Do you have questions about our services, payments, or treatments? Check out answers to some common questions below. If you don’t see an answer to your question, please feel free to contact us!
Yes, acupuncture and TCM is very complementary with other therapeutic approaches. If you would benefit from other modalities in conjunction with your acupuncture and TCM treatments, your practitioner may offer you a referral or suggest seeking out said care.
Acupuncture provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) is typically covered by most health insurance plans. Be sure to review your insurance policy and available coverage prior to attending your appointment(s). At the end of your appointment, I will be happy to provide you with a receipt that includes my details and registration number.
You do not need a referral from your family doctor to see an Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner. Please be aware, however, that some insurance companies may require you to have a doctor’s referral for osteopathic treatment to be covered by them. Please check your individual policy for details.
While pain is a relative concept, the insertion of needles should be relatively pain free or at the most, the sensation felt should be no more than a momentary discomfort as the needle breaks the outer most layer of skin. Be aware that every patient’s experience is different, and can fluctuate based on health, emotions, physical exertion and even menstrual cycles.
You may experience slight bruising or bleeding at the needle site. If any discomfort arises, please let Desiree know.
There are many ways Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine could help you:
Rule of thumb, treat your body like the temple it is.
Rest! No strenuous workouts or exertion for the rest of the day. Your body will want to relax. Let it.
Hydrate! Drink a nice warm glass of tea or water with lemon before bed.
Cover up! Do not expose the back of your neck or lower back or lower legs to the elements (especially the wind, cold and rain). In fact, keep your body covered for the next little bit. It’s like the old runners rule — keep your muscles warm and you won’t cramp up!
Next Steps! We will figure out the best course of action for the speediest and safest recovery and solidify your Treatment Plan.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest medical systems originating in China over 2000 years ago. It eventually spread throughout the Asian continent and today we find branches that are native to Japan, Korea, South East Asia and even some modalities such as cupping being referenced as part of practices in parts of the Middle East. While being heavily influenced by Asian philosophy and culture, modern TCM incorporates classical theories with Western research, science and technology to better align this ancient science to today’s modern Western medical practices. There is an increasing number of studies that show TCM’s effectiveness in treating concerns such as pain management, chronic emotional imbalances, fertility and even cosmetic applications. Many hospitals and care facilities are now encouraging TCM to be used as a safe alternative to anesthesia, and IVF treatment clinics often recommend TCM as a supplementary treatment to optimize success rates.
With a greater number of today’s population becoming more self-aware about the importance of holistic approaches to health, TCM is quickly becoming a pillar in the integrative healthcare industry.
It takes a “big picture” approach to diagnosis and aims at identifying patterns of trauma, illness, habits etc. to form a diagnosis and treatment plan that can address the root cause of the issue so the body can rest, recoup and restore itself.
Great question! It’s difficult to imagine that these tiny needles can effect the body in any real way. However, believe me when I say that because acupuncture works closely with the nervous system, it is very possible to feel immediate effects from your treatment. It is not at all uncommon for a patient to feel a sense of calm and relaxation after a session, so take it easy. Don’t do anything vigorous or taxing right after. Let your body heal itself from rest.
It is also common to feel a little sore after the treatment. Nothing more than what you would feel after a good deep tissue massage! Though again, be kind to yourself. Your body has had a mini workout. Most people feel much better after a good night’s sleep.
Ideally, for the assessment (and possibly for the treatment) shorts or loose/stretchy pants are worn, and if you are comfortable, a sports bra (for women) and no shirt (for men). Your comfort is very important however, so if you are not okay with disrobing, accommodations will be made.
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario’s website explains this very well: “Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health. Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved; and physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.”
If this is your first appointment at Origin Wellness, please arrive about 10 minutes early to your as you will be required to fill out a confidential health history form. This will inform your RMT about any health concerns, past or present, including illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and medications. All of these details, and the conversation you will have with your massage therapist, will help to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective for you. The massage therapist may also conduct orthopaedic tests to further inform them of the state of your body and suitable short-term and long-term treatment goals.
Just about anyone can have a massage. There are certain conditions (heart or circulatory conditions, infections, etc.) that may be contraindications (meaning that massage may not be safe), but there are often ways to alter the treatment to make it safe and effective. If you are unsure if massage therapy is right for you, please contact us to discuss your concerns.
The amount of clothing you remove for your massage is entirely up to you. We can perform massages safely and confidently through clothing and sheets, or if you are wearing no clothing at all. Either way, standard draping techniques are used so only the area being treated at any given time is uncovered, and extra consent is obtained for treatment of any “sensitive” areas (like gluteal or pectoral muscles, for example). If you are concerned or curious about what to do for your treatment, always ask your RMT. We would be happy to explain in more detail to ensure you are comfortable and feel safe before we begin.
This is a very common question that we hear! It can be one in the same for some people, as relaxation is very subjective. In Ontario, all RMTs graduate with essentially the same knowledge and set of skills. The techniques we learn can be applied in many combinations and approaches, depending on the patient’s health history, current condition, and treatment goals. For example, some people need quiet music and a scalp massage to really unwind. Others prefer to chat and need to feel their tight muscles being manipulated to feel relaxed when they leave. The best thing to do is be clear about your treatment goal, and communicate your needs and preferences to the RMT.
Registered Massage Therapists are required by the Canadian government to charge HST. Health professions must be registered in at least 5 provinces in Canada before they are exempted from charging HST; currently only 4 provinces have regulated massage therapy.
Absolutely not. Some RMTs accept tips, but if you are happy with your treatment at Origin Wellness, we would rather you told a friend about our clinic! That is the best compliment you could give us.
If you feel the need to tip, we will be collecting your kind donations for local charities. The charity will change from time to time and the donation bin will be displayed in our clinic. If you have a suggestion for a charity we could donate to, please contact us!
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to have a massage, however, if you have extended health insurance coverage, your provider may require a “prescription” from your doctor. Please contact your insurance provider for details if you are unsure.
If you are contagious (with a cold or flu), have a high fever, a rash, or severe nausea, it’s best to reschedule for another time. Your body is already working hard to heal and a massage may make you feel worse in some ways. You will likely enjoy the massage — and it will be more effective — when you are feeling better. Also, sharing germs is never a good idea. If you’re unsure, please call us to discuss the best plan for you.
Registered Massage Therapists are Regulated Health Professionals. Our titles are protected and recognized Provincially, under the RHPA act. This means that the training and certification we receive is of the highest quality, and outlined by a “Scope of Practice”. This is all to ensure the public is safe in our care.
We are also governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).
The association for our profession, the Registered Massage Therapists of Ontario is another great resource. If you want to know more about what we do, or have any questions regarding our profession, please contact them with any inquiries.
| Email is best, as we work with remote reception: | |
| info@originwellness.ca | |
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Origin Wellness appointments are pre-booked. Same-day appointments may be available; check the online booking site for up-to-date availability. Individual hours may vary and are subject to change.
Origin Wellness has availability during the following hours:
| Mon to Fri: | 9am - 9pm |
| Sat to Sun: | 9am - 5pm |
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