Toronto The Annex Acupuncture

A:Most people experience significant improvements in their health and well-being after acupuncture treatments. However, it’s best to book an appointment with a Registered Acupuncturist who will help determine if acupuncture is right for you.

Your Registered Acupuncturist will perform a health assessment, discuss your specific needs and health goals, then provide a customized, targeted treatment plan that offers the therapeutic benefits and solutions you need.

A:The meridian system, also called channels, is your body’s system of pathways through which energy and blood flow. It is a network that connects your nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic system and musculoskeletal system. Acupuncturists focus on the energy flow in the meridians to relieve obstruction which helps restore health to your mind and body.

A:Yes, in addition to the primary acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist may recommend a combined treatment with one of the three additional techniques of Tui Na, Gua Sha or cupping.

A:Tui Na (pronounced tweena) – is designed to help promote circulation and relieve pain, this treatment includes acupressure, massage, stretching and manipulation. Techniques of pressing, rolling, grasping, rubbing and even gentle pounding are used to encourage the release of tension from myofascial tissue.

A:The purpose of Gua Sha is to help release excesses in the body and stimulate healing. Your acupuncturist will use a specialized dull instrument made from plastic or metal and is moved down the muscles or meridians along the surface of the skin with repeated strokes. The treatment will cause redness to the skin and will disappear in 2-5 days.

A:Cups made of plastic or silicone and are placed over particular points on the body. A vacuum is created within the cup to draw the skin up. This treatment opens the skin’s pores, eliminating the blood stasis which helps to stimulate the flow of blood and helps release toxins from the body. The treatment will cause circular red marks on the skin and will disappear in 2-5 days.

A:Acupuncture is a recognized health care treatment covered by most extended plans. However, be sure to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to see how much is covered and if you require a doctor’s note in advance for reimbursement purposes.

In most cases, your insurance provider will offer direct billing. If they are not set up for direct billing with Massage Addict, please be prepared with an alternate form of payment. You may arrange for subsequent reimbursement with your insurance company.

A:Depending on the specific accreditation and regulatory requirements of your province, you may find that your acupuncturist holds one of these three levels of certification.

1. R. Ac. (Registered Acupuncturist)
2. R. TCMP, R. Ac (A dual title designation and includes both Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist)
3. Dr. TCM (Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine – British Columbia only)

Rest assured, regardless of your location, all Massage Addict acupuncturists will hold one of these protected titles.