Alice Young Clark
Chinese Medicine

1. What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first office visit, Alice may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. She will want to obtain a complete picture of your condition. Please Inform Alice about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. After your consultation, Alice usually prescribes a combination of Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Diet therapy.

 

2. Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is drug-free, less invasive, more natural, and less liable to adverse effects when performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist who understands the Acupuncture meridians and human anatomy. The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and takes every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional do.

 

3. Does Acupuncture hurt? 

Acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic needles used for injections. They are very fine and are barely felt when inserted. There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distension, tingling, or an electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild.

 

4. Are the needles clean?

All of the needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. There is no risk of cross-infection.

 

5. How deep do needles go?

In general, needles are inserted from 1/4" to 1" in depth. The depth is determined by the anatomy of selected points, patient size, age, and constitution.

 

6. Do acupuncturists use only needles?

Acupuncturists may use several modalities instead of, or in addition to using needles. These include electric stimulation, cupping, scraping, and moxibustion.

 

7. How many treatments are necessary?

The nature, severity and history of each individual concern determine the optimal number of treatments. A treatment course is 10 sessions. Most acute conditions may only require 2-3 treatments to achieve good results. However, some chronic complaints many need 1-2 courses of treatment to achieve results. Symptoms can often be relieved in a small number of treatments, however chronic conditions may be a longer journey.

 

8. Will you work with my Doctor?

With your consent, Alice will share information regarding your care with your doctor or other health professionals.

 

9. Can I get acupuncture while I am pregnant?

Absolutely. Acupuncture is a great drug-free way to provide relief from many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as: nausea, severe vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, stress, insomnia, bleeding, heartburn, hemorrhoids, pain (back, joint, and pelvic girdle pain), swelling, sciatica, elevated blood pressure, urinary incontinence, headaches/migraines, constipation, and itching. Acupuncture is an excellent way to prepare the mother and baby for labour in overdue cases, and can be used to correct breech position (up to 34 weeks). Acupuncture treatments are also important and very beneficial after pregnancy, for postpartum issues such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, vaginal discharge, and lactation concerns.

 

10. Can children get acupuncture, or take Chinese herbs?

Of course! Acupuncture is safe for everyone, at any age. For infants and toddlers, Alice often uses a gentler rebalancing modality.

 

11. Are TCM and acupuncture covered with my Care Card?

The Provincial Health Plan covers some of the costs for TCM for low-income applicants. Many private insurance companies (extended health plans) may cover some costs. If you have an extended health plan, please check to see what coverage and limitations there may be.

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12. What kinds of conditions can you treat?

TCM and Acupuncture treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified specific conditions that have been shown to be particularly effective with TCM and acupuncture. They include: