Find answers to common questions about acupuncture for holistic healing

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and may support a wide range of issues, including:

• Stress, anxiety, and low energy
   
• Poor sleep or insomnia
   
• Menstrual irregularities or hormonal imbalance
   
• Digestive problems (bloating, constipation, IBS)
   
• Pain (back, neck, migraines, etc.)
   
• Long COVID, immune support, and general wellness
   

If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to see if acupuncture is a good fit for you.

It depends on your condition and health goals.

• Acute conditions (e.g. recent injury or stress): 1-2 acupuncture sessions/week for a few weeks may be sufficient.
   
• Chronic or complex conditions (e.g. hormonal imbalance, insomnia, digestive issues): weekly sessions for 4-8 weeks, then reassessment.
   
• Maintenance or prevention: once or twice a month is often enough.
   

Everyone responds differently. We'll assess your progress and adjust your plan accordingly.

Most people are surprised by how painless acupuncture is. The needles are very fine, about the width of a hair. You may feel a light pinch or dull ache briefly, but many patients find treatments relaxing and even fall asleep during sessions.

Your first visit includes a full consultation, where we’ll go over your health history, symptoms, and goals. Tongue and pulse diagnosis will help us develop a personalized treatment plan.

Here’s what a typical session involves:

1. You’ll lie down comfortably on a treatment table (face up, down, or side, depending on the treatment).
    
2. After cleaning the skin, fine, sterile needles will be gently inserted into selected acupuncture points.
    
3. Once the needles are in place, you’ll rest for 20-40 minutes in a calm, quiet setting. Many people find this deeply relaxing—some even fall asleep.
    
4. In some sessions, moxibustion, cupping, or manual techniques may be used if needed.
    

After treatment, most people feel calm, relieved, or slightly tired. This is your body rebalancing itself.

De Qi (得气) is a term from Traditional Chinese Medicine that refers to the unique sensation you may feel when the acupuncture needle connects with your body’s Qi (vital energy). It is often described as:
 

• A heavy or spreading feeling
   
• A sense of pressure, tingling, or warmth
   
• Occasionally, a light electric or pulling sensation
   

This is a normal and positive sign that the treatment is stimulating your body’s natural healing response. Not every point produces a strong sensation, and not every person feels it the same way.

De Qi is not sharp pain. If anything feels uncomfortable, please let us know and we’ll adjust immediately.

Before:

• Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before
   
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine
   
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
   

After:

• Drink water
   
• Rest if possible
   
• Avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours
   
• Be mindful of how your body feels

Yes. When performed by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), acupuncture is safe and minimally invasive. At DaBōK, we use sterile, single-use needles and follow the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) as well as the safety and hygiene standards set by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

Yes, acupuncture is complementary to many Western treatments. It's important to let your practitioner know what medications or therapies you're using so we can tailor your care appropriately.

You can book online via Treatment Options or call/text us at (437) 422-8606. If it’s your first time, start with the Initial Consultation + Treatment. It’s required for first-time visits.