Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Discover the ancient art of acupuncture — a holistic health system practiced for over 3,000 years. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and enhanced by modern scientific understanding, acupuncture is best known for relieving pain, but its benefits extend far beyond that.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners use a variety of tools to customize treatments to your unique needs, such as:  
​If acupuncture feels unfamiliar, rest assured—it’s a gentle, non-invasive process. Ultra-thin needles are strategically placed at specific points on your body to encourage natural healing and restore balance.

Benefits of Acupuncture

The ancient practice of Acupuncture can work wonders for various health concerns, including:
  • Managing heartburn and nausea
  • Soothing sciatica discomfort
  • Resolving frozen shoulder issues
  • Assisting with chronic health conditions
  • Reducing arthritis-related pain
  • Addressing backaches, knee pain, and more
  • Managing respiratory problems such as asthma​
  • Assisting with injury recovery
  • Alleviating fibromyalgia pain
​
...and much more.
Acupuncture takes a whole-body approach, addressing not only specific symptoms but also promoting long-term balance and well-being. Experience the countless benefits of this time-tested therapy and begin your journey to a healthier, more balanced life.

Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital energy that flows through pathways in the body known as meridians. When Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and illness. During acupuncture treatments, ultra-fine needles are inserted into specific points along these meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote natural healing. Acupuncture needles have an average diameter of 0.00325 inches—almost equivalent to the thickness of a human hair—allowing for a gentle and virtually painless experience.

Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is often prescribed as part of treatment. The history and use of Traditional Medicine has a dark past with the use of Rhino horn and other substances from endangered species and plants. Thankfully, the world of Herbal Medicine has evolved as our understanding of the impact of our medicine is understood. Since 1993, the regulations have changed and there is no more use of endangered plants or animals.
The herbs used in our Calgary wellness clinic are all ethically sourced, prepared and fully safety tested. Most classic formulas used are a synergistic blend of two to ten individual plants.Some common ingredients include Licorice Root, Peony Root and Ginger. ​We carry most formulas in tea and pill form.
For more information and a list of the TCM products we carry, please click here. 

Fire Cupping

Fire Cupping is the traditional form of cupping therapy where glass cups are placed on the skin and heated to create a vacuum effect. This suction draws the skin and underlying tissue into the cup, helping to release tight, sore muscles, alleviate fascial adhesions, and increase blood and energy flow to targeted areas.

This form of cupping therapy is particularly effective for reducing pain, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall circulation. Fire cupping can also aid in detoxification by drawing out stagnation and helping to improve muscle flexibility and mobility.

Ear Seeds

Ear seeds are tiny stainless steel or vaccaria seeds that are carefully placed on specific acupuncture points on the ear, secured with a small adhesive bandage. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this non-invasive technique provides gentle stimulation of acupressure points for 3–7 days, supporting the body’s natural healing process.

Recently trending on TikTok and other wellness spaces, ear seeds are more than just a viral fad—they’ve been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many people love them as an easy, stylish, and accessible way to feel balanced between acupuncture sessions.

Ear seeds can be used to support:
- Stress and anxiety relief
-Pain management
- Better digestion
- Improved sleep
- General well-being and relaxation
​
This gentle therapy offers ongoing benefits between treatments and is a fun, modern way to incorporate holistic care into your wellness routine.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, digestive concerns, and even to help turn breech babies. The therapy involves the use of Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris), a herb that is compressed into a smokeless, cigar-like stick, which is then ignited and held over specific acupuncture points. Alternatively, loose Mugwort can be placed on acupuncture needles in its traditional form. The heat produced by the moxa stick has a wavelength within the near-infrared range, which is known to penetrate deeply into surrounding tissues, promoting increased circulation, reducing swelling, and alleviating inflammation.

​Moxibustion has also been shown to reduce pain and potentially offer positive effects on free radicals in the body.
In addition to in-clinic treatments, our Calgary wellness center offers smokeless moxa for at-home treatments. For more details and a list of TCM products we carry, please click here.

Electro Acupuncture

Electro Acupuncture is an advanced variation of traditional acupuncture, where the same acupuncture points are used but two adjacent needles are connected to a device that delivers continuous or intermittent electrical pulses. The frequency and intensity of the current are adjusted based on the specific condition being treated.

This technique is particularly effective for alleviating muscular pain, reducing muscle atrophy, and addressing neuropathy, especially following chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The electrical stimulation enhances the therapeutic effects of acupuncture by promoting deeper tissue healing, improving circulation, and stimulating nerve regeneration, making it an excellent option for both acute and chronic pain conditions.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a tool that has traditionally been made out of Jade, Rose Quartz, or Basalt, to gently scrape the skin. Typically performed with oil, this technique helps stimulate blood flow and energy circulation to targeted areas of the body. Gua Sha is effective in reducing pain, swelling, and heat, and is commonly used to release tension in the muscles, improve mobility, and support overall healing.

In the context of facial or cosmetic acupuncture, Gua Sha is used to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and encourage collagen production, leading to smoother, more radiant skin. This deeply restorative therapy encourages the body's natural processes to detoxify, relieve discomfort, and restore balance, leaving the skin looking rejuvenated and refreshed.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture that focuses entirely on points located in the ears. The ear is considered a microsystem of the whole body, meaning specific points correspond to different organs, systems, and emotional states. This technique is especially effective for:
​- Reducing anxiety & stress
- Managing nausea
- ​Supporting those working through cravings or addiction 

For clients who are uncomfortable with needles, ear seeds offer a gentle, needle-free alternative. These tiny seeds are placed on the same ear points to provide continuous stimulation for several days, extending the benefits between treatments.

Scalp Acupuncture

Scalp Acupuncture is a very targeted form of Acupuncture that is useful for treating systemic brain and neurological related issues. It integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medical knowledge of the brain mapping areas. Scalp Acupuncture has been proven to be most successful in treating acute and chronic central nervous system disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, stroke, and paralysis.

Tui Na Massage

Tui Na Massage is a type of Traditional Chinese therapeutic massage and soft tissue manipulation. It is used to increase range of motion, decrease fascial adhesions, reduce pain and speed recovery.

During a Tui Na session, the therapist uses various techniques, including kneading, rolling, pressing, and stretching, to stimulate specific points, meridians, and energy channels in the body. The practitioner applies deep pressure and rhythmic movements to the muscles and soft tissues, targeting areas of tension, pain, or imbalance.

While Tui Na shares some similarities with other forms of massage therapy, such as Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, its distinctive feature lies in its foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. Tui Na aims to restore the flow of Qi and balance the yin and yang energies in the body, promoting overall health and vitality.

Diet Therapy

Diet therapy can be applicable based on your current symptoms, body constitution and overall health and wellness plan. Your TCM Doctor in our Calgary clinic will recommend you incorporate or avoid certain foods based on the season and how your body is functioning at that moment in time. As your treatments progress and symptoms improve, diet changes will be recommended.

Meet Our Doctors of Acupuncture & Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine