COMPLEX CHRONIC DISEASES PROGRAM
Acupuncture
Treatment Handout
Date: July 25, 2015
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture comes from a rich and complex Chinese medical system that has been
used for over 2,000 years to treat and prevent disease, reduce suffering and promote
natural healing. It is a safe and effective treatment modality that can treat many chronic
conditions and promote healing. It stimulates the release of mid-brain endorphins – the
body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones – through the insertion of needles into
specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing.
Therapeutic effects include:
 Pain relief
 Increased energy
 Improved mood
 Improved body function
 Improved sleep
How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese theory the flow of Qi (pronounced chee) energy along
acupuncture meridians or channels needs to be balanced for optimal health. Disruption
or obstruction of that circulation results in poor health. Acupuncture points on the body
are located along the meridians. Stimulation of acupuncture points with fine needles can
help re-establish proper circulation, balance and harmony. The western medical term for
maintenance of the body's internal environment is homeostasis.
What can acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture treatment for a wide range of
medical conditions, including many disorders of the respiratory, digestive, neurological,
musculo-skeletal and genito-urinary systems. It can help pain disorders as well as nonpainful disorders and is beneficial for emotional and stress related conditions.
What is acupuncture treatment like?
Very fine sterile stainless-steel needles are inserted into acupuncture points. The
discomfort ranges from none at all to that of an insect bite followed by a heavy
sensation and often a relaxed feeling. You may feel lethargic after a session similar to
having had a massage. You may feel better right away, or later, or only after a few
treatments. Some may not respond to acupuncture.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a very safe mode of therapy when sterilized disposable needles are
used. Side effects of treatment include slight bruising, discomfort at the site of needle
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COMPLEX CHRONIC DISEASES PROGRAM
Acupuncture
Treatment Handout
Date: July 25, 2015
insertion, slight bleeding, nausea, lethargy, and very rarely fainting. If side effects occur
they are only temporary.
Instructions before a treatment:
1. Have a light meal
2. Empty your bladder
3. Do not take alcohol or sedatives (e.g., tranquillizers, sleeping pills) for 4 hours
before treatment. Take pain medications as necessary.
4. Continue other medications as prescribed by your physician.
5. Inform your acupuncture physician if you are taking any anti-coagulant
medications as some oozing of blood may occur after removal of the
acupuncture needles. More pressure may need to be applied at the needle
insertion site to prevent oozing.
6. Smokers should not smoke for 4 hours prior to treatment.
After an acupuncture treatment:
1. Rest for at least 2 hours after you get home.
2. If you have a pain condition that responds well to treatment be careful to avoid
strenuous activity for 2 days even if you are pain-free.
3. Take your medications as directed by your physician.
4. Do not take alcohol or caffeine or smoke for at least 2 hours after treatment.
5. Continue to see your physician for follow-up as directed.
CCDP Acupuncture program
The acupuncture program at CCDP is holistic and supports general recovery of wellbeing. It aims to promote improvement in stress resilience, adaptation, coping and
vitality. It therefore takes several sessions to notice an improvement in well-being.
Sometimes there is immediate improvement in some symptoms such as pain, nausea
or period pain but these benefits are temporary. Although some symptoms improve, the
acupuncture program is not a symptom management service. When there is a response
in overall well-being both physical and mental health improve and chronic conditions
can slowly make progress toward healing.
CCDP patients who are interested in acupuncture may be referred by their CCDP
physician or allied health professional. Acupuncture treatment may be concurrent with
other medical treatments, however, it is recommended that patients are at a stable level
of medications before starting acupuncture treatments so that it is easier to tell if there
are any positive or negative responses without the confusion of side effects from
medication adjustments. It is also recommended that patients engage in a daily
relaxation or mindfulness practice which would enhance the response to acupuncture.
Patients should engage in other CCDP programs and services such as group classes,
physiotherapy etc in order to make the best progress with their conditions.
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COMPLEX CHRONIC DISEASES PROGRAM
Acupuncture
Treatment Handout
Date: July 25, 2015
Patients should not be treated with acupuncture if they have the following conditions:
 Needle phobia
 Allergy to stainless steel needles
 Pregnancy (acupuncture may induce miscarriage)
 Hemophilia
Patients receiving acupuncture at CCDP are offered a trial of 5 sessions. If there is a
response and progress is made the sessions may continue to a maximum of 12
sessions. Thereafter patients may seek out services from a practitioner in the
community. Useful websites with directories are:


www.acupuncturecanada.org (website of Acupuncture Foundation of Canada
Institute -Canadian organization that trains and certifies physicians and
physiotherapists in acupuncture)
www.ctcma.bc.ca (website of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and
Acupuncturists of BC)
MSP does not cover acupuncture services provided by a community physician. Patients
with extended health coverage may be reimbursed according to their policy. If you are
low income MSP reimburses a portion of the service provided by a registered
acupuncturist but the full fee is usually required at the time of service. Other options for
low cost acupuncture services are the public clinics at acupuncture training institutions.
There are 8 institutions in BC all with student clinics. These are:
1. PCU College of Holistic Medicine 220 - 5021 Kingsway Burnaby, B.C.
2. International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 201 - 1508 West Broadway
Vancouver, B.C.
3. Vancouver Beijing College of Chinese Medicine 3135 - 8888 Odlin Crescent
Richmond, B.C.
4. Pacific Rim College 229 - 560 Johnson Street Victoria, B.C.
5. Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences 303 Vernon Street Nelson, B.C.
6. Oshio College of Acupuncture and Herbology 100 - 3491 Saanich Road Victoria,
B.C.
7. Central College 55 8th Street New Westminster, B.C.
8. JCE International College of Holistic Medicine 309 - 333 Terminal Avenue
Vancouver, B.C.
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