This article reprinted from Edmonton's Mosaic magazine, reflects the experience of just one of the many patients who have found relief for their conditions through treatment by Ms. Strong.  It answers many common questions about acupuncture,  and what you - as a patient - can expect when you visit our clinic.

(Part 2 of 5)

Advise your doctor if...

If you are pregnant, have a cardiac pacemaker, epilepsy or cosmetic implants, be sure to tell your doctor of acupuncture. There are some acupoints which are contra-indicated during pregnancy.

However, bearing those in mind, acupuncture can be safely used to treat nausea, low back pain and water retention which often accompany pregnancy. Should the fetus be found to be in a breach position during the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy, acupuncture techniques can be safely used to turn the fetus, working in conjunction with an obstetrician and an ultra-sound technologist.

Electrostimulation of acupoints is contraindicated in the presence of a pacemaker or epilepsy. Acupoints near a cosmetic implant are also avoided.

Otherwise, acupuncture is an extremely safe medical treatment when performed by a thoroughly trained, qualified doctor of acupuncture.

Mosquito bites and pins...

Your treatment will involve the insertion of hair-fine, sterile, single-use, disposable pins into specific acupoints.

The pins are about as thick as a hair, and if you feel anything upon insertion, it will be nothing more than a mosquito bite. So, if you can handle a mosquito bite, you can handle acupuncture.

Below each acupoint is a pool of qi, and as the pin contacts it, you may feel a warmth, cooling, dull ache, or a sense of pressure.

If anything feels uncomfortable, be sure to let your acupuncturist know so the pin may be adjusted to comfort. The treatment may last from ten to forty minutes, depending on your constitution (the weaker it is, the shorter the treatment time) and on the problem being treated.

After explaining the procedure to your satisfaction, your doctor of acupuncture may also use cupping, plum blossom, moxabustion, gua sha, and/or Tui Na (a brief remedial massage) on the affected area.