Acupuncture in Toronto – Integrated with Naturopathic Care
Ancient technique for modern ailments
Health requires the optimal functioning of the physical body; vitality requires the optimal flow of energy moving through the body’s systems. Combining acupuncture with naturopathic treatment is a great way to ensure both health and vitality. This is why Dr. Makoto practices acupuncture as a registered naturopathic doctor.
What is acupuncture?
Originating in China about three thousand years ago, this ancient therapy involves inserting very thin sterilized needles into special points on the body that are determined based on your individual health concerns. The stimulation of these points helps to rebalance the flow of “qi” (your internal energy). By rebalancing qi, you can reduce pain and help to regulate organ systems that are not functioning optimally.
How does acupuncture work?
Our conventional medical model explains acupuncture’s efficacy as being a result of the needles interrupting neural pathways and encouraging local circulation. This leads to a reduction in pain and inflammation in the body.
Acupuncture can be done on the hands, arms, face, scalp, and ankles. There would be a local effect at the actual body part itself. For example, these ankle points could help with ankle pain or strain.
The Western approach, such as with medical acupuncture, focuses primarily on these local effects on the area you are needling.
However, in traditional Asian medicine, that is just a small component of the treatment. The body is treated as a whole and, as such, you are rebalancing energy flow in the body.
As an example, a point in the hand is one of the most powerful points in acupuncture. It is the master point of general energy flow, as well as the master point of the head and neck. It is called LI4 (“large intestine 4”) thus also targeting the digestive system. So, in essence, this one point can help with hand pain, a headache, and constipation, as well as improve energy.
Points on the ankles and hands correspond to the spleen and large intestine channels. They are important key points in acupuncture: both support energy flow, the digestive tract, anxiety, gynecological concerns, chronic stress and several other conditions.
The point between the eyebrows is called Yin Tang or “calming the spirit” point and is used for relaxation, insomnia, or for frontal headaches or sinusitis.
The collection of points that is chosen for a treatment is based on all of the individual person’s symptoms (physical and emotional) along with their overall health state. Besides just sports injuries and joint pain, acupuncture can also be helpful in treating numerous other conditions such as anxiety, depression, addictions, menstrual irregularities, recurrent illnesses and digestive disorders.
Are the needles big? Do they hurt when they’re inserted into the body? How long do they stay in?
The sensation of acupuncture needles is much different than what you would expect. You may feel a slight pinch when they go in, but often nothing beyond this.
Keep in mind that the breadth of an acupuncture needle is much smaller than that of the vaccine needles we are used to: you can actually fit a few acupuncture needles into the opening of a regular hypodermic needle.
Once the needle is in, you should not feel any sharp pain. You may feel nothing at all, pressure, tingling or a moving or light throbbing sensation.
In Chinese medicine, these sensations are an indication that energy is circulating, creating a healing response.
Generally we leave needles in for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Acupuncture Coverage Under Insurance
Acupuncture performed by Dr. Trotter is provided in his capacity as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor – not as a separate registered acupuncturist. This means:
- Acupuncture treatments at our clinic are billed under naturopathic medicine
- Claims should be submitted under your naturopathic benefits – not under a separate acupuncture benefit
- Most extended health plans in Canada include naturopathic coverage that encompasses acupuncture when performed by a licensed ND
- If your plan has separate naturopathic and acupuncture categories, check with your insurer whether ND-performed acupuncture falls under naturopathic or acupuncture benefits – this varies by plan
If you are unsure whether your plan covers naturopathic acupuncture, our front desk team can help clarify before your appointment.
Not sure if acupuncture is right for you?
A free 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Trotter is the easiest way to find out.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is most commonly known for improving joint and muscular pain and injuries. However, it is also used to treat chronic conditions ranging from digestive disorders to insomnia to menstrual irregularities.
Acupuncture is a core modality within naturopathic medicine training. Dr. Makoto Trotter, BSc, ND completed extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and acupuncture technique as part of his naturopathic doctorate, and has incorporated acupuncture as a central component of his clinical practice for over 20 years.
Some of the conditions that Dr.Trotter, ND has successfully treated with acupuncture include the following:
- anxiety & depression
- chronic fatigue
- menstrual irregularities
- PCOS/PMOS
- endometriosis
- menopause & perimenopause
- digestive disorders
- IBS
- fertility, inducing labour, lactation
- neurological disorders
- sports injuries, repetitive strain injury, arthritis
- muscle and joint pain
What can I expect during a treatment?
Most people expect needles to be quite painful. With acupuncture, however, the needles are extremely thin. You may feel a slight pinch upon insertion of the needles or nothing at all. Once the needles have been put in place, most people experience a sense of relaxation, and many actually fall asleep during the treatment. After treatment, it is not uncommon for patients to feel a shift in their sense of being. This is often experienced as either a “calm” or an increase in energy.
How often should I have acupuncture treatments?
Results from acupuncture are usually experienced after 4-10 treatments. Long-term improvements from more chronic conditions generally require more frequent visits. Depending upon the type and severity of the condition, initial treatments are once to twice a week. Based on the patient’s requirements, these may be decreased to a lower frequency.
Eventually, maintenance treatments can be carried out every few weeks to every few months. Patients may also request acupuncture for relaxation and stress reduction.
How quickly should I feel results?
Some people feel results immediately; for other people, it takes a few treatments. During treatment, people usually feel very relaxed and patients often fall asleep. You should expect to have heightened energy, yet feel very grounded after a treatment.
How much does an acupuncture treatment cost?
Your first acupuncture appointment is an hour long, which includes an initial assessment, and costs $240.
Subsequent treatments are half an hour and cost $120.
Ready to experience acupuncture?
Book your initial acupuncture consultation today – one hour with Dr. Trotter including a full assessment and your first treatment.
👉 Book your initial acupuncture session to get a clear plan forward.