Acupuncture at PRE Therapy
At PRE Therapy, acupuncture services are currently offered at our Richmond clinic on select days.
Guided by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture focuses on both the root cause and your symptoms to support long-term balance and overall wellness.
We follow a simple three-step approach:
Assessment
Understand your health concerns and find the root cause
Treatment
Use acupuncture to reduce pain, support healing, and improve your body’s energy flow
Maintenance
Keep you feeling your best with a personalized care plan
Each session is tailored to your needs, with a plan designed to support lasting health benefits. Treatments may include a combination of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping therapy, gua sha, and Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage), depending on your condition.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments do more than relieve symptoms. Regular sessions can support long-term balance across physical, mental, and emotional health.
Whether you spend long hours at a desk or maintain an active lifestyle, acupuncture treatments can help restore balance, prevent ongoing strain, and boost overall health. Our licensed acupuncturists create treatment plans that fit your needs, helping you feel better and maintain long-term wellness.
Some of the most common benefits include:
Reducing Pain and Inflammation
Improving Circulation and Energy Flow
Lowering Stress and Anxiety
Helping You Sleep Better
Supporting Digestive, Hormonal, and Immune Health
Aiding Recovery from Injuries and Preventing Future Strain
Meet Our Team
The PRE Therapy Team
Our multi-disciplinary clinic offers Acupuncture, Registered Massage Therapy, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Kinesiology / Active Rehabilitation, Chiropractic, and Physiotherapy.
Our practitioners work together to create personalized care plans, combining therapies to support recovery, restore mobility, and improve overall health. Visit us in Richmond for an acupuncture appointment.
We’re a group of collective learners committed to helping you build a sustainable, healthy body.
Conditions We Treat
We use acupuncture as a treatment for pain management and several other different health conditions, including:
Back pain (i.e. Low back pain, stiffness and sciatica, etc.)
Neck and shoulder tension
Sports injuries, muscle strains, and tendonitis
Headaches and migraines
Joint pain (i.e. Knee, hip, etc.)
Nerve pain and generalized body pain
Fatigue and low energy
Central nervous system / mental health support
Stress, anxiety, and sleep concerns (i.e. insomnia)
Digestive issues (i.e. bloating, constipation, IBS)
Menstrual concerns (i.e. cramps, PMS, irregular cycles)
ICBC / motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries
Modalities & Techniques
Based on an individualized assessment using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, a combination of the following techniques may be used:
Acupuncture Needles
Electro-acupuncture
Cupping Therapy
Gua Sha
Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage)
Acupuncture vs. IMS
These two needle-based treatments have two quite different philosophies. Here are the differences between each type of acupuncture:
Acupuncture
Ancient Chinese medicine
Acupuncture treats the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, often addressing root causes alongside symptoms. Fine needles are inserted at specific points along energy pathways (meridians) to restore the flow of qi.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Western, physiotherapy-based treatment
IMS is rooted in Western anatomy and neuroscience, not energy theory. Dry needles are inserted directly into tight muscle bands (trigger points) to release dysfunction caused by nerve irritation.
Book an Acupuncture Appointment Now
Open 7 Days a Week. Direct Billing Available.
What to Expect For Your First Acupuncture Visit
Initial Visit (60 minutes)
Your first visit includes a comprehensive assessment and treatment at our Richmond clinic. Before we perform any acupuncture treatment, We will discuss your main concerns, health history, and current symptoms, followed by traditional assessment methods such as tongue and pulse evaluation. Based on this, personalized treatment options will be provided.
Your First Acupuncture Appointment
Most patients find acupuncture relaxing and may fall asleep during the session. Sterile needles are gently inserted into acupuncture points; you may feel a slight pinch, along with mild sensations like warmth, heaviness, or tingling—these are normal signs your body is responding.
Once needles are inserted, you'll be left to rest quietly. A call button will be provided should you need assistance at any time.
Some patients notice improvement after the first session; others may require multiple treatments. Acute conditions tend to respond more quickly than chronic ones. As Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach, consistent care focused on both root cause and symptoms leads to the best long-term results.
Acupuncture works best alongside supportive lifestyle and dietary habits, and personalized recommendations may be provided between visits.
Before your visit
Please be sure to avoid going to your appointment on an empty stomach by eating a light meal and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing before arriving. Avoid coming on an empty stomach.
FAQs
+ What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves gently inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, reduce pain, and support overall health. Licensed acupuncturists develop individualized treatment plans based on your health needs and goals.
+ Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is generally painless. Most patients feel a slight sensation or pressure at the needle site, but discomfort is minimal. Treatments are gentle and adapted to your comfort level.
+ How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of acupuncture sessions depends on your condition and goals. Your acupuncturist will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, usually starting with weekly sessions and adjusting as progress is made.
+ What should I expect during my first acupuncture session?
Your first acupuncture session includes a full assessment and treatment. Your practitioner will review your health history, discuss your symptoms, and use methods like tongue and pulse evaluation to guide your care. The treatment is typically relaxing, with gentle needle insertion and minimal discomfort, followed by a period of rest.
+ What modalities are used in acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture treatments may include techniques such as acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping therapy, gua sha, and Tui Na massage. These are selected based on your condition to help reduce pain, improve circulation, and support overall healing.