Q & A

Most College and University in BC has partial coverage for Acupuncture Treatments. Some covers more than the other.

Note: Not all schools accept payment through direct billing. This means students may need to claim the insurance after they are billed by the practitioner. Students should keep their invoices for every visit that they wish to claim reimbursement with.

For acute conditions:
Yes. We might not be able to cure the condition completely, but the results could be significant. For thousands of years, acupuncture and herbal medications are both used by Chinese to treat all kinds of acute conditions, including acute muscle/joint sprains, different kinds of pain, nausea, headache, faint etc. In our initial consultation, you can discuss with me what you expect from our treatment.

For chronic conditions:
Long-term effects need long-term commitment. In our first session, we will work together on a reasonable treatment plan according to your individual needs. Some individuals can benefit a lot from only one session. Some individuals benefit from having routine treatments and check-ups. Every mind and body has their own pace.

In British Columbia, all destinations of traditional chinese medicine(TCM) are regulated professionals among others such as physicians and nurses.

All of registered acupuncturists, TCM practitioners, and Doctors of TCM need to undergo an extensive length of education and passed several provincial/national exams for legal registration. Registrants need to have at least two years of approved university undergraduate credits. On top of that:


• Registered Acupuncturists need an additional 3yr program in acupuncture. 


• TCM practitioners need an additional 4yr program in both acupuncture and chinese herbology. 


• Doctors of TCM need an additional 5yr program in both acupuncture and chinese herbology, and also TCM theory classics. 

After completing all required studies, applicants need to pass two TCM clinical knowledge exams, a jurisprudence exam, and a safety exam. Prior to registration, a criminal record check is conducted and evidence of good character is provided to the regulatory college.

Detailed registration process can be learnt from our regulatory college—— College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia(CTCMA) ’s website.

It depends greatly on the type of condition you have and what your goals are. During our first session, I will discuss with you how TCM treatments can help with your condition.

Most of the time people will at least see a measurable difference in their conditions after 2 or 3 visits. However, not every treatment modality is for everyone. That’s the beauty of alternative medicines; you get to choose what works for you versus a generic treatment plan for everyone. There are some body conditions that respond slow to acupuncture or TCM treatments.

Generally, chronic conditions take more than 3-5 sessions to see meaningful changes. Acute conditions will take less. It also depends on the modalities you choose (acupuncture, herbs or both) and your compliance to the practitioner’s TCM lifestyle suggestions.

No, you do not need one to make an appointment to see an acupuncturist or TCM practitioner in BC. TCM practitioners and Acupuncturists in British Columbia are regulated health-care professionals that can provide services directly to their patients.However, some insurance companies may need a doctor’s referral for treatment fee reimbursement.

100% yes. Under the TCM bylaws in Canada, every needle used has to be single-use only, from an unopened sterile package.

Before needling, your acupuncturist disinfect the skin surface with medical-grade alcohol products. After needling, all used needles are to be disposed of into a sharps/biomedical hazards container.

Common contraindications to acupuncture:

• Previous serious or life-threatening adverse effects from acupuncture treatments
• Fear of needles
• Uncontrolled limb/body movements during the session
• Serious/Complex health challenges during pregnancy
• Bleeding disorder/tendency that is not well controlled


Common contraindications to electric acupuncture:

• Medical devices or metal parts in the body; such as pacemakers, permeant metal joint fixtures. 

Most insurance in BC covers Acupuncture treatments partially or completely. There is usually a yearly coverage limit.

Direct billing is usually possible through BlueCross and many others; see list in image below. Please provide your insurance information in the intake form and/or contact the clinic for more specific questions.

Fact: An average medical injection needle is about 0.8mm wide. While an average acupuncture needle is only around 0.15mm wide. That’s about 6 times the difference!

During our session, I will adjust the depth and strength of the needle according to individual needs and tolerance. Individuals have various levels of pain tolerance, and treatments don’t work if it is not a pleasant one! Don’t hesitate to let me know how you feel about each insertion during our acupuncture session.


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Needling around areas closest to the surface of the skin is less painful (you may not even feel it!). On the other hand, deep insertion and needling certain points that are closer to nerves will generate a more sensitive sensation to acupuncture.

Depending on the disease/conditions being targeted, the points and depth of insertion that I use will be different. Usually, a more rooted disease needs more insertion depth. A more rooted disease also causes more tension at some acupuncture points on the body. All of these can contribute to greater needle sensation felt by the individual.

Acupuncture is a relatively safe procedure when performed by licensed educated practitioners.

Some individuals have health conditions that are contraindicated to manual acupuncture or electric acupuncture (search “contraindications” and see more in Q&A ) and should not be having it. During our first intake consultation and the intake questionnaire, we will find out if you have conditions that are contraindicated to acupuncture. Life-threatening situations caused by acupuncture are extremely rare when done by a trained professional. However, please seek medical attention immediately if needed.



Common side effects of acupuncture may include:

*Please note the type and intensity of side effects that happen to each individual differs greatly

- Temporary bruising, irritation/redness of the skin along the acupuncture-treated area; can range from a few seconds to a week after the acupuncture section

- Temporary pain, distended feeling, or numbness around the acupuncture site that should subside at most in a week

- Dizziness or sweating immediately after the acupuncture session. It is a sign that the body is reacting to the treatment. Could also happen if the client has not eaten or slept well before the session. Very common in individuals who has acupuncture for the first time. Please don’t operate any machines or vehicles until they subside.

- Other symptoms most likely related to the conditions being treated.


Side effects are undesirable outcomes in acupuncture treatments, although in some situations they are a part of the healing/treatment process. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns after our treatment.