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
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.
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
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?
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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?
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
zoe
Arianne
acupuncturist
acupuncturist
amanda
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, where she quickly discovered a love for movement and the mountains. Her passion for hiking and climbing led her to pursue Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, developing a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology.
After firsthand experience treating her own injuries with acupuncture, Zoe was inspired by its holistic approach and completed a Diploma of Acupuncture at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. She specializes in treating concussions, migraines, chronic health conditions, and pain, and is dedicated to helping people improve their well-being and return to the activities they love.
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.
Arianne
acupuncturist
Clinics: Banff &
Canmore Bow Valley Trail
Arianne moved from Montreal to Banff at the age of 18 where she discovered her passion for mountain living. She then travelled the world for several years where she had the opportunity to discover holistic healing and traditional Chinese medicine. She completed her degree as an Acupuncturist at the Kootenay Columbia College in Nelson, BC, where she lived for a decade.
Being active herself backcountry snowboarding, rock climbing hiking, scuba diving , yoga, she gained a great understanding of what an active clientele needs to sustain, heal and support a healthy and active lifestyle.
Style of Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine style using acupuncture, Tui Na massage, fire or silicone cupping, smokeless moxa, electro acupuncture and Chinese nutrition.
What do you do for fun?
Cooking, mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing, foraging, hiking, trail running and travelling.
What made you decide to become a therapist?
My passion for holistic healing, traditional medicine and patient-focused care that's adapted to each and every one in need of healing and support.
Arianne
Acupuncturist
Clinics: Banff & Canmore Bow Valley Trail
Arianne moved from Montreal to Banff at the age of 18 where she discovered her passion for mountain living. She then travelled the world for several years where she had the opportunity to discover holistic healing and traditional Chinese medicine. She completed her degree as an Acupuncturist at the Kootenay Columbia College in Nelson, BC, where she lived for a decade.
Being active herself backcountry snowboarding, rock climbing hiking, scuba diving , yoga, she gained a great understanding of what an active clientele needs to sustain, heal and support a healthy and active lifestyle.
Style of Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine style using acupuncture, Tui Na massage, fire or silicone cupping, smokeless moxa, electro acupuncture and Chinese nutrition.
What do you do for fun?
Cooking, mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing, foraging, hiking, trail running and travelling.
What made you decide to become a therapist?
My passion for holistic healing, traditional medicine and patient-focused care that's adapted to each and every one in need of healing and support.
Intern Acupuncturist
Natasha
Banff & Canmore Bow Valley Trail Clinics
Natasha
Intern acupuncturist
Clinics: Banff &
Canmore Bow Valley Trail
Driven by a clear calling to Acupuncture and holistic healthcare, Tash completed her Pre-Health Sciences certificate and Advanced Diploma in Acupuncture at Georgian College before making the Bow Valley home in 2021. She was drawn to the medicine for its ability to support the body's natural healing systems and empower people on their health journeys.
Style of Acupuncture
Tash is passionate about providing gentle, patient-centered care focused on overall well-being and long-term health. Taking an integrative approach, she customizes every session using a combination of modalities—including acupuncture, cupping, tui na, moxa, and gua sha.
What do you do for fun?
Outside the clinic, you’ll find me staying grounded on the yoga mat, reading a good book, hitting the trails for a hike, or out paddleboarding on the water and enjoying everything mountain life has to offer.
What made you decide to become a therapist?
I first discovered acupuncture when I tagged along to my mom’s appointment for a sprained ankle. Seeing how much it helped her inspired me to try it myself, and I fell in love with its gentle, natural healing and the opportunity to help others feel cared for and balanced.
Natasha
Intern Acupuncturist
Clinics: Banff & Canmore Bow Valley Trail
Driven by a clear calling to Acupuncture and holistic healthcare, Tash completed her Pre-Health Sciences certificate and Advanced Diploma in Acupuncture at Georgian College before making the Bow Valley home in 2021. She was drawn to the medicine for its ability to support the body's natural healing systems and empower people on their health journeys.
Style of Acupuncture
Tash is passionate about providing gentle, patient-centered care focused on overall wellbeing and long-term health. Taking an integrative approach, she customizes every session using a combination of modalities—including acupuncture, cupping, tui na, moxa, and gua sha.
What do you do for fun?
Outside the clinic, you’ll find me staying grounded on the yoga mat, reading a good book, hitting the trails for a hike, or out paddleboarding on the water and enjoying everything mountain life has to offer.
What made you decide to become a therapist?
I first discovered acupuncture when I tagged along to my mom’s appointment for a sprained ankle. Seeing how much it helped her inspired me to try it myself, and I fell in love with its gentle, natural healing and the opportunity to help others feel cared for and balanced.