Acupuncture

Experience holistic healing.

Acupuncture & TCM

We are excited to announce that we are now offering acupuncture at Academy Massage Therapy. We have a team of two talented TCM doctors who also offer other therapeutic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments, such as acupressure meridian massage, fire cupping and more. Both Dr. Ruth and Dr. Zou offer a well-rounded approach to various ailments and concerns, not just focusing on disease treatment and chronic pain — but the root cause of these conditions.

They are currently accepting new clients! We offer flexible availability — daytime, evening and weekend appointments. To get started, book your initial consultation online or over the phone by calling 204.489.5050. We recommend all clients book an initial consult to determine an effective course of treatment, and discuss the various TCM treatment options that might be effective.

Make sure to check out their full staff bios down below.

  • After your initial consult, treatments are typically 45-60 minutes.

  • Your initial consult and first acupuncture treatment will be $100, with subsequent treatments priced at $85-$100 depending on the course of treatment.

    Treatments may also include aspects of acupressure, cupping and acupotomy.

  • Everyone can benefit from the relaxing and balancing effects of this holistic treatment, but there are a variety of medical conditions and health concerns that can be treated through acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

    Read more about what can be treated through acupuncture and TCM treatments below.

  • Your initial consultation and treatment will typically be around 60 minutes, and subsequent treatments around 45-60 minutes depending on your needs. Initial consults can be booked online or over the phone.

  • Please wear loose clothing that can easily be rolled up to your appointment, as you will often need to expose your neck, stomach, knees, ankles, etc. There will be shorts available at the clinic when needed.

  • Acupuncture is covered by many insurance companies. You’ll often find your available coverage balance (eg. $800 a year) for massage therapy is also applied to acupuncture.

    We offer direct billing to the same providers we’ve partnered with for massage therapy coverage. Please ensure that your insurance coverage is on file and up to date with us prior to your initial treatment. We do recommend that you process payment prior to your treatment.

    For more information on direct billing and our supported providers click here.

What Can Be Treated Through Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a relaxing and safe treatment that everyone should experience! You may find acupuncture is beneficial to your mental and physical health simply through the endorphins, or “feel-good” chemicals, that are released during your treatment. It can help ease pain and stiffness, reduce anxiety, and even improve your quality of sleep.

Acupuncture is used to relieve pain and symptoms associated with a variety of diseases and health conditions, including:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Back and Knee Pain•Low Back Pain•“Frozen Shoulder”•Sciatica•Osteoarthritis•Carpal Tunnel Syndrome•Fibromyalgia•Chronic Fatigue•Sports Injuries & Pains•Arthritis

Reproductive & Gynaecological Conditions

Hormone imbalance•Premenstrual Syndrome•Cramps•Menopause•PCOS•Spotting and Excessive Bleeding• Amenorrhea• Impotence• Infertility•Fertility Concerns•Incontinence•Prostatis

Mental Health Symptoms & Conditions

Stress•Anxiety•Depression•PTSD•Insomnia•TMJ/TMD•Chronic Fatigue

Neurologic Disorders

Stroke•Headaches and Migraines•Trigeminal Neuralgias•Facial Palsy (Bell Palsy)•Peripheral Neuropathies• Meniere’s Disease•
Bladder Dysfunction•Enuresis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Spasms of esophagus•Grstaoptosis•Acute and Chronic Gastritis•Gastric Hyperacidity•Ulcers•Acute and Chronic Colitis•GERD•Crohn’s Disease

Respiratory System

Acute Bronchitis• Bronchial Asthma

Mouth Disorders

Toothache•Post Extraction Pain•Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis

Meet Dr. Ruth

Headshot of Dr. Ruki our resident acupuncturist.

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Dr. Ruth is a doctor of Chinese medicine. She attended the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture College of Manitoba for four years and has been actively practicing TCM in the community for several years.

Ruth’s main focus at our clinic is acupuncture, but she also specializes in a variety of therapeutic treatments, including acupressure meridian massage (needless acupuncture), fire cupping, facial lifting, mesotherapy and herbology.

She has extensive experience treating patients who deal with chronic pain, such as stiff neck, upper & lower back pain, sciatica pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic headaches & migraines — and more. She also works with clients suffering from mental health ailments, like depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue — or those who are just looking to improve their energy levels and overall quality of life. She also works with womxn struggling with hormonal issues, like menopause, endometriosis, skin issues, fertility, and even metabolic disorders like PCOS. Digestive issues are also a common reason to seek out a TCM practitioner, and Ruth often sees patients dealing with indigestion & gut issues.

Most clients turn to TCM practitioners like Dr. Ruth after Western medicine has failed them, or they’re concerned about the side effects of pills and prescriptions. Dr. Ruth offers a well-rounded approach to her client care, often incorporating various TCM practices into your unique treatment plan. We recommend booking an initial consult with her to get started. If you’re not a fan of needles, acupressure may be recommended as an alternative to traditional acupuncture.

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed above or are just looking to explore the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine, book a consult with Dr. Ruth at Academy Massage Therapy.

Meet Dr. Wei Zou

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Meet Dr. Wei Zou, our newest addition to our team of highly skilled acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Dr. Wei Zou, who also goes by Dr. Ac. Wayne Zou, brings a wealth of experience to our practice, with a decade of medical expertise gained while practicing as a physician in China.

Dr. Zou worked as a physician in China for 10 years. He graduated from Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, where he studied both modern Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for five years, and studied for additional three years to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Hematology.

In Canada, he has practiced as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Acupressure Therapist for five years. His services include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, and specialized treatments like Cupping, Blood Letting Therapy, and Dragon-Fire Therapy.

Dr. Zou is well-equipped to address a wide range of symptoms and health concerns, including anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, depression, insomnia, migraines, digestive problems, stress, infertility, addiction and weight management. With his extensive background, he has become an expert in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including hematologic diseases, autoimmune disorders, oncological issues, and various common health imbalances such as pain, sleep disturbances, and suboptimal health.

We are proud to have Dr. Zou as part of our dedicated team, and he looks forward to providing you with comprehensive and effective healthcare solutions. Don't hesitate to reach out to Dr. Wei Zou for personalized care and holistic treatment tailored to your unique needs.

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

What To Expect

Acupuncturists believe that certain medical conditions result from a blockage or imbalance in the natural flow of your energy channels, called “Qi”. They work to release, unblock and thereby restore your natural Qi via your body’s pressure points. Acupuncture does this by stimulating homeostasis, which serves as your body’s internal regulation and checks and balances system.

After learning about your lifestyle, medical history, previous treatments, and any applicable symptoms, our resident acupuncturist will insert thin needles into these acupuncture points, which will stimulate your body’s central nervous system and release certain chemicals in your muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Other chemicals and hormones are released in the body as a result, which can help to improve pain and other medical complaints.

After the needles have been carefully inserted, you will be left in a comfortable position with soothing music playing, so you can tune out and enjoy the relaxing sensation and endorphin release that is acupuncture. Some clients will find they fall asleep during their treatment, or experience a feeling of floating alongside a tingling or warming sensation. Other sensations that may be felt are heaviness, heat and cold — it is unique to the individual. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are re-balanced and stimulated, and healing begins to take place. Depending on your treatment, you may find you leave the clinic feeling energized and energetic, or you may leave feeling relaxed in a zen like state.

We recommend that you wear loose clothing, and process payment or insurance needs prior to your appointment.