Everything you want to know before your first visit. Can’t find your answer? Call or email us anytime.
Most people feel little to nothing. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin — about the width of a human hair — and nothing like injection needles. You may feel warmth, heaviness or a mild ache (called "deqi"), a sign the point is activating the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms. Most patients at our West Edmonton clinic find treatments deeply relaxing.
It depends on your condition. Acute problems such as a recent back strain often improve in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions typically need 8–12 sessions, usually once or twice a week at first. A 2018 review of 12 studies with 8,003 participants found acupuncture more effective than no treatment for chronic back pain (NCCIH).
Acupuncture is not covered by Alberta Health Care (AHCIP), but it is covered by most extended health benefit plans. We direct-bill Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, GreenShield and most other insurers, so most patients pay little or nothing out of pocket. Motor vehicle accident (MVA) patients are welcome at our clinic.
Tui Na (推拿) is Chinese medical massage — a clinical treatment, not a relaxation spa massage. It combines deep tissue techniques, acupoint pressure, joint mobilization and stretching to treat the root cause of pain and stiffness. It’s performed over clothing or with a sheet, and no oil is needed.
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours beforehand (don’t come hungry or overly full), wear loose comfortable clothing, and avoid caffeine right before your session. Bring your insurance card for direct billing and a list of any medications. Plan to take it easy for a few hours after your first treatment.
Yes, when performed by a Registered Acupuncturist. We use only single-use, sterile, disposable needles and follow Clean Needle Technique standards. Side effects are rare and mild — occasional small bruises or brief light-headedness. Acupuncture is safe alongside most medications and other treatments.
We’re at 10613 172 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 1P1 — in West Edmonton, minutes from West Edmonton Mall. Free parking is available on site, and ETS bus routes serving 172 Street stop nearby. We serve patients from across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.
No referral is needed to book with us. Some insurance plans require a doctor’s note for reimbursement — check your plan, and we’re happy to help you figure it out.
We commonly treat back and neck pain, sciatica, migraines, sports injuries, arthritis, stress and anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, menstrual and fertility concerns, Bell’s palsy, allergies and more. If you’re unsure, call us — we’ll tell you honestly whether acupuncture or Tui Na is likely to help.
Yes. Full consultations, diagnosis and treatment explanations are available in Mandarin Chinese (中文服务). Many of our patients appreciate being able to describe their health concerns in their first language.
Answers on this page are informed by these authoritative sources: