Acupuncture in Richmond, from traditional to contemporary
Our registered practitioners offer fine-needle acupuncture, cupping and other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that ease symptoms while looking at the whole picture. Your care can be coordinated with your physiotherapist or RMT so your plan stays connected. A complimentary 15-minute meet and greet is available.
Registered acupuncturists and TCM practitioners.
Acupuncture Services
Traditional Acupuncture
Fine-needle acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, looking at the whole person to ease symptoms and support balance.
Contemporary / Western Acupuncture
Acupuncture applied using modern anatomy and neurophysiology, often aimed at specific muscles, nerves and pain patterns.
Pain Management Acupuncture
Acupuncture for acute and chronic pain, which may help reduce discomfort and support movement alongside your other treatment.
Sports Acupuncture
Acupuncture for athletes and active people, used to help ease muscle tension, support recovery from training and manage overuse injuries.
Injury Rehabilitation Acupuncture
Acupuncture alongside your rehab plan to help manage pain and muscle tension as an injury heals, coordinated with your physiotherapist or RMT.
ICBC / Motor Vehicle Acupuncture
Acupuncture for pain and tension after a car accident, with direct billing to ICBC. No doctor’s referral is needed to start.
Acupuncture Techniques
Techniques your acupuncture practitioner may use within your visit. Each one has its own page explaining what it involves and who else at Vitality offers it.
Meet our acupuncturists.
What happens at my first acupuncture visit?
Your practitioner asks about your symptoms and general health, then chooses points to suit you. Fine, sterile needles are placed and you rest quietly while they are in. Many people find it relaxing. If you would like to talk it through first, we offer a complimentary 15-minute meet and greet before you decide.
Do the needles hurt?
The needles are very fine. You may notice a brief pinch, a dull ache or tingling at some points, and your practitioner adjusts to your comfort. If you would prefer no needles, acupressure uses firm finger pressure on the same points. Cupping can leave round marks that usually fade within a few days.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies with your concern and how long you have had it. Your practitioner suggests a plan after your first visit and reviews it as you go. Visits run 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and a 60-minute visit is $110. Some people come for a short series, while others return for ongoing support.
What should I wear, and should I eat first?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, because points on the arms, legs, back or abdomen may need to be reached. It is usually best to have something light to eat beforehand rather than coming on an empty stomach. Bring your insurance details, and tell your practitioner about any medications or health conditions.
Do I need a referral, and is acupuncture covered?
No referral is needed. We direct bill ICBC for acupuncture after a car accident, and we also bill many extended health plans. Coverage varies, so check that your plan includes acupuncture and whether it needs a doctor’s note. Our coordinators can help you confirm before your appointment.
Can I combine acupuncture with physiotherapy or massage, and is it the same as dry needling?
You can combine them, and your care can be coordinated with your physiotherapist or RMT. Acupuncture takes a whole-person view, while IMS or dry needling targets tight muscle and irritated nerves. IMS is offered within physiotherapy and as a 30-minute acupuncture visit, so you can ask which suits you.
Direct billing, so you pay less at the desk.
We bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC, MSP and most extended health plans directly, including Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life and Green Shield. Bring your policy details to your first visit and we handle the rest. How direct billing works