Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

In British Columbia, Canada, a person must be registered with the College in order to practice traditional Chinese medicine and use the following reserved titles:

• Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr.TCM) A registrant authorized to practise acupuncture, and prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal medicine. This registrant has met training/examination requirements at a higher level than registrants with the other titles.
• Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.) A registrant authorized to practise acupuncture, and prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal medicine.
• Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) A registrant authorized to practise acupuncture.
• Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist (R.TCM.H.) A registrant authorized to prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal medicine.
• Student Registrant A registrant authorized to provide services while under the general supervision of a full registrant.

For more information, please visit www.ctcma.bc.ca

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded. In British Columbia, all registered Chinese Medicine practitioners under CTCMA are all covered by mandatory malpractice insurance.

• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Do not eat large meals just before or after
  your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Insurance coverage may be included in your extended care plan. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• Do I have a deductible?
• If yes, has it been met?

We can also handle direct billing to those coverage plans for VAC and RCMP.