No. Well, not really painful. Acupuncture needles are very fine, so nothing like hypodermic needles used for injections. Often guide tubes are used to desensitise an area and the finest needles may have no sensation at all.

You may feel a minimal sensation when a very fine sterile needle passes through the skin. Some sensations that are totally common during acupuncture (while the needles are in) include feelings of heaviness, heat and pressure, though not to the extent of being uncomfortable. A vast majority of patients fall asleep during their treatments!

If you are scared of needles, still come in because acupuncture is one tool under the Chinese medicine term. By using pressure points, massage, cupping, diet, herbs etc, you may still have a successful result without acupuncture.

A course of acupuncture for most chronic conditions is 10 sessions. It really depends on each individual though. Most acute issues resolve in five to ten treatments, while more treatments are needed for chronic conditions. Benefits of acupuncture are cumulative. In most cases, patients start to feel a difference after their third treatment; however, in many cases, I’ve seen results after their first treatment. It is very important to follow the treatment plan that is designed for you in order to see results.

Yes. Most extended insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments. We direct bill Blue Cross and many others will rebate for the appointment. Please contact your health insurance provider to determine how much you will get back on acupuncture treatment.

Yes. Sterilized single-use acupuncture needles are used and disposed of immediately after treatment.

Yes. I use cupping, electro-stimulation, Tui Na and auricular acupuncture, distal needling and herbal medicine. I also make dietary/nutritional recommendations when necessary along with relaxation exercises if required.

Acupuncture is generally considered as safe. Acupuncture involves some risk such as bruising, nerve sensations and the very rare occurrence of pneumothorax.

These risks are minimised when you see a practitioner that has trained for 4 years in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Most needling occurs on the hands, arms, legs and feet, sterile single use needles and aseptic technique is used to minimise infection.

Acupuncture involves the use of acupuncture needles locally at tender points called ashi points as well as away from the area of concern. Dry needling targets trigger points which we call ashi points.

Dry needling is a form of acupuncture, however, the experience of acupuncture is often different. Within an acupuncture session, your overall health is looked at. Needles may be inserted at trigger points as well other places. When it comes to pain relief we try and have an immediate effect on relieving pain. Then the needles are left in for the full benefit. This has the side benefit of being able to relax for 30-40 minutes.

Many people fall asleep and comment on an overall feeling of wellness after an acupuncture session. You may also be advised on exercises, stretches, diet, linaments, herbs to further enhance your results.

Paul only stock products that have undergone testing for quality assurance. The Chinese herbal medicine products are plant-based ethically sourced products are supplied.

The herbs are considered medicinal herbs and can, therefore, have strong healing or adverse reactions. Like any medicine, interactions can occur, so it’s best to take herbs from a trained herbalist.

No. China has a large diverse landscape that produced its own medicinal plants. Chinese medicine developed over thousands of years and developed very specific herbal combinations to treat all ailments. Chinese herbs should only be prescribed by trained herbalists.

Yes. Well not all of them. If you are lucky enough to only need nice tasting herbs such as liquorice root, rose flowers, orange peel or Chinese mint you’ll probably enjoy the taste. For many people, a selection of herbs in a formula may taste anywhere from sweet to bitter. Some people love it (I’m one of them) and some people hate the taste.

At the end of the day, it is considered medicine for health purposes.

No, just call me Paul. In Australia, I used the Dr title as a Doctor of Chinese medicine. In Nova Scotia, I’ve dropped the title and like to just go by Paul.