Our Services

Are you wondering what acupuncture is all about? Are you wondering if it will help you? Acupuncture can help with a wide variety of health complaints both mental and physical. Are you curious about what additional modalities we use in an acupuncture treatment? These consultation appointments are a great way to determine if you want to book in for a comprehensive intake and treatment.

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is an ancient system of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other East Asian countries. According to TCM principles, the body is traversed by a network of pathways called meridians or channels, through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows. The balance and smooth flow of Qi are essential for maintaining good health, while disruptions in this flow lead to various health issues.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of filiform needles into specific points along the body’s meridians. The goal of acupuncture is to regulate and balance the flow of Qi, thus promoting harmony and well-being. Acupuncture points correspond to specific organs and functions within the body.

From a TCM perspective, the insertion of needles at these acupuncture points stimulates and regulates the flow of Qi, helping to restore balance and alleviate symptoms of illness. The theory behind acupuncture also includes the concept of Yin and Yang, two opposing forces that need to be in balance for optimal health. Imbalances in Yin and Yang are thought to contribute to disease, and acupuncture is one way to address these imbalances.

Acupuncture is commonly used in TCM to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and emotional imbalances. It is considered a holistic approach to healthcare, aiming not only to address specific symptoms but addressing the root causes of disease and dysfunction to enhance the overall well-being of the individual by restoring the body’s natural balance and healing capabilities.

Acupuncture treatments may include a combination of needling, fire cupping, cupping over needles, wet cupping, auricular acupuncture, auricular acupressure, TDP (heat) lamp, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, guasha, tuina massage and other techniques as needed. All modalities will be explained thoroughly at the time of your intake.

Acupuncture is a regulated health profession governed by the Alberta Health Professions Act and regulated by the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an “attunement” given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of “life force energy” to improve one’s health and enhance the quality of life.

I use a hands on approach during Reiki sessions, however, if a client prefers, I can also perform Reiki with my hands off hovering just slightly above the body. Clients have clothes on during Reiki only sessions. If you are adding Reiki to your acupuncture treatments, Reiki will be performed while the patient is covered in a blanket.

Reiki sessions may include Chakra Balancing, Crystal Healing and Vibrational Healing. Essential oils are intuitively chosen and custom blended for your session to support your healing. Crystals and tuning forks that are used for your session are intuitively chosen to best support your healing.

Reiki is not a regulated practice in the province of Alberta.

At Alternative Acupuncture, I combine European and Thai Reflexology techniques dependent on what is needed for best results session to session. European Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. It is based on the principle that these areas, known as reflex points or reflexes, correspond to different organs and systems within the body. In Reflexology, stimulating these points can promote healing, balance the body’s energy, and induce a state of relaxation.

The primary concept behind reflexology is that the feet, hands, and ears contain a map of the entire body, and by manipulating specific points on these areas, practitioners can influence the corresponding organs and systems. The goal is to improve overall well-being and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Reflexologists use various techniques, including finger pressure, thumb-walking, and massaging, to stimulate the reflex points. The pressure applied is generally firm but not painful. Reflexology is considered a holistic therapy, aiming to address the individual as a whole rather than targeting specific symptoms. It is often used as a complementary approach to conventional medical care.

Thai Reflexology is a traditional healing practice that combines elements of traditional Thai massage and reflexology techniques. Similar to European Reflexology, Thai Reflexology focuses on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to various organs and systems in the body. However, Thai Reflexology incorporates additional elements from Thai massage, such as stretching and massage techniques, making it a unique and holistic approach to healing.

In Thai Traditional Medicine, energy flows through the body along pathways called “Sen Lines.” Thai reflexology incorporates the concept of Sen Lines, and practitioners work on specific points along these energy pathways to stimulate and balance the flow of energy.

In Thai Reflexology, practitioners often use a wooden stick or other tools to apply pressure to reflex points on the feet. This can involve both massaging and stretching techniques, providing a more dynamic and invigorating experience compared to some other forms of reflexology. Thai reflexology sessions may include elements of traditional Thai massage, such as compression, stretching, and joint mobilization. This combination of techniques aims to enhance overall well-being, improve flexibility, and release tension in both the feet and the entire body.

Clients remain fully clothed during a Reflexology session. Loose and comfortable clothing is often recommended to allow for ease of movement during the stretching and massage techniques.

Reflexology sessions are performed either on my treatment table or on a “zero-gravity” chair, whichever is most comfortable for my clients.

European and Thai Reflexology is generally considered safe when performed by trained and experienced practitioners. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for individuals with certain foot and hand conditions or specific health issues like diabetic neuropathy, foot infections, ulcers or wounds, severe fungal infections, warts etc. It’s important for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional before trying reflexology if they have underlying health concerns.

Reflexology is not a regulated profession in the Province of Alberta.