Valerie placing needles on patient

Acupuncture Saskatoon

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art dating back 5000 years that involves needles being carefully inserted at specific points in your body to combat injury and disease, as well as strengthen the body’s immune system.

How Acupuncture Works

The premise of Oriental medicine is that Chi, or energy, circulates through specific pathways in the body. If there is balance, the energy flows smoothly (as it should) and you are healthy. If an imbalance is present, blockages arise along the pathway, which creates illness. Precise placement of acupuncture needles releases blockages, allowing energy to flow freely through the body, thus restoring health. Acupuncture points stimulate the Central Nervous System which releases biochemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Biochemicals are responsible for many functions in the body; including our metabolism and breathing, therefore by releasing these biochemicals, the body’s ability to heal itself is enhanced. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins; which are the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones. Through the release of biochemicals and endorphins, this time-proven therapy improves functioning of the endocrine system, promotes a decrease in inflammation, increases circulation and relieves pain.

The many conditions that acupuncture commonly addresses include;

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Labour induction
  • PMS

What to Expect

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment you will begin by filling out our new patient paperwork and sign a consent form. Once that is complete, the acupuncturist will greet you and take you downstairs to her treatment room where she will discuss your intake information. She will then determine where to insert the needles in order to give you the results you’re looking for. Once the needles are inserted, they will remain in place for approximately 25 minutes. After the appointment, you will discuss the recommended treatment plan to work toward reaching your desired goal. The number of acupuncture sessions you will need depends on your unique situation. A minor injury may need only a few visits; chronic problems require more. After the treatment plan has been discussed, the appointment will then be finished and you’ll head back upstairs to the front desk to book your next appointment!

Our Acupuncturist, Valarie Pankiw

Valerie discovered acupuncture after becoming a registered orthopedic nurse at Royal University Hospital. She completed a Diploma of Acupuncture at Sri Lanka’s International College of Acupuncture. She is a member of the Saskatchewan Acupuncture Association and the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada.

  • Always feel great after a treatment.
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  • I am finally getting the help I need and am in good hands.
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  • I always enjoy my appointments here.
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  • Feeling the best I have ever felt. The treatments make me feel more relieved and energized.
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  • Every time I come here I feel at home and leave feeling refreshed!
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture covered in Canada?

Yes, many insurance plans include coverage for acupuncture in Canada! Some insurance companies may require a prescription from a medical doctor to be covered for the service. Check with your plan today to see if you are covered.

How soon do you see the benefits of acupuncture?

Pain is not always a quick fix, so it may take several acupuncture sessions to see results. Typically patients report feeling better after 6 to 8 treatments. However, this can vary between individuals – with some requiring more treatments and others less treatments to get rid of pain or other symptoms.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture has been proven to help treat conditions such as: back pain, sciatica, headaches, arthritis, sinusitis, anxiety, insomnia, and aid in smoking cessation.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most of our patients find acupuncture sessions to be relaxing. The needles used are very thin, and most of the time, you won’t even feel them being inserted. Some patients occasionally feel a mosquito-type sting for only a second.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need to see results?

During your initial appointment our acupuncturist will evaluate your condition and history to determine the number of treatments required. Each treatment plan is different from the next because every patients needs are unique. As a general guideline, acute injuries require fewer treatments than long-term chronic issues, but with each injury we aim to achieve and optimize results as quickly as possible.

What can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and treats a multitude of ailments; including neck and back pain, migraines, headaches, plantar fasciitis, pelvic discomfort, sciatic nerve pain, tennis elbow; and even quitting smoking. Acupuncture is a good alternative for people who aren’t getting the results they want from other therapies and are experiencing unwanted side effects from more invasive treatments.

Can I have acupuncture as well as chiropractic adjustments and massages?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage our patients to combine chiropractic and massage therapy into their lifestyle, to enhance their results on the journey to natural wellness.

What if I’m afraid of needles?

When you think of needles being inserted into the body, you may think that discomfort is involved. Surprisingly, acupuncture needles are so small, most people do not feel anything! Others say it’s similar to a mosquito bite but disappears immediately. Most of our patients find acupuncture treatments to be calm, peaceful and relaxing, so much so, some of our patients even fall asleep.

I’m healthy, can I still come for acupuncture?

Acupuncture is beneficial for healthy individuals choosing a wellness lifestyle and being proactive about their health. Acupuncture is used to relax tight muscles, improve mobility, improve sleep quality and lower stress levels and can be a welcome addition to your healthy lifestyle.

Check our our blog, Acupuncture in Canada: Coverage, Benefits, and Treatable Conditions, for more information.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Find out more about the healing through acupuncture at our office in Saskatoon. Contact our team today to schedule your appointment! We have Saturday visits available and plenty of free parking on-site. CONTACT US »

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Acupuncture Saskatoon, Sutherland SK | (306) 651-2225