Our students put theory to practice in the acupuncture teaching clinic. Serving members of the public, these practitioners-in-training provide treatment for a variety of health concerns.
If you would like to experience the benefits of acupuncture, we encourage you to visit our teaching clinic. Here we provide a hands-on learning experience for our students and a positive treatment experience for our patients. Student practitioners are supervised closely by experienced clinicians.
You will be treated by a student acupuncturist who will work with you closely. Other student acupuncturists and observers may be involved with your treatment. Clinic instructors also provide treatments on a limited basis.
Before your Treatment
You will be asked to complete the Patient Information Intake Form to provide a detailed history of your health and the condition(s) you want to be treated for. The student acupuncturists use the Patient Information Intake Form, along with an initial consultation, to decide on a treatment plan. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance in completing the form. Experienced clinicians may not be present during your treatment(s), but they do advise and consult with student acupuncturists and approve treatment plans.
You can download and complete the Patient Information Intake Form and bring it with you to your first appointment.
Patient Information Intake Form
During your Treatment
Do not hesitate to ask for clarification about treatments during your initial consultation and subsequent treatments. Please discuss with your intern the sensations you are experiencing during treatments.
The Clinic supplies gowns, fleece sheets, pillows and bolsters to help with your comfort.
Certain adverse side effects may result from treatments which could include but are not limited to:
- local bruising
- minor bleeding
- fainting
- temporary pain or discomfort and
- temporary aggravation of symptoms.
Acupuncture has been safely practiced for centuries but no guarantees are given concerning the effectiveness of treatments.
Number of Treatments
In order to provide the students with a productive learning experience, it is preferred you receive a minimum of five consecutive treatments by one intern.
Your treatments may be limited based on the range of learning opportunities. If your intern has received a complete understanding of how to treat your condition, another intern may be assigned to treat you if you wish to continue with your treatments.
Fee for Treatments
The Acupuncture Teaching Clinic charges a fee of $15.00 per treatment. The fee covers the cost of supplies for the clinic. There is no fee charged for the actual acupuncture treatment.
We do not accept cash. Payments can be made by debit or credit card.
The MacEwan University Acupuncture Teaching Clinic cannot treat patients whose conditions are part of an active motor vehicle injury claim or a Workers' Compensation Board claim.
The Clinic cannot supply reports to third parties such as insurance companies, lawyers or the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a range of modalities to stimulate the body’s innate healing capacity and to establish a balanced state of health. In the MacEwan University Acupuncture Teaching Clinic, the following modalities are used:
Acupuncture
Thin, disposable, sterile needles are inserted in acupuncture points located throughout the body. This stimulates the body’s healing response and helps with pain relief. Needling may sometimes cause a tingling sensation and/or, a dull, heavy or aching feeling. Usually the treatment is relaxing and not painful. The needles are left in place for about 15-30 minutes and may be manipulated after insertion. Acupuncture techniques may include traditional body needling, electric, laser and auricular (ear) acupuncture.
Moxibustion
For certain conditions, acupuncture points will be warmed by burning the Mugwort herb above the area of treatment. During this treatment, your intern will ask for your feedback to avoid skin irritation or burns. The smoke from Moxibustion gives the clinic a distinctive odour.
Cupping
Cupping involves placing plastic or glass suctioning cups on the body. Cupping may leave marks of small bruising that generally disappear after several days to a week.
Tuina and Acupressure
Tuina is a form of Chinese massage or manual therapy.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves rubbing the skin with a special tool or spoon. It will leave some temporary marks on the skin that look like a rash.
TDP Heat Lamp
TDP heat lamps contain a mineral plate which radiates infrared heat to the body.
There are a few things you can do to maximize the effectiveness and comfort of your experience in the Acupuncture Teaching Clinic:
- Arrive on time for your appointment. Appointments are booked in 90-minute time slots. Due to the high demand for acupuncture treatments, the interns will not be able to extend treatments beyond the allotted time. If you are late for your appointment, your treatment may be shortened accordingly or your appointment will be cancelled.
- Cancel if needed. If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, we would appreciate 24-hours notice. This allows us to schedule another patient for treatment during that time.
- Eat something before coming in for your treatment.
- Turn off cell phones. The Acupuncture Teaching Clinic is intended to model a healing environment. Cell phones and/or pagers are to be turned off while in the Clinic reception area and treatment rooms.
Inappropriate behaviour and/or abusive language towards student interns and staff of MacEwan University will not be tolerated. Treatment will be denied to patients who conduct themselves inappropriately.