FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

DOES IT HURT?

The quick answer is no. It’s very normal to feel ‘needling sensations’ such as warmth, buzzing, distention or heaviness. But one shouldn’t feel sharpness or pain with the needles. Dr. Stankowski uses only top-quality needles for maximum ease in insertion.

 

WESTERN MEDICINE HASN'T GIVEN ME AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS YET, CAN I STILL GET ACUPUNCTURE?

Certainly. Your presentation of symptoms is very important to Dr. Stankowski. She will carefully assess your description of symptoms as well as her findings from taking your pulse and looking at your tongue to come up with a unique diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A Western Medical diagnosis can help guide some of Dr. Stankowski’s questions but will not limit the discussion.

 

I HAVE HAD ACUPUNCTURE BEFORE BUT IT WAS FROM MY PHYSIOTHERAPIST/CHIROPRACTOR - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

In recent years, physiotherapists and chiropractors have helped bring acupuncture to the masses. The difference from having acupuncture from a physiotherapist or chiropractor versus a Registered Acupuncturist is their level of education in the particular field of acupuncture and TCM. Most physiotherapists and chiropractors have received a few weekend courses on acupuncture and there is no licensing exam. All Registered Acupuncturists (RAc) have taken, at minimum, a 3 year program as well as successfully completed the Canadian licensing exam. Dr. Stankowski is a Registered Acupuncturist and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her education involves a 5 year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program which includes an internship at a hospital in China.

 

I REALLY DON'T WANT NEEDLES, IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY I CAN BENEFIT FROM CHINESE MEDICINE? 

Absolutely! The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine can be applied to laser therapy, acutonics and most commonly herbs. All of these services are offered by Dr. Stankowski.

 

I DON'T REALLY HAVE ANYTHING 'WRONG' WITH ME, CAN I STILL BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE?

Yes. There is difference between optimal health and just being free from disease. TCM helps bring the body into balance allowing you to function at your optimal state. Boosting immune during cold and flu season, improving quality of sleep and helping relieve stress are just a few of the many benefits that come with acupuncture.

 

WESTERN MEDICINE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH ME BUT I STILL HAVE SYMPTOMS. CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP?

Sometimes people can have symptoms that are at the “subclinical” level – meaning they are very real to the patient but do not yet show up on Western lab tests like blood work or ultrasounds. This is no problem for TCM, since one’s subjective experience of the problem is a very important diagnostic tool.

 

ARE THE NEEDLES STERILIZED?

Yes. The needles used are single-use, individually packaged, sterile surgical stainless steel. After the treatment, when the needles are removed, they are placed in a sharps container to be disposed.

 

CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE IF I AM UNDERGOING OTHER TREATMENTS?

Absolutely. There are no other treatments contraindicated with acupuncture. In fact, since the body so complex, it’s best to address an issue from multiple angles. Whatever you find beneficial, keep it up! The team approach always gets the best results.

 

ARE ACUPUNCTURISTS REGULATED?

Yes. Dr. Stankowski maintains her status each year as a Registered Acupuncturist with the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta.

 

WHAT ARE THE LOGISTICS OF RECEIVING ACUPUNCTURE? HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO HAVE A TREATMENT?

The first appointment is always the longest. It is important for Dr. Stankowski to gather as much information about your condition in order for her to make an accurate diagnosis and then treatment plan. Once this is established, it’s best to get a number of treatments in a relatively short period of time. This can look different for different people and different conditions. Typically weekly treatments for a couple weeks with the goal to get to monthly maintenance treatments. Follow-up visits involve a quick check-in with updates of symptoms and Dr. Stankowski will again take your pulse and look at your tongue.

 

HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS?

That really depends on the condition. Acute issues tend to respond quicker than more chronic concerns.

 

DOES MY INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE?

Most likely. Often people have acupuncture covered by extended health benefits and there is usually a separate amount reserved just for acupuncture done by a Registered Acupuncturist.

 

 

If you have any other questions you would like to ask Dr. Stankowski, please don’t hesitate to be in touch: DrStankowski@DignityAging.com