FAQ
​

How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture needles are inserted into the bodies specific point along the meridians or pathways. This stimulates the body's healing energy or qi (chee). Electromagnetic research confirms that the body has approximately 1000 acupuncture points. According to research by a neurophysiologist Bruce Pomeranz from University of Toronto, the needles trigger the nervous system in releasing painkilling and inflammation-reducing substances enabling the person to heal themselves. In Chinese theory, the qi flows to the area where it is deficient and release what is excess away from the body. This allows the harmonious flow and energetic balance in the body.



How much does it cost?
The first acupuncture appointment costs $120 and lasts about an hour and a half. This appointment includes a complete health history, physical exam and traditional Chinese diagnosis. It also includes your first needling treatment. Subsequent treatments cost $80 (per session) and last approximately one hour. At Alexandra Acupuncture I am committed to your personal wellness, and offer a sliding scale to those for whom finances may otherwise prevent them from receiving acupuncture treatment. Please do not hesitate to ask about more information.

 

Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture cost $145 per session and last approximately one hour. This appointment includes cleansing, full body acupuncture treatment and face acupuncture, mask and moisturizer. (speciality mask offered for additional price) Package deals offered please contact for more information.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe therapeutic procedure. Our experience, extensive training, and remaining current, ensures you are being given the best care possible.  In The Tao our acupuncturist use pre-sterilized, individually packaged and disposable needles are used eliminating the risk of infection.



Will Acupuncture work for me?
Most patients coming to The Tao Boutique & Healing Spa, use acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the health care they are receiving or because standard therapies, medication and treatments have been ineffective. Others seek a more natural treatment as a way to regain control of their own health. Whatever your reason might be, your case will be approached with care and respect.



Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the size of a thick strand of hair. Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people may feel a slight pinch sensation and others don't feel anything at all. Frequently patients have mentioned feeling sensations of warmth, tingling, heaviness, electric sensation traveling along the meridian. These certain sensations are associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture called “de qi” (pronounced “day chee”).  The acupuncture needles are very very thin in comparison to hypodermic needles used to give injections. They are solid and do not have a blunt tip creating less discomfort and pain with insertion. You can fit 40 acupuncture needle for one 18 gauge hypodermic needle. If there is any discomfort that is experienced it is usually mild. 



What will happen during the first visit?
During your first office visit, we spend a lot of time getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. We ask detailed questions about specific symptoms and other related symptoms as well as medical and social history. We examine the condition of your tongue (color, coating, cracks etc) and check your pulses on both wrists, letting us know possible imbalances. The first visit can last up to an hour and half including the first acupuncture treatment. Your subsequent treatments will be faster with a short review of your progress followed by an acupuncture treatment.



How often do I need to come in for treatment?
Typically, beginning acupuncture treatments are given once a week for a period of 6-8 weeks. If the condition is acute and painful, or a chronic illness, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. Once progress has been made, treatment frequency can be spaced out to every few weeks, months or seasons for well being to be maintained. The healing process is not always linear and may be affected by factors such as your condition, basic level of health, and stress in ones life. Each person has different results with acupuncture. You may have immediate relief after the first treatment while some patients may feel better after a few treatments.



What can I do to make treatment more effective?
Nutritional, herbal and other therapies are often recommended as a way of enhancing the treatment. Also following these guidelines may aid in a more effective treatment:

Avoid a very hot bath, shower or sauna within 3-4 hours, before and after
Avoid coffee and alcohol within 24 hours, before and after
Avoid drugs except those prescribed by your physician
Do not wear cosmetics, fragrance or use scented products when possible for your first few visits
Set aside time to arrive relaxed
Avoid strenuous exercise directly before or after, if it is not your routine
Avoid eating heavily just before or after treatment
Avoid Smoking 3-4 hours before and after treatments

Will acupuncture cure my problems?
Many people see a variety of results from acupuncture as it stimulates the patient's natural mechanism of healing. However, treatments themselves do not cure a condition.  Acupuncture is a reactive medicine and individuals react differently to treatment.  It is unethical and unfair to promise a “cure” for any condition. Some people may have far better and dramatic results while others may just feel more relaxed and able to understand more of the way their body works. Acupuncture is a not a substitute for medical care. If there is any medical condition, we recommend seeing your doctor first and foremost.

 

Are your needles disposable?
Yes. Only sterile, disposable, one time use needles are used.



Do you take insurance?
More and more insurance companies will reimburse acupuncture treatments. Check your provider for details. Full payment is due at each treatment and a receipt will be given to you to turn into insurance for reimbursement.



What about Chinese Herbs?
Herbal medicine is often recommended to facilitate the results of treatment. Herbs are an essential part of Chinese medicine and often in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Herbal formulas are designed specifically for each patient's health concerns, and unlike western medicine which primarily treats symptoms, formulas work to treat the whole body system.  Contact me for more information on herbal treatment.

​

Cancellation Policy
We respect your time and appreciate your choice to spend it with the Tao Boutique & Healing Spa. We've created our cancellation policy to provide the utmost versatility and convenience to our patients. Booking an appointment is your acceptance of our cancellation policy; therefore, please be certain you've reviewed and agreed to these terms.

   a.If a client cancels at least 24 hours prior to the appointment, there is no charge.
   b.If a client cancels less than 24 hours prior to the appointment or does not show, the client will be  
      charged a fee that is equivalent to the cost of one full session

.

Late Policy:The Tao strives to give you our fullest attention during your allotted time. Your respect of other clients time is appreciated and sessions will end promptly as scheduled. Late arrivals are responsible for the full fee of the session.
       Initial Evaluation (90 minutes) $120.00
       Follow up session (60 minutes)$80.00
      

​

If you have any questions not answered please do not hesitate to contact or email