Treatments

Acupuncture Treatment

Includes a detailed health assessment and acupuncture treatment, which may also involve gua sha, cupping or moxibustion.

When you arrive you will fill out a thorough questionnaire.  Then I will ask you for more details regarding your condition, and will look at your pulse and at your tongue.  When I have the information I need to give you a diagnosis according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, I will design your acupuncture treatment.  Please ask me any questions you may have regarding acupuncture.  The number and frequency of treatments will vary depending on what is being treated.
Treatment time: 45 to 60 minutes

Cosmetic Acupuncture
Skin Refresh Treatment

A facial rejuvenation treatment to help prevent skin aging. This preventative therapy is a combination of Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupunture and mild electro-stimulation of the skin, followed by application of antioxidant serum and facial massage. Mei zen cosmetic acupuncture is a facial rejuvenation protocol which hleps to reduce fine lines, soften deeper lines and improve skin tone.
Ideal as a monthly treatment to improve circulation and skin tone, and to prevent the progression of the characteristics of aging skin.
Treatment time: 60 minutes **Only available at the Westbrook location of REP Physio (23 Fairway Drive NW)

Fees

Treatment costs range from $95-$150.  Direct billing is available for many insurance companies.

To Book an Appointment, please call:

(780)395-9170 for our Summerside Location

(780)244-1095 for our Westbrook Location

Who Should I see for Acupuncture?

• You should see a registered acupuncturist (R.Ac.)  In Alberta, acupuncturists are required to have an extensive amount of training in classroom and clinic, along with sucessful completion of the provincial registration exam.   The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA) maintains a listing of registered acupuncturists in Alberta.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

• Acupuncture causes little to no discomfort.  Many people are surprised how comfortable the experience is.  I use sterilized single use needles that are disposed of after every treatment, so there is no risk of infection during treatment.

I am scared of needles, what should I do?

• Come in for a consultation.  I can talk you through the whole procedure and address any concerns you may have.  Being more familiar with the situation often relieves much of the stress involved. In some cases there can be alternatives to needling, such as auricular acupuncture or acupressure.  Needles can be removed at any time during the treatment, so if you are feeling uncomfortable I can quickly change the treatment.

What should I do before my treatment?

• Please eat prior to your treatment.  You should avoid food or drink that may change the color of your tongue immediately before you come in.  It is also a good idea to wear loose comfortable clothing for your treatment.  I may need access to points on your abdomen or back, as well as on your legs and arms.

What happens during my first visit?

• Your visit will begin with a detailed medical history.  It may seem that you are asked questions unrelated to your concern, but since Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on a view of the person as a whole, all of your information is taken together to design a treatment that is specific to you. This maximizes the effectiveness of your treatment.  I will also examine your tongue and pulse as a part of your diagnosis.

How many treatments will I need?

•  This varies from person to person.  For acute conditions, often only three or four treatments are needed.  For chronic conditions more treatments may be neccessary.

How long is a treatment?

•  Usually your first visit takes approximately 60 minutes, with subsequent visits lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

How will I feel after my treatment?

• Everyone responds differently, but often people feel relaxed or drowsy after their treatment.  Others feel revitalized and energized.

To Book an Appointment, Please call: 780-395-9170 (Summerside) or 780-244-1095 (Westbrook)

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine that was developed thousands of years ago and refined over time to its modern use.  Needles are inserted into specific points in the body to influence the flow of Qi and blood and restore balance to the body.  Needles may also be placed along motor points within the muscle to release the muscle and improve function.  It is theorized that acupuncture works by regulation of the nervous system to release pain-relieving endorphins and neurotransmitters.  A number of techniques are used as part of an acupuncture treatment; gua sha, moxibustion, or cupping are often added as well as plum blossom or auricular therapies.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is a healing technique that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine; gua meaning scrape, and sha meaning redness.  Gua sha is used to relieve aches, pains, and tightness in the neck, back and shoulders, and to treat or prevent common colds, flu, asthma, or bronchitis.  During a treatment by Gua sha, special tools are used to scrape the skin, moving blood and metabolic wastes to improve circulation and bring nutrients to the area.  This increased circulation triggers the lymph system to flush out, increasing the removal of wastes and toxins.  Although this is not a painful treatment, after Gua sha slight redness or small red petechiae may appear, which fades within a couple of days.  If you commonly carry stress and tension in your neck and shoulders, or if you feel a cold or flu approaching, a Gua sha treatment will be extremely beneficial in giving you the relief you need.

Cupping

In cupping therapy, a vacuum is created within a thick glass cup, which is then placed on the skin.  With cupping, the flow of blood and body fluids is improved, and congestion is relieved.  Cupping can be used for musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and is also used to treat respiratory problems such as cold, flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis.  The cups may either be left in a stationary position or moved across the skin.  Cups can be left in place from 5 to 15 minutes, and more than one may be used.  The skin reddens due to increased blood flow to the area, and may become bruised.  These bruises will disappear within a few days.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy which penetrates deeply into the body, and is applied to specific acupuncture points.  Moxa is made from mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), which is dried and formed into a stick or cone.  This is then held over acupuncture points until the area has been sufficiently warmed.  Moxa may also be added to the end of an acupuncture needle.  Moxibustion improves blood circulation, adds heat into the body to warm up areas that are cold, and relaxes areas that are tight.

Plum Blossom Therapy

Plum blossom therapy is a dermal technique used in acupuncture to treat a number of different conditions.  A plum blossom needle is actually a small hammer-like instrument with 7 tiny needles embedded into it which is used to tap the skin.  The tapping is light and does not pierce the skin, and is a good alternative therapy for those who are afraid of needles, or for children.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is a form of acupuncture which focuses on the ear.  Auricular acupuncture is based on a microsystem, where specific points on the ear are used to treat conditions anywhere on the body, similar to the way reflexology is used on the foot.  These points can stimulate body functions, affect the organs, and influence specific areas  of the body.  Auricular acupuncture can even be used as anaesthesia during medical procedures.  Often it is used as a part of a protocol to help overcome drug and nicotine addictions and to detoxify the body.

During treatment, either ear seeds (small round seeds that are taped to the ear) or needles may be used on certain auricular points.  Bleeding may also be utilized, where one or two drops of blood are removed from specific ear points.  Or, acupressure may be included as an effective part of your overall treatment.

Auricular acupuncture is often used as a way to extend the benefits of your regular acupuncture treatment.  Seeds are placed on points that complement your treatment, and can be left there for up to five days.  During this time, they should be pressed for a couple of seconds every few hours.  This stimulates the points, helping prolong the effects of your acupuncture treatment until the next time you come in.