When you arrive at the clinic, you will be asked to fill out a detailed intake form which asks questions about all aspects of your health and lifestyle. These details are a very important basis for determining a diagnosis. The Acupuncturist will talk with you about these details, take your pulses and look at your tongue.

At this point, your acupuncturist will make an assessment using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques, and create an individualized treatment plan for you including acupuncture, and possibly adjunctive treatments such as Cupping, Gua Sha, or Massage. This individualization of the treatments is one of the strong points of Chinese Medicine. It is why people may experience broad changes within themselves after receiving acupuncture for a specific complaint. It also means that the treatments can be modified over time.

The points your acupuncturist selects will be swabbed with isopropyl alcohol, and then she will insert fine, sterile, one use needles into the selected points. The needles are left in for 20 to 30 minutes. There is no pain or bleeding during that time. Many people feel a positive effect, physically or mentally, from the first treatment. Others will need more treatments to achieve results.

Your acupuncturist will likely describe the treatment and her intent with the points. She is also likely to offer various beneficial lifestyle changes which will help to improve your overall condition. This may include dietary changes, exercise, meditation, etc.

Preparing for Your Treatment

• Avoid coffee/stimulants before and after your treatment
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Avoid planning any strenuous activity right after your treatment
• Come to your appointment neither too full or too hungry
• Refrain from wearing any perfume/cologne or heavily scented body products
• Feel free to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have before and during treatments

Is Acupuncture Covered by Medical Insurance?

Many extended health insurance plans cover up to $500 of acupuncture each year. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Kristy Garry is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) in Victoria BC. She completed a four year, full time program at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is trained in all modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In addition to this, Kristy has taken extensive continuing education in Japanese Acupuncture, including the Japanese Acupuncture Certification program from Pacific Rim College in Victoria which covered a broad range of treatment techniques from Japan, including abdominal palpation and diagnosis, subtle needling techniques, moxibustion, use of intradermals, press tacks and press spheres, cupping and bloodletting techniques, Sotai, and non-needling pediatric (Shonishin) techniques. Kristy now almost exclusively uses Japanese Acupuncture styles in her clinical practice.

Other special training includes Acupuncture during pregnancy and labor, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and the NADA Auricular Acupuncture Protocol.

Kristy’s goal as a health practitioner is to inspire each of her patients to take an active role in the maintenance of their health and well being. She encourages preventative medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes for her patients as a means of staying in balance, both physically and mentally.

To Book an appointment Call 382-7246

#102-1625 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria, BC  V8R 1B1