FAQ
Acupuncture Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?+
Most people feel little to no pain. You may notice a light tingling, warmth, or mild pressure when a needle is placed. Many patients find the treatment deeply relaxing — some even fall asleep during the session.
How much does acupuncture cost in Ottawa?+
An initial or re-assessment acupuncture visit is $125. A common 60-minute enhanced acupuncture session is $120. Shorter sessions are available from $80–$105, and extended 90-minute sessions are $180. Acupuncture services are HST exempt, and insurance receipts are provided after treatment.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Ontario?+
In most cases, yes. Most extended health plans in Ontario include acupuncture coverage when provided by a CTCMPAO-registered practitioner. Direct billing is available for many major Canadian extended health plans when supported by the client's policy, and official receipts are provided after every session. Coverage, referral requirements, and claim approval vary by plan.
Is acupuncture good for back pain?+
Acupuncture is commonly used for lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and posture-related tension. Your practitioner will assess your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan based on how long the pain has been present and what aggravates it.
Can acupuncture help with anxiety or sleep?+
Many patients choose acupuncture for stress, anxiety, and sleep issues because treatment may help calm the nervous system. Your practitioner can recommend frequency based on your symptoms and response to care.
Is acupuncture safe?+
Yes. Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. We use single-use, sterile needles and follow strict hygiene standards to ensure a safe and comfortable treatment experience every visit.
How many sessions will I need?+
It depends on your condition. Some patients feel improvement after 1–3 sessions. Others with chronic or long-standing issues may benefit from a short treatment plan. Your practitioner will discuss a personalized plan after your first visit.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?+
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to treatment areas. Have a light meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Avoid coming on a completely empty or overly full stomach.
Can I book a same-day or next-day acupuncture appointment?+
Same-day or next-day appointments are often available, depending on practitioner schedules. The fastest way to check availability is through online booking.
Do you have free parking?+
Yes. Free convenient parking is available at the clinic. We are located on Woodroffe Ave near Algonquin College and College Square.
Can I combine acupuncture with massage therapy?+
Yes — and many patients choose to. Acupuncture and RMT massage work on different layers of the body, making them highly complementary for muscle tension, chronic pain, and injury recovery. Your practitioner can help you decide what combination makes sense for your goals.
Can acupuncture help with neck and shoulder pain in Nepean?+
Yes. Neck and shoulder pain — including tension from desk work, poor posture, and stress — is one of the most common reasons patients visit our Nepean acupuncture clinic. Acupuncture targets the specific muscle groups, trigger points, and nerve pathways contributing to your pain. Some patients notice changes within the first few sessions, depending on the cause and duration of symptoms. For chronic or recurring neck and shoulder pain, combining acupuncture with RMT massage often produces faster and longer-lasting results.
Does acupuncture help with sciatica in Ottawa?+
Acupuncture is commonly used for sciatica — the radiating pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back into the leg. Treatment may focus on calming irritated tissues, reducing surrounding muscle tension, and supporting comfort and mobility. Our practitioner Qiuye (Tony) Guo, an RMT and CTCMPAO-registered acupuncturist, sees many patients with sciatica in Nepean and Ottawa, often using a combined acupuncture and massage approach for more complete relief.
Can acupuncture help with tech neck from desk work?+
Yes. Tech neck — the chronic neck stiffness, upper back tension, and headaches caused by prolonged screen use — responds well to acupuncture. Treatment helps release deep muscular tension, reduce nerve irritation, and improve circulation in the affected area. Many patients who work from home or in office environments in the Nepean and Ottawa area come in for tech neck relief, sometimes combining acupuncture with a deep tissue massage for faster results.
Do you have Mandarin-speaking acupuncturists in Ottawa?+
Yes. All of our practitioners speak Mandarin (普通话), so acupuncture and massage therapy are both available in Mandarin. Lina (RMT) also speaks Cantonese (广东话); acupuncture is currently offered in Mandarin only. We welcome patients from Ottawa's Chinese community who prefer to discuss their health concerns in their first language. You can request a Mandarin-speaking appointment through our online booking system or by calling (613) 224-8383.
What is the difference between acupuncture and massage therapy for chronic pain?+
Massage therapy (RMT) primarily works on soft tissue — releasing tight muscles, improving circulation, and reducing surface-level tension. Acupuncture works deeper, targeting nerve pathways, reducing inflammation at a systemic level, and regulating the nervous system response to pain. For chronic pain conditions like lower back pain, sciatica, or recurring headaches, acupuncture may help influence pain pathways and nervous system regulation, while massage addresses surrounding soft-tissue tension. Many patients at our Nepean clinic benefit most from both — either in separate sessions or as part of a combined care plan.
