According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory, human beings have a natural flow of energy throughout the body. You may have heard it described as Qi (sounds like Chee). Several thousand years ago, Chinese physicians determined that this energy circulates in pathways, called meridians. Good health depends on the smooth flow of energy throughout these pathways, and pain and disease are caused by an imbalance, deficiency or blockage of this energy. Acupuncture uses the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points along the pathways to help balance the body's natural energy. Well-balanced and freely circulating energy returns the body to its innate vital and balanced state.

Acupuncture is a very safe, drug-free and non-toxic system of health care when done by a thoroughly-trained and licensed practitioner. All needles are sterile and disposable after one time use. The risks of acupuncture are minimal, involving the possibility of mild bruising and/or light-headedness.

At Double Koi Acupuncture, the first treatment session begins with an interview to gather information about signs, symptoms and complaints, and it also includes pulse readings and an examination of the tongue. Hair-thin needles are then inserted at acu-points, based on a diagnosis within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The needles are retained for approximately 20-30 minutes.
The needles can produce some tingling, radiating or aching sensation, but are not typically painful. Most clients feel very relaxed and even fall asleep after the needles are inserted, and wake up refreshed and relaxed.

Visits generally last forty-five minutes to an hour. Initial visits may take slightly longer to accommodate an interview. Treatments may include other therapies such as the use of prepared Chinese herbal formulas, heat and/or mild electric stimulation on acupuncture points (like TENS), Chinese massage, Laser Acupuncture and counselling on diet and lifestyle.

The number of treatments required varies according to the condition as well as the person. Acute conditions may respond with just a few treatments, while a chronic condition may require a longer series of treatments. "It took awhile to develop the condition; it'll take awhile to resolve it." Visits are usually scheduled one or two times per week.

It's preferable to come for your Acupuncture treatment wearing loose, comfortable clothing, and it's recommended to have something light to eat before your appointment, but not a full meal, to avoid feeling light-headed. If possible, for full effectiveness, it's best to plan on relaxing for at least a short while afterwards and to stay warm after your treatment.

Herbal Medicine is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today's practitioner draws on ancient herbal formulas that have been used for hundreds and even thousands of years.
The use of herbs is especially effective for several reasons. Practitioners who use herbs are better able to fine-tune treatments for their clients; they are better able to treat more conditions; and the herbal formula can be custom tailored as your condition changes. In addition, while acupuncture is an effective form of treatment, clients can continue their care at home by taking herbs.
Chinese herbs are safe when professionally prescribed by a trained, knowledgeable practitioner. However, they can be strong. Therefore, it is important that a practitioner be adequately schooled and experienced in their use. All pre-prepared (patent) herbal formulas used at Double Koi Acupuncture are obtained from manufacturers having the highest ethics and standards, and these companies and their products have been recognized and approved by Health Canada.

Besides Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, it might be appropriate, in order to treat your condition, to include another treatment modality, such as Chinese massage (Tui Na or Gua Sha). E-stim (like TENS) might be added to your Acupuncture, wherein small wires are attached to one or more of your needles and a gentle electric current conducted through the wires, to further stimulate the acu-points, especially in stubborn and/or chronic painful conditions.
For those who are "needle-sensitive", elderly or children, it might be deemed appropriate to use Laser Acupuncture, which is another method for stimulating acu-points to remove blockages in the body's Qi, in order to rebalance and alleviate pain. Laser Acupuncture is used on body acu-points, but is often used most effectively for stimulating acu-points in the ears, including points that help with weight loss, smoking cessation and relief from addictions and cravings.

Acupuncture can be very effective in relieving mid-pregnancy complaints, such as nausea, insomnia, backache and heartburn... IF it is administered by a practitioner trained in its use for pregnancy. In fact, pre-birth Acupuncture, that is, administered from at least week 34 onwards, can help prepare for an efficient labour and birth. So Acupuncture spaced throughout the whole pregnancy is even better!
Acupuncture is also extremely helpful after birth, for helping with "milk letdown", for returning the uterus to its size and position, for easing mild post-partum depression and for helping the new mum cope with lifestyle changes! (It's also good for new dads!)

Absolutely! There are proven treatment protocols for women, and men, to assist with fertility issues.

Acupuncture can be an excellent way to support weight loss and smoking cessation. While there is no simple solution for weight loss, we can help you implement your own weight loss plan. We do this by using Acupuncture to curb food cravings and to decrease stress, which can be a common cause of overeating.

Acupuncture has also helped people to quit smoking by decreasing the amount and intensity of cravings for nicotine. In addition, it can help support lung function and decrease irritability and stress to ensure that clients successfully quit smoking for good.

Yes, I work with individuals, women and men, who want to slow or reverse the signs of aging with Facial Rejuvenation® Acupuncture, which treats not only the face, but also the whole body...the best way to rejuvenate the complexion!