Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distending, warmth and pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. We find that most of our patients are so relaxed during a session that they may even nap.

Acupuncture needles differ from hypodermic needles used for injections. Unlike hypodermic needles which are hollow and cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and as thin as a hair.

If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.

Yes, we use disposable single use sterile needles. We employ the Clean Needle Technique. In addition, our experienced Doctors know exactly where to insert the needles, avoiding sensitive areas.

We take great care to ensure that the source of our herbs is reliable and safe. We use only reputable wholesalers with whom we have an ongoing relationship to ensure herbal safety. As with all products which are for human consumption, safety is of utmost concern.

Some western medical doctors (MDs) believe that herbal products are not safe, particularly to use in combination with western pharmaceuticals. This is simply not correct. Our doctors are aware of some herbs which must be avoided while using various western medications. For this reason, it is imperative that each patient inform us if they are currently or will be under the care of a western fertility doctor, and to further inform us of what medications they are consuming.

The number and frequency of acupuncture treatments depend entirely on the physical condition of each individual. On average, patients require acupuncture between once and twice per week. A written treatment plan will be created during the first initial visit to our clinic which outlines the Doctor's recommendations. All patients receive a copy of the written treatment plan.

No. You should continue to follow your current physician's instructions. Please remember that acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician's treatments not to replace them. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist. Also, most herbs that Total Wellness Centre prescribes do not react with western medication. However, please inform our Doctors of all western medication that you are taking so that they may ensure that their prescriptions do not interfere with the efficacy of other medications.

Our fees are consistent; each patient pays the same for an acupuncture session from each and every one of our Doctors. The fees are set based on the education and experience of the Doctors. Our Doctors are all professors in their fields with the same high levels of experience.

Fees do not change depending on what is being treated. Staying true to the fundamental beliefs of traditional Chinese medicine, we treat the whole person, as a whole. Disorders and their symptoms are not dissected and treated independently. There are not different fees for different disorders. Patients who are treated for infertility, for example, find that other symptoms they have such as acne or cramps, are also treated at the same time. That is a goal of TCM, not simply a side effect. To this end there is one fee for treating the whole person, not an individual disorder.

The answer depends on the individual's needs, however we suggest treating the root cause of infertility using acupuncture and herbs as far ahead of time as possible. The more time you have to treat the underlying cause of infertility, the more prepared you will be physically, mentally and emotionally to deal with IVF or IUI.

Patients attending Total Wellness Centre experience success rates which are above average. However, the success rate varies with many factors including patient adherence to the treatment program, age of the patient, and the specific medical condition of the patient. Studies show that patients undergoing concurrent treatments, such as IVF in combination with Acupuncture, will significantly elevate their rate of conception. However, the patient is advised to bear in mind that traditional Western medical treatments alone, such as IVF, achieve a modest success rate at best. While some clinics claim success rates as high as 80%, we do not wish to instill false hopes. Each patient must be considered an individual and treated as such. In addition, simply conceiving is not the goal of Total Wellness Centre, but rather carrying a healthy baby to term.

The causes of infertility vary. Some causes respond well to acupuncture, others to herbal treatment, while still others require both acupuncture and herbs. At Total Wellness Centre, we believe that all acupuncturists should have extensive experience with herbs, herbal formulas and the prescription of herbs. Understanding who can benefit from herbs demonstrates a deep understanding of both acupuncture and herbs. Doctors should know when and when not to prescribe herbs.

No. We are happy to see you with or without a referral. We can develop your treatment plan using Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis and treatments even if you have never seen a Western Doctor regarding your medical issues. However, if you have been seen by a Western Doctor and have been diagnosed by him or her, although not necessary to begin treatments at our clinic, the diagnosis and any relevant test results do help us to specify the right treatment plan for you as quickly as possible. In addition, if you require a referral to a Western fertility specialist, we can assist, as we work closely and within many fertility clinics.

There are a lot of traditional Chinese medical clinics in the GTA. Choosing the right clinic and practitioner can be a challenge.

We believe we stand apart from all others. A combination of experience, focus, patient care, continuity and connections to the western medical community are a few of the reasons we are different. Patients tell us they appreciate that a single senior practitioner takes full responsibility for their consultation, treatments, prescriptions and care. We are aware of a few clinics where the senior practitioner merely oversees the treatment plan. In these various clinics, a junior acupuncturist or even a technician performs the acupuncture. Apart from the initial consultation, the patient will not be continually assessed by the senior practitioner and have their treatment plan modified as TCM and progress require. At Total Wellness Centre, patients only see and receive treatment from our senior Doctors, as we only have senior experienced Doctors!

In addition, patients tell us that having the opportunity to ask senior practitioners questions at each appointment is critical to their treatment success.

An infrared lamp as well as low-voltage direct current stimulation via the acupuncture needle may be used to maintain stimulation of the acupoints. These are now well-accepted techniques in bolstering the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture.

Yes. Each system of medicine has its own areas of greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture excels in those areas in which conventional medicine comes up short. Chronic disease, unexplained fertility issues, pain control, and stress related disorders are just a few of the areas in which acupuncture and Chinese medicine are effective. Please read our more complete list of what acupuncture and herbs can treat.

During your first office visit, the Doctor may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behaviour. The Doctor will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviours that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. The Doctor will also use standard traditional Chinese medical diagnostic techniques such as taking the pulses and checking the tongue.

Depending on the problem being treated and your prior condition, you may experience a wide range of sensations the first time you have acupuncture. Since the treatment goal is the restoration and balance of the body's Qi, some patients will experience a burst of energy while others may feel relaxed or even tired. Many people experience a sense of calm and well being. Occasionally a patient may feel euphoric or lightheaded, especially after the first treatment.

Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent, but do happen. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they actually provide a kind of bonus treatment. The re-absorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point even without the presence of the needle.

The Doctor will insert the needles and then leave you to rest for a period of time, often 20-30 minutes, depending on what is being treated. In every case, the Doctor will return to both re-stimulate the needles and to remove the needles and safely dispose of them. All you have to do is relax!

Yes, in most instances. However, please tell us about all the medication (prescription and over the counter) that you are taking. Studies have shown that the use of acupuncture and herbs prior to IVF greatly increases the efficacy of IVF. Modern medical wisdom seems to suggest that we combine what is useful from each source. Indeed, this is the case in China today. In medical schools in China the students learn 60% Chinese and 40% Western medicine and can apply both after training. Because Chinese medicine addresses the underlying cause of a condition rather than just the symptoms, it is often helpful to treat conditions generally unresponsive to western drug-oriented treatment. Examples include PMS, headache, vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, etc. Conversely, some conditions, most notably bacterial infections and conditions with structural changes, e.g., fractures or tumors, respond more rapidly to Western techniques. Very frequently the two methodologies can be combined to the patient's greater benefit. For example, in our infertility practice we can use Chinese medicine alone, or in combination with fertility promoting medications prescribed by western doctors, as indicated by the patient's age, medical history, etc.

TCM treats both the symptoms and underlying cause of your disorder at the same time. As your symptoms improve or change, both acupuncture points and herbs need to be adjusted. You may find that some acupuncture points tend to be the same, and some herbs seem to be a part of every formula from week to week. These points and herbs may be the ones used to address the underlying cause of your disorder. In addition, TCM is a very individualized practice of medicine. No two people will receive the same herbs, or have the same points addressed using acupuncture. For these reasons, the Doctor must continually adjust your treatment plan and prescriptions so that they are most beneficial to you.