Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Each acupuncture session includes a treatment plan discussion, tongue and pulse diagnosis, a guided intake, and tailored treatment modalities.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

  • Acupuncture or Acupressure
  • Cupping
  • Herbal prescription
  • MoxaMassage
  • Dietary recommendation
  • Kinesio-Taping
  • Tuning Forks / Acutonics
  • Gua Sha
book now

Modalities explained

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, flexible, sterile needles at specific points throughout the body. Acupuncture works with our inner switchboard – or the way our body communicates with itself to promote and maintain good health.

Does it hurt? Some clients feel a slight prick as the needles are inserted but others feel nothing at all. There is a general feeling of relaxation once all the needles are in place.

Acupressure

Fingers or thumbs or elbows are used here. The pressure on the point creates changes under the surface of skin, which in turn changes the flow of information in the meridian system. Have a point held for a minute, and you can feel that muscle knot melt away. You can read more about it here.

Cupping

Suction cups are placed on the body. The cups may be left in one position or slid across the skin to affect a larger area. This technique is used to relieve muscle tension, decrease pain and increase circulation and much more.

It doesn’t hurt, but feels strange at first. The cups can leave a temporary purple or red mark on the skin which can last anywhere between 1-7 days.  Learn more  HERE


Herbs

From pain to sleep disturbances to low energy, herbal treatment has been used in Chinese Medicine for centuries.

Herbs are only used on a case-by-case basis since not all clients require this form of treatment.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a safe, powerful and non-invasive modality used to promote better health and proper function in the body.


Moxa

Moxibustion is the burning of the herb mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris). Moxa is used to promote healing and is often used to treat common conditions such as arthritis. It’s a safe and effective way to decrease pain.

Dietary recommendations

Food is one of our best medicines; together we will work towards positive, constructive dietary changes according to your individual needs. Suggestions will be tailored specifically to support your healing and nourish your constitution. This is not about counting calories; it’s looking at foods that agree with your body to have you feeling and achieving your best.

facial acupuncture

Facial Acupuncture not only enhances skin tone and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars but also alleviates jaw pain, insomnia and headaches. By targeting specific points on the face and body, this treatment promotes overall wellness, leaving you with a glowing complexion and improved health. Read more HERE

Tuning forks / acutonics

Tuning forks of various specific frequencies are used. Different frequencies have different effects. They can really help get the lymph system moving, and are great for relaxing muscles and calming the nervous system. Kids love them. And we all have that kid within us somewhere.


gua shua

This technique uses a tool to gently scrape the surface of the skin. Done over acupuncture points, meridians, or any tight band of muscle or irritated tendon, this technique increases circulation and stimulates the body’s own healing response.


no needles? No problem!

Learn more

We know that not everyone is a fan of acupuncture needles.

Back At It’s Acupuncturists offer a no needles treatment.

Full acupressure treatments available

Needle-free options: cupping, gua sha, magnets & Acutonics

Direct billing for most insurance plans

Frequently asked questions

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits:

  • Provides drug-free pain relief
  • Effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments
  • Treats the underlying cause of disease and illness, as well as the symptoms
  • Provides a holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, linking body, mind and emotions
  • Assists in the prevention of disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being.

Acupuncture can be used effectively in:

  • Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy
  • Allergies
  • Blood pressure problems
  • Boost Immune system - Read more HERE
  • Infertility
  • Breech position in pregnancy
  • Induction of labor
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Insomnia - Read more HERE
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Neurological and musculo-skeletal disorders:

  • Headache and migraine - Read more HERE
  • Paresis following a stroke
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage i.e. within six months)
  • Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
  • Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
  • Intercostal neuralgia, “Frozen shoulder”, “Tennis elbow”
  • Sciatica
  • Low-back pain
  • Osteoarthritis

how does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is the philosophy that we all have a complex system of channels which flow throughout our body distributing Qi or Life Energy to all of our tissues. When there is an obstruction in the flow of Qi or an imbalance in the Yin and Yang, health problems arise. Acupuncture can help to remove the blockage and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. Read More HERE

do acupuncture treatments hurt?

Generally speaking, Acupuncture should not be painful. You may feel a dull ache, perhaps a feeling of electricity or tingling, a sensation of heat or cold, or it may just feel strange. Sometimes you can feel Qi running up or down the body or a limb. Read More HERE


what should i wear for my treatment?

