If you're thinking of trying a new approach to dealing with what ails you, acupuncture has become more mainstream in the past few years.

It's a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) whereby hair-thin needles are inserted into the skin at various points on the body that are connected by 20 pathways called meridians. These conduct energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"), between the surface of the body and its internal organs.

Qi is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang, which represent positive and negative energy. When you become ill, these forces are said to be thrown out of balance and acupuncture is used to treat this. Acupuncture can combat pain and related conditions like digestive or gynecological problems, and can also be used as a preventative measure.

Being a first-timer, I was required to fill out a questionnaire as well as consult with the acupuncturist before I got started. The main problems I mentioned were menstrual cramps and a lack of energy. My pulse was read and I had to stick out my tongue (it was slightly red at the tip which indicates heat in the body); then the needles were inserted. In total, the session took about an hour and a half. Introductory acupuncture treatments are $70 (because of the consultation) and subsequent treatments are $55.

I was diagnosed with slight Liver Qi stagnation, which sounded icky, but wasn't a big deal once it was explained to me. In TCM, the liver is the organ that regulates the storage of blood in the body so it deals directly with menstruation. It is also the organ that ensures the free flow of Qi within the body and signs of Qi blockage will also involve the liver. Qi stagnation is most commonly caused by stress.

The needles used for my treatment were inserted into my hands, feet and legs to move the Qi (mostly Liver Qi) and target the spleen and stomach to increase energy, which I had mentioned having a lack of. The four points on both hands and feet are commonly referred to as the "Four Gates" because of their ability to promote the free flow of Qi.

The Beginner's Tips

  • Needle-phobic (like me)? It's really no big deal. The needles are hair-thin and come in little plastic tubes and you'll be given a warning before they are inserted. With the exception of a small twinge when each one was inserted, I experienced only a dull throbbing sensation where the needles were.
  • It feels weird! After the needles are inserted, I was left to relax in a dimmed room for 8-10 minutes after which the needles were given a little flick for stimulation, which creates a vibrating sensation. Regulars would have the pins pulled and thrusted - the object is to feel something rather than not. After this, I was left to relax for another 8-10 minutes and then the needles were removed.
  • It's very relaxing. Sip some ginger tea while you consult with the acupuncturist, lie in a dim room with soft music playing…who knew it was possible to relax while there's needles stuck in you? I felt like I was at the spa. The needles still feel like they are in after they have been removed. Not to worry, it's only temporary - but a strange sensation nonetheless.

The Expert's Tips

Drew Nesbitt of Balance Integrated Healthcare, obtained his Doctorate Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practicing acupuncture for a year and a half.

  • Keep an open mind. "People think 'needles' and it's not always a great memory," he says. Go to someone qualified. Acupuncture is not regulated in Ontario, therefore anyone can practice it. Nesbitt says that the standard commonly followed is that someone with 2,800-3,200 hours of experience is considered qualified.
  • Make sure the environment is clean. Established in 1984, the Clean Needle Technique outlines what practices should be followed to ensure a safe experience. Look to make sure the practitioner washes his/her hands before touching the needles. The area in which the needle will be inserted must be cleaned as well (e.g. swabbed with alcohol). If a needle should fall on the floor or touch an unclean surface, it should be immediately discarded , and if the practitioner's hands become contaminated, they must be cleaned again before coming in contact with the needle/body again. An area must be prepared for the cleaned materials to sit. Afterwards, everything gets discarded and the practitioner's washes his/her hands. Don't expect a quick fix. "The longer the problem has been around, the longer it takes to treat it," says Nesbitt.
  • Speak up. If an area where a needle has been inserted still hurts after 10 seconds, ask the acupuncturist to remove it.
  • Ease yourself into it. Nesbitt says the beginners get an average of 8-12 needles (I had eight) and approximately 20 for a regular. Regulars typically visit once a week, except in cases of acute pain where they come in more often.

The Morning After

I definitely felt more relaxed afterwards, but won't be able to determine if any pain had been reduced as the problem I had targeted (menstrual cramps) was a chronic one and I doubt one session would eliminate it entirely.

Nesbitt says that minor bruising is sometimes a result of the needles. I have fairly sensitive skin and didn't experience any bruising at all. The points of insertion were barely visible immediately afterwards but the ones in my hands felt a little sensitive for a few hours.