. During treatment certain points may cause a dull distending sensation, slight pinching, or a feeling of warmth.
What can I expect from my first Acupuncture treatment? The initial consultation and treatment takes approximately one hour. During this time a full medical history and basic physical examination will be taken -- followed by thirty minutes of acupuncture treatment.
What can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is probably best known to treat pain, however it is also effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, insomnia, infertility, PMS, menopause, migraine headaches, etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sited over 40 different disorders that acupuncture is effective in treating. For a more detailed list, please visit their website.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on the condition. In general, acute problems can be resolved in as little as 1 or 2 treatments whereas chronic conditions may need a course of 8-12 treatments in order to resolve the problem.
Do TCM practitioners interact with other healthcare professionals?
Yes. It is our goal at Acupoint Wellness Centre to have patients receive the best possible quality of care. This often entails us working in consultation with your MD or other health practitioner to best serve your needs.
Is Acupuncture covered under MSP?
Currently, premium assistance patients receive $23 per visit for a maximum of 10 visits. Patients are only covered for visits with practitioners registered with CTCMA (College of Traditional Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia). Acupuncture is also covered under most extended health plans up to a certain annual limit. If you have an extended health plan, please contact your plan provider. Acupoint Wellness Centre will work with you to ensure that you receive the maximum health benefit from your plan.
What is Registered Holistic Nutrition?
Registered Holistic Nutritionists (R.H.N.) are highly trained and experienced health professionals in natural health and nutrition. They believe that diet, lifestyle and the environment play a key role in our mental, physical and emotional well-being. Holistic Nutritionists work one on one with their clients providing nutritional analysis which helps determine the current status of their body’s nutritional health. Nutritional imbalances, if left uncorrected, may cause or contribute to an array of health problems including poor weight management, fatigue, blood sugar imbalances, learning disabilities, heart disease, diabetes, auto-immune diseases and sleep disturbances. Based on the state of their client’s nutritional status and their client’s health goals, Holistic Nutritionists devise a customized lifestyle and diet modification program that fits into their lifestyle. They may recommend certain foods, supplements, herbs, exercise and lifestyle changes to provide the body with what is missing, and to assist the body in its function and healing abilities.
Why seek the services of a Holistic Nutritionist?
Clients may seek guidance in the following areas:
- Fatigue, depression
- Weight normalization
- Detoxification
- Blood sugar balancing
- Digestive support
- Immune system support
- Environmental/food allergies and sensitivities
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- PMS, infertility, menopause
What is the difference between a Dietician and a Registered Holistic Nutritonist?
Dieticians have a Bachelor Degree in Human Nutrition, and complete a practical internship in a community or hospital setting to gain clinical experience in their field of employment. They work either in private GP clinics, or often at government institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and assisted living homes. They strictly follow and teach the recommendations set out by the Canadian Food Guide. They are registered to practice with the Health Professions Council and are regulated under the Regulated Health Practitioners Act.
Registered Holistic Nutritionists have a Diploma in Applied Holistic Nutrition after an extensive practical and disciplinary program from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. In addition to the core human nutrition courses such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, advanced nutrition research, biochemistry, pathology and disease prevention and management; R.H.N.’s study holistic views of health and wellness such as herbal medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition and the environment, the psychology of disease, natural supplementation, and holistic food preparation. They generally work in private clinics as educators and advisors on whole foods nutrition. Instead of only following the Canadian Food Guide, R.H.N.’s believe that each individual is biochemically unique, and they assess individual nutritional imbalances and weaknesses. Along with suitable food choices for each individual; environmental pollution, metal toxicity, micro-organism imbalances, and food sensitivities are among other factors that R.H.N’s consider when constructing a nutrition program. Technically by law, anyone can call himself or herself a nutritionist, however only those who graduated from the Canadian School oh Natural Nutrition can call themselves a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. R.H.N.’s are recognized and approved by the Certified Nutritional Practitioners Council of Canada (CNPCC), and the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants (IONC).
Are any of these nutritional services covered under MSP?
Some extended insurance coverage may cover nutrition consultations with a RHN, ROHP (Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner), or RNCP (Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner). Our nutritionist on staff holds all three of these designations. Check with your insurance company to find out what your coverage includes.
