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Dr. Tahir is a graduate of the McMaster University Medical Acupuncture Program April 2011 and now incorporates acupuncture treatments into her practice.

What is Medical Acupuncture?
What can be treated by Medical Acupuncture?
Does Acupuncture hurt?
How deep do the Acupuncture needles go in?
How long are the Acupuncture needles left in place?
Are the Acupuncture needles clean?
How many Acupuncture treatments does it take to get better?
How long does each Acupuncture treatment take?
Do insurance plans cover Acupuncture?

What is Medical Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is based on a comprehensive Chinese theory of energy balance. The treatment involves insertion of small solid needles into precise anatomical sites in the body to produce therapeutic effects. The target structures are based on the examination findings and the aim is to stimulate a healing response directly at the tissue level. Electric stimulation may be added to the needles to amplify the healing effect for a stronger acupuncture healing response.

What can be treated by Medical Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization and is effective in treating a number of disorders including but not limited to:

• Shoulder pain
• Neck and back pain
• Knee pain
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscular imbalances
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Sports injuries.
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Sciatica
• Numbness and tingling

On November 35, 1997, an independent panel of experts at the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Conference stated that “Promising results have emerged showing efficacy of acupuncture in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain.”

“There are other situations, such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program.”

The conclusion of the NIH Consensus Statement was, “There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.”

Does Acupuncture hurt?
No, Acupuncture does not hurt. It is normal when a patient sometimes feels heaviness, aching or tingling around the site of the needle insertion. The Acupuncture needles used are very fine and thin, and are unlikely to cause any discomfort. In general, most patients describe acupuncture as very relaxing.

How deep do the Acupuncture needles go in?
Typically, the acupuncture needles are inserted to a depth of ¼ to 1 inch. Depth depends on the size of the person and the target structure and location.

How long are the Acupuncture needles left in place?
Once the needles are inserted, they are left in place for 15 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition. During this time, the patient should remain still, relaxed and in a comfortable position.

Are the Acupuncture needles clean?
Sterilized, single use, stainless steel Acupuncture needles are used. Once the needles are removed from their sealed packaging they are only used once and then disposed of.

How many Acupuncture treatments does it take to get better?
This depends on the condition being treated. If the condition is fairly new and uncomplicated, a patient may only need up to five acupuncture treatments. However, if it is a more serious condition the patient may require anywhere from five to 15 Acupuncture treatments.

Some chronic conditions may require more sessions of Acupuncture.

How long does each Acupuncture treatment take?
The first visit will include a full assessment where the patient is asked a number of questions about his or her health. A focused regional physical exam follows. Following this, the first treatment is performed. This process takes about one hour, and around 30 minutes for subsequent treatments.

Do insurance plans cover Acupuncture?
Yes. The majority of Canadian workers have partial or full coverage for Acupuncture services in their workplace health care plans. OHIP does not cover these services. The Acupuncture patient is provided with a detailed itemized receipt listing the services provided, the credentials of the treating Acupuncture Provider, as well as payment details for reimbursement.

More and more third party Insurance companies and Worker Safety Insurance boards are recognizing the effectiveness of acupuncture, enabling patient treatments to be billable under most health and wellness plans.

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