Wear loose fitted, comfortable clothing. You might want to bring a tank top and shorts to allow the acupuncturist easy access to the body. Depending on what your condition is, we also use sheets to cover up your body and only expose the areas such as the back legs or feet that need to be needled.

How many treatments will i need?

Usually, a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Each case and condition is treated individually. A consultation is necessary to determine requirements.


are there different styles of acupuncture?

Chinese Medicine is over 5,000 years old and over time, many different styles of acupuncture have developed. Both of our acupuncturists have been trained in Canada and have traveled to China to study. In addition, they have taken extensive continuing education courses to offer treatments that will suit your conditions and needs.

Will acupuncture be covered by my insurance?

Many insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment and all of our Acupuncturists are fully registered. Click HERE to read more about our direct billing.

Meet your acupuncturists

acupuncturist

amanda butler

acupuncturist

zoe harrison

Meet your acupuncturists

acupuncturist

Dr. amanda butler

Amanda

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Clinics: Canmore Bow Valley Trail
Amanda moved to Canmore at 17 to pursue cross-country skiing and went on to represent Canada in two Olympic Games. After her athletic career, she trained at the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary, completing a four-year program focused on the human body and its natural healing processes. She has a strong interest in pain management and preventive care.

Amanda is passionate about helping people fully enjoy life in the Bow Valley.

Style
Amanda uses all forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, taking a whole-person approach that considers all aspects of a patient’s life.

What do you do for fun?
Long trail runs, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and spending as much time as possible in the mountains.

What made you decide to become a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor?
I wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. I was drawn to TCM for its holistic approach, treating root causes and considering the whole person.and encourages us to think about how we want to feel in our bodies and minds.

Amanda

acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Clinics: 
Canmore Bow Valley Trail

Amanda moved to Canmore at 17 to pursue cross-country skiing and went on to represent Canada in two Olympic Games. After her athletic career, she trained at the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary, completing a four-year program focused on the human body and its natural healing processes. She has a strong interest in pain management and preventive care.

Amanda is passionate about helping people fully enjoy life in the Bow Valley.

Style
Amanda uses all forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, taking a whole-person approach that considers all aspects of a patient’s life.

What do you do for fun?
Long trail runs, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and spending as much time as possible in the mountains.

What made you decide to become a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor?
I wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. I was drawn to TCM for its holistic approach, treating root causes and considering the whole person.

acupuncturist

zoe harrison

Zoe

Acupuncturist

Clinics: Banff & Canmore Bow Valley Trail
Zoe moved from Ontario to Calgary at 16 and quickly found her love of movement in the mountains. After discovering hiking and climbing, she pursued Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, where she developed a strong interest in anatomy and physiology. After treating her own injuries with acupuncture, she was drawn to its whole-body approach and went on to complete a Diploma of Acupuncture at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC.

She continues to pursue ongoing learning outside the clinic.

Style of Acupuncture
Root-cause focused treatments using acupuncture, cupping, and tui na, with an emphasis on education and prevention.

What do you do for fun?
Hiking, trail running, bouldering, biking, and skiing. Evenings are spent reading or listening to audiobooks.

What made you decide to become a therapist?
I was drawn to acupuncture through my own treatment experience and wanted to help others improve their health through a holistic approach.

Zoe

acupuncturist

Clinics: Banff &
Canmore Bow Valley Trail

Zoe moved from Ontario to Calgary at 16 and quickly found her love of movement in the mountains. After discovering hiking and climbing, she pursued Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, where she developed a strong interest in anatomy and physiology. After treating her own injuries with acupuncture, she was drawn to its whole-body approach and went on to complete a Diploma of Acupuncture at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC.

She continues to pursue ongoing learning outside the clinic.

Style of Acupuncture
Root-cause focused treatments using acupuncture, cupping, and tui na, with an emphasis on education and prevention.

What do you do for fun?
Hiking, trail running, bouldering, biking, and skiing. Evenings are spent reading or listening to audiobooks.

What made you decide to become a therapist?
I was drawn to acupuncture through my own treatment experience and wanted to help others improve their health through a holistic approach.

Book your next appointment today

3 convenient locations

book now