• How does Acupuncture work?
• Does Acupuncture hurt?
• What is Acupuncture good for?
• It’s my first time at Six Degrees. How should I prepare?
• How is Private different from Community?
• What is NADA?
• How much does it cost?
• What is a sliding scale? How do I know what to pay?
• How does Six Degrees make a sliding scale work?
• How do I book an appointment?

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How does Acupuncture work?

There are many theories on how Acupuncture works. We can talk about Qi, or we can connect Western science understandings of electrons and neutrons to our whole heath, or speak to Acupuncture releasing endorphins (hormones) to bring about better health.

We can give you an explanation of how Acupuncture works and you may or may not agree, but for us, the proof is in the pudding.

We know Acupuncture works because it has been working for over 3000 years and we have seen this in our practice from treating 1000’s of people since we opened in 2007. We invite you to come and see for yourself, give the medicine a fair trial and experience the benefits. Depending on what your concerns are we may suggest 3-5 weekly treatments, 1 treatment per month or ask for 3 months of regular treatment to treat more chronic concerns. This medicine works best with regularity and frequency, that’s partially why we work with Community Acupuncture, this system allows us to work with the medicine as it is meant to work. We know you can feel better, book now and experience the relief yourself.
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Does Acupuncture hurt?

Will it hurt?
The sensation of needling varies from point to point and from person to person. Yes, you will likely feel some of the needles go in. The initial “prick” immediately settles into sensations of nothing, itchy, warm, tingling, or zingy, then, as you rest it settles to nothing. Depending on what we are working on you may feel a subtle throb or pulse in some or all of the needles throughout or at various moments during your treatment.

This is not no pain no gain, if you feel uncomfortable at any point or are distracted by the needle sensation we ask that you let us know so we can help you get comfortable & rest.

I am afraid of needles, I can’t do Acupuncture, right?
Actually, you can … Of course, you decide what’s best for you. If you have been told that Acupuncture would benefit your concerns and the only thing stopping you is fear, then we have a solution. We can use the finest needles we have and warm you up by starting with less and adding more to each session as you feel comfortable. Acupuncture is adaptable, we don’t need to do a lot of points to have an effective treatment. Often, with folks who are scared, we start small and work into it. It is definitely worth a try, just let us know what you’re comfortable with when you come.
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What is Acupuncture good for?

We have seen Acupuncture work for many people and many conditions.

Acupuncture can respond to acute & chronic conditions such as :

Acute: breaks, sprains, strains, headaches, stomach upset, stress, occasional sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, emotional release after break up, moves or particularly stressful times at work/school.

Chronic: insomnia, IBS, Chron’s, Lupus, Immune weakness, MCS, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, reoccurring headaches, PMS (mild to severe), Chronic Pain,

Acupuncture also offers support for: Fertility, pregnancy, managing side effects of drugs & medications, quitting or reducing substance use / smoking, maintaining balanced health & wellness, preventing any of the above mentioned concerns.
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It’s my first time at Six Degrees. How should I prepare?

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early at your first appointment.

When you arrive, please leave your shoes at the front. You will be asked to fill out an intake form. Our office assistant or your practitioner will show you how the payment system works. We only take cash or cheque. Make sure that you can roll up your pants to above your knees. We have some loose pants that you could change into or you can bring your own and change here.

When you are ready, enter the community acupuncture room and grab a sheet from the shelf on your left. Put down the sheet on the recliner, and take a seat. Your practitioner will be with you when they are ready. You could also use the eye masks, ear plugs, blankets and cushions provided for your comfort.

After your treatment is finished, please return what you have used onto the shelf.

We encourage you to check out this welcome package to learn more about what to expect when you come for a community acupuncture treatment.

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How is Private different from Community?

Private Acupuncture sessions at Six Degrees are an Acupuncture treatment in a private room. The Acupuncturist may or may not include other stems of Chinese Medicine such as cupping and moxa or you might choose too book a combination treatment such as Shiatsu and Acupuncture.

Some people prefer the community setting, while others prefer a private setting. Occasionally we determine that a private setting will allow us to offer more effective care, or you may want more time with your Acupuncturist to talk more.
The fee for a private session is more because we are booked for a whole hour with you as opposed to being able to book 4 people per hour in the community setting. The quality of the Acupuncture treatment is the same, the difference lies in preference, time with the practitioner and occasional need as determined by the Acupuncturist. We do step out for approximately 30 min while the needles are in to allow for deeper relaxation and healing.
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What is NADA?

NADA stands for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. This treatment uses points in the ear to support people managing addiction, trauma and stress. Developed in part by Dr. Mutulu Shakur this treatment is a main root of Community Acupuncture and is used widely in many rehab and addiction management programs around the world.
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How much does it cost?

Community Acupuncture costs $75-30 per weekly session. For your first session we charge an additional $15 assessment fee. For any other treatment in the same week (Mon – Sat) the sliding scale moves down to $15-35 for that session.

For private Acupuncture we charge $65-80.

For NADA sessions we offer a 5 session package for $65 or you can come once for $15.

Please see here for our full list of fees. Please note that at the moment we only take cash or cheque.
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What is a sliding scale? How do I know what to pay?

A sliding scale is a range of what you can pay for your treatment. You decide how much you can afford within that range. Take into consideration what your own finances are & how often we have asked you to come (your treatment plan). If you have benefits or have a stable income please consider paying higher on the scale, but please don’t compromise a treatment plan. We want you to be able to come regularly, which might mean paying less for a longer period of time so you can use your benefits wisely and really get better. To learn more about how to decide what to pay, check our this document about our engaged economic system at Six Degrees.
Please note that at the moment we only take cash or cheque.
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How does Six Degrees make a sliding scale work?

The way this works is with volume. By offering a sliding scale system we can provide more people with access to regular treatment. It works because our clients spread the word. Power in numbers! We need lots of people to use Acupuncture to ensure sustainability for the centre, all the people who receive treatment here and the practitioners.

So, the best thing you can do for us is to promote us! Like our Facebook Page! Talk about how you’re feeling better, be sure to take some cards and pass them to friends when they ask what you are doing to feel better!
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How do I book an appointment?

For Community and private acupuncture you can book appointments online, or you can call 416.866.8484. Drop ins are welcome, but we advise to call ahead first or check online to see if there is space.
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