An acupuncturist is trained in traditional Chinese medicine to treat muscle and joint pain and stress management and to promote overall wellness.
Tips & Links
- An acupuncturist is formally trained and their practice is regulated by the College of Complimentary Health Professionals of BC.
- Acupuncture treatment uses hair-thin needles placed in specific locations of the body to treat acute and chronic pain.
- Learn more about their scope of practice and treatments from the CTCMA in BC.
- Learn more about acupuncture from Healthlink BC.
- Tell your physician or nurse practitioner that you are receiving acupuncture and your results and/or side effects.
- Be aware that extended or private health benefits in BC usually only cover treatments that are provided by certified practitioners.
- After retirement, revisit your extended health benefits. Are you covered by your employment pension or do you need to purchase your own benefits? Remember to include the cost of your health benefits or treatments in your financial planning.
- Learn about supplementary benefits and if you are eligible (low income, mental health, first nations, and others) to cover the cost of these therapies.
- Learn more about chronic pain from Healthlink BC.
- Keep a record of your pain on your health calendar or in your Mywell Health planner. Include when it started, description, level, and location of the pain, time of day, any connection to food or activities, impact on your sleep.
- Learn ways to get help, support, and resources from Pain BC. Contact their Pain Support Line at 1-884-880-PAIN.
- Learn about resources for chronic pain from the Division of Family Practice.
Tools – Handouts & Videos
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