Acupuncture in Toronto: Safe and Effective Care

Is Acupuncture Covered by OHIP?

Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP in Ontario. For our acupuncture patients local to Toronto, many extended health care insurance plans do offer acupuncture benefits. Since this varies from plan to plan, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider to see if you have coverage for registered acupuncture. Our clinic can check for certain insurance providers through our automated system to see if you have coverage.

We offer direct billing for acupuncture for many insurance companies including Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, Claimsecure and more through Telus Eclaims.

For insurance providers who don’t offer direct billing, we will provide an official receipt so this can be claimed by the patient.

Check with your insurance provider to see if you have insurance. Our clinic can also check to see if you have coverage through our system!

Is Acupuncture Covered By Extended Insurance Plans for Patients In Toronto, the GTA or Ontario?

As detailed above, many insurance providers in Toronto and the GTA do cover acupuncture treatment. Since each plan is different, contact your insurance provider to learn if you have coverage.

Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has been studied extensively and found to reduce inflammation and pain, increase blood flow, modulate hormones and neurotransmitters to help conditions such as (but not limited to): PMS/PMDD, irregular periods, irregular ovulation, fertility (natural or assisted), depression, anxiety and mood disorders, digestive issues ( IBS, constipation or irregular bowel movements), and symptoms that are common in perimenopause and menopause.

What illnesses can be treated by acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been found effective for a variety of conditions including women’s health and gynecological conditions, fertility, PCOS, musculoskeletal pain including neck pain, lower back pain, knee pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, allergic rhinitis and hay fever. It has also been found helpful for the neurological system and brain benefitting conditions such as migraines, insomnia, and chronic pain such as fibromyalgia. If you would like to know if acupuncture can help with your condition, please reach out to us and book a free 15-minute meet and greet with our acupuncturist!

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Benefits of acupuncture include better mood, improved circulation, reduced pain, improvements in hormones and regulation of menstrual cycles, fertility enhancement, and better sleep. An overall sense of relaxation and wellness is common after receiving treatment!

Does Acupuncture Have Side Effects?

Side effects of acupuncture are generally might but might include: bruising or mild, temporary swelling where needles are inserted, deep relaxation that sometimes can result in temporary fatigue and longer than usual hours of sleep following the first treatment or two. In rare cases, fainting is possible but typically patients who experience this have a history of fainting with needles. Even these patients can receive acupuncture carefully and safely when lying down in the proper position. Always communicate with your practitioner about any side effects or concerns you may have so we can support you best.

When Acupuncture is performed by a regulated healthcare professional (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner), it is a safe and relaxing procedure.

What are the risks of acupuncture?

The risks of acupuncture are ultimately the same as the highlighted side effects and are generally very mild. Although most patients experience no bleeding or bruising, there may occasionally be light bruising or swelling around the needle. Pneumothorax (collapse of the lung requiring immediate medical attention) is one of the more serious risks of acupuncture but this is exceptionally rare and often occurs when acupuncture is not completed by a regulated practitioner who accidentally inserts a needle incorrectly. This is not something that would occur with a properly trained skilled practitioner. We also hear cases of pneumothorax when dry needling (inserting acupuncture needles into trigger points) is performed by practitioners who are not specifically trained in acupuncture. It is very important to see a regulated and properly trained provider in order to prevent risks and side effects. Our acupuncturists complete years of training and education and meet the ongoing stringent licensing requirements of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Another risk of acupuncture is infection. We use sterile, single-use, sealed acupuncture needles and clean field technique to eliminate any risk of infection at the clinic. Acupuncture needles should never be reused and should always be sterile. Always ask your provider if they use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles for patients before considering treatment.

At our clinic in Toronto, we have also implemented a thorough sterilization and room cleaning process that has been developed while treating acupuncture patients throughout the pandemic.

How long does acupuncture last?

Acupuncture treatments take 30-45 minutes per session. Initial assessments require a bit more time as we assess symptoms, goals and medical history in detail. Our acupuncture initial assessments are 1 hour and standard follow-up treatments are 45 minutes.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is a relatively painless procedure and many patients experience no discomfort at all. In certain areas of the body (in particular the extremities like the hands and feet), there may be more sensation due to excitatory nerve endings. Acupuncture needles are inserted in the superficial layer of the skin (no more than 1/4″) and most patients report a feeling of heaviness, tingling or weightlessness at the site of insertion. I

n other areas of the body (mostly the middle and trunk), there are fewer excitatory nerve endings and the feeling of the acupuncture needle is often described as a gentle throb, a localized heaviness or, even no sensation in some cases. Most acupuncture patients report that they are very relaxed within a few short minutes into their treatment and that very little sensation can be felt by the end of their treatment.

What kind of acupuncture needles are used?

Our acupuncturist use only high-quality, sterile, single-use, disposable stainless steel needles. We use premium quality needles that are coated with a silicone tip, ensuring a smooth relaxing treatment. Needles are blister-packed, and used only once to meet the strict safety and hygiene requirements are met under the College of Registered Acupuncturists or TCM Practitioners of Ontario. Our acupuncture needles are as thin as the shaft of a hair and extremely light resulting in little discomfort once placed in acupuncture points on the body.