Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is based on the theory that energy, called chi (“Chee”), flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians. Chi’s balance greatly influences the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional part of the self. Acupuncturists believe that illness occurs when something blocks or unbalances one’s chi and is responsible for the rise in symptoms and disease.

Our Acupuncture Services

Our Acupuncture Services
  • All acupuncturists at Integral health & Wellness are healthcare professionals are registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA). All practitioners are required to maintain and continue their skills and knowledge through continuing education programs.
  • Acupuncture treatments focus on correcting imbalances in the flow of chi by putting very thin needles into specific areas of the skin called acupuncture points. These points are connected through the meridian channels. The western view on acupuncture is that the needles affect neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, balances hormones thereby affecting many of the body systems positively.
Acupuncture Treatments
  • Your acupuncturist will start with an in-depth interview, asking questions specifically about your condition and generally about your overall health. Next, your practitioner will perform an examination, looking for acupuncture points related to certain health problems or body functions. Based on the results of the assessment your practitioner will create a highly individualized treatment which will vary depending on treatment goals and expectations.
  • Following treatment, your practitioner will work on a treatment plan with you and make recommendations for further treatment as needed.

 

  • Initial Acupuncture Treatment (60min) The initial acupuncture treatment is for people who new to acupuncture or who haven’t had acupuncture in a while.
  • Follow-up Treatment (60min)
    The purpose of a follow-up treatment is to prolong the effectiveness of acupuncture after the initial visit. This is also a good time to adjust and customize treatment plans accordingly.
  • Facial + Gua Sha (60min)
    Gua Sha is one of Chinese medicines modalities. It involves scraping the skin with a massage tool stimulating microcirculation of the soft tissue which improves blood circulation. Gua Sha intend to address stagnant qi in the body, which might be responsible for inflammation and any other symptoms in the body.
  • Acupuncture + Meridian Massage (90min)
    Not a big fan of needles? Then this 90-minute treatment of acupuncture and meridian massage is perfect for you. Minimize the number of needles (approximately 10) and maximize the flow of meridians in the body by using cupping, gua sha and tui na.
  • Facial acupuncture + Meridian Massage (90min)
    Facial acupuncture (tiny needles + facial gua sha) is considered to be a natural botox. When you integrate facial acupuncture with meridian massage the combined treatment will rejuvenate your tired body and mind.
  • Acupuncture + Facial + Meridian Massage (105min)
    This treatment is the ultimate version of self-care. During this treatment, you will receive customized acupuncture treatment, facial rejuvenation, and meridian massage to enhance free flow in your body.
  • Acupuncture + Chinese Herbal Teas (75min)
    Just like Yin and Yang, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine are two major pillars in Chinese medicine. To put it simply, acupuncture will activate your qi in your body and Chinese Herbal medicine will nourish your body.
  • Herbal Consultation (follow-up only, 30min)
Manual Therapy

Meridian massage includes Cupping, Gua Sha and Tui Na.

Cupping: Cupping utilizes a flame, which goes inside of a glass cup, which creates a vacuum. The cup is applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy. It’s like the opposite of a deep tissue massage, where instead of applying downward pressure into the muscle, the cup is pulling up and away at it.

Gua Sha: Gua Sha is one of Chinese medicines modalities. It involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your blood circulation by stimulating microcirculation of the soft tissue. Gua Sha intend to address stagnant qi in the body, which might be responsible for inflammation and any other symptoms in the body.

Tui Na: Tui Na is one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine. It is an ancient Chinese bodywork. Tui Na massage stimulates the flow of qi to promote balance and harmony within the body by targeting specific acupoints. Instead of needles to apply pressure to stimulate these points, Tui Na massage requires practitioner’s firm fingers and hands.

Some Conditions Commonly Treated by Acupuncturists

Digestive disorders like

  • constipation
  • diarrhoea
  • bloating and abdominal pain 
  • nausea and vomiting
  • appetite

 

Emotional and Mental disorders like

  • depression
  • anger, irritability
  • anxiety
  • stress
  • insomnia
  • fatigue

 

Gynaecological issues like 

  • abnormal menstruations
  • PMS
  • pregnancy
  • perimenopausal support

 

Pain Management for

  • arthritis
  • sciatica
  • muscle tension 
  • muscle injury
  • numbness and tingling
  • circulation issues

 

Respiration issues like

  • common cold
  • allergies
  • asthma, bronchitis

 

Facial Acupuncture treatments

  • to increase circulation and elastion
  • to firm and tone
  • puffiness
  • dull skin
  • boost collagen production
  • minimize fine lines
  • promote detoxification

What You Need to Know About Your Appointment

All appointments with our Acupuncturists include an interview, assessment, treatment, homecare and follow-up recommendations. 

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Initial Appointment

Prior to your first visit for Acupuncture, we will send you an online intake form to complete before arriving. If you are unable to fill out the online intake form you should plan to arrive 15 minutes early to your first appointment.

The forms include contact information, health-history questionnaire, reason for seeking treatment and information for any health insurance you would like billed. 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment you will receive a COVID-19 self-assessment form. This MUST be completed prior to you entering the clinic.

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Consent and Treatment Plan

At the start of your appointment, your Acupuncturists will inform you on what to expect from the appointment, any possible risks and answer questions you may have and.

Once consent has been obtained your Acupuncturists will proceed to review your health history and determine your specific needs through dialogue and assessment. This will allow your practitioner to create an individualized treatment plan which they will propose to you.

 

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During treatment

Acupuncture treatments focus on correcting imbalances in the flow of chi by putting very thin needles into specific areas of the skin called acupuncture points. These points are connected through the meridian channels.

The western view on acupuncture is that the needles affect neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, balances hormones thereby affecting many of the body systems positively.

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After Treatment

Prior to leaving, your therapist may wish to reassess the primary treatment area to determine any changes post-treatment. Homecare and or other therapies may be prescribed as necessary.

Better Health & Wellness is Our Mission

 Same Day Appointments are Available.

(250) 929-6116

(250) 929-6118

101-1760 Shawnigan Lake - Mill Bay Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC