Hi, I'm Freeman.

Mostly, no. The needles I use are about as thick as a human hair — much thinner than the kind you’d see at a blood draw. Most people feel a brief tap, then sometimes a dull ache or warmth around the point that fades within a minute.

If something feels sharp or distinctly uncomfortable, tell me. I’ll adjust. The goal is for you to be relaxed enough that you’d consider taking a nap — not braced.

It depends on what we’re working on and how long it’s been going on. For an acute issue — a tweaked back, a sudden migraine — sometimes one or two sessions is enough. For something chronic, I usually suggest a course of four to six and then we reassess together. I’ll always tell you what I’m seeing and we can decide what’s worth continuing.

Yes. We support most major insurance providers, including Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Greenshield, and others. Please have your insurance information ready for your first visit so we can help with registration. If your provider is not on our supported list, please ask the front desk, or we can provide a receipt for you to submit manually.

Yes. If you require acupuncture treatment for injuries related to a motor vehicle accident — including emotional distress — and your case has been reported to ICBC with a valid claim number, you are welcome to contact us.

Not at all. In addition to accident-related symptoms, you are encouraged to bring up any other health concerns you would like to improve. One of the benefits of ICBC acupuncture treatment is that while we focus on your accident-related recovery, we can also support other aspects of your health, helping to improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

Eat something an hour or two beforehand — needles on an empty stomach can feel a little loopy. Wear something loose if you can. And come a few minutes early the first time so we have space to talk before getting on the table.

Please do — a list or photo of the labels works. I’d rather know everything you’re already on so any herbs I prescribe complement, rather than collide with, what you’re doing.

Wonderful. About half the people I see are walking in for the first time. I’ll explain what I’m doing as we go, you can ask anything, and there is no expectation that you arrive knowing the vocabulary. That’s part of what I’m here for.