ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL MEDICINE

(403) 807-7806

info@synthera.ca

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fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

F.A.Q.s

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Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by our patients and prospective patients. If you have a question that is not listed below, please feel free to contact us via phone or text at 403-807-7806 or via email at info@synthera.ca.

Acupuncture is one of the four main pillars of one of the oldest systems of medicine still being practiced in the world today, Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of solid, hair-thin, metal needles into specific points on your skin to either stimulate or regulate the flow of an energy called qi. The premise is that good health is predicated on the smooth and regulated flow of qi, and when its movement is compromised, symptoms, and ultimately, ill-health result.

The goal of acupuncture treatment is to resolve imbalances in energy and blood flow to ensure continued good health or to resolve a health condition or symptom. Studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective, drug-free option for an increasing variety of acute and chronic health conditions.

Like herbal medicine, food therapy, and other modalities of Chinese medicine, acupuncture works through a system of channels called meridians. The meridians, much like your blood vessels and nerves, form a network that connects every cell, tissue, and organ of your body.

Through the meridians runs your life force energy or qi. Special points (“acupoints”) distributed along the 14 major meridians of your body are used in acupuncture to nourish, regulate, balance, and harmonize your qi. There are hundreds of acupuncture points on your body. Each point not only has its own specific effects on your qi but can also be used in combination with other acupoints to target specific areas and/or the conditions you wish to be treated. The effects of acupoints and acupoint combinations are further refined by how the acupuncture needles are gently manipulated during your treatment.

Acupuncture works to increase or decrease the flow of qi and other nourishment to an area much like a dimmer switch is used to increase or decrease the intensity of light. The needles stimulate your innate healing capabilities to help bring about positive changes to a symptom or illness, rebalance your body, and encourage your body to release substances such as endorphins, hormones, neurotransmitters, energy molecules, etc

Acupuncture has broad applications in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions as well as in the treatment of physical and mental illness. Whilst we will not provide an exhaustive list here, below are just some of the conditions we treat with acupuncture alone or in combination with other therapies Synthera offers:

Acupuncture can effectively treat a wide variety of health conditions. However, as it is with all forms of medicine, there are extraordinary accounts of cures for seemingly intractable problems, and there are also cases where recovery, despite strong dedication and persistence, has been beyond the scope of acupuncture. Ultimately, the best way to discover if acupuncture is helpful for you is to try it.

Some conditions require more than just acupuncture to resolve deeply embedded patterns of imbalance. These illnesses require a multi-modal approach, which frequently includes herbal medicine, lifestyle, and dietary modifications. These changes can be difficult for some and we understand that there is often a struggle between the need for change and the desire to hold on to what is familiar and comfortable. For this reason, treatment outcomes are difficult to predict as your choices become an important factor in your healing.

Please contact us at (403)807-7806 or email us at info@synthera.ca if you have any questions.

Yes. Chinese medicine and acupuncture is fundamentally wellness medicine. Our goal is to keep you, your body, and your mind at the health end of the health-disease continuum as long as possible. We have excellent treatments to help support your wellness.

Acupuncture is a very safe treatment modality. When you receive treatment from a properly trained, qualified, and licensed practitioner, you can be confident that your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance.

We are registered acupuncturists and are required to carry medical malpractice and liability insurance. We also use only pre-sterilized needles, which are safely disposed of after your treatment. Needles are never reused between patients.

As careful as we are when administering acupuncture, minor side effects do sometimes occur such as localized bruising at acupoints. These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own fairly quickly.

Generally speaking, acupuncture treatments are not painful. In fact, many people do not feel the needles during treatment at all. If a sensation is felt, it typically is at the beginning of your treatment when a needle is being inserted and gently manipulated: You may feel a small pinch (much like a mosquito bite) that may be followed by a feeling of warmth, tingling, numbness, a dull ache, heaviness, and/or warm fluid. These feelings usually dissipate quickly. Beyond the possible sensations felt as acupuncture is being administered, the experience of acupuncture is very relaxing. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep during treatment and wake up feeling energized and refreshed.

Before acupuncture is administered, an assessment and diagnosis is completed. The assessment and diagnosis can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on your state of health and/or the nature of your condition. This appointment can be scheduled on its own or it can be scheduled together with your first acupuncture treatment.

Once the assessment and diagnosis are complete, acupuncture is given. Depending on where we need to place the needles, you may be asked to disrobe to varying degrees. Modesty is always respected and you will be provided clean sheets to keep your body covered. Only areas that need to be worked on are exposed.

To specifically locate acupuncture points we must touch you. This is done respectfully and with your consent, especially if we are needling areas which may be triggering for some people, such as the throat or lower abdomen. Once an acupoint is located, the area is cleaned with Stanhexidine and the needle is quickly tapped into the skin. You will be asked if the needle feels okay before we gently insert the needle to the required depth. This is done for every needle used in the treatment. Once all needles are in place, they will be retained for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the goals of the treatment.

Depending on the person and/or the focus of the treatment itself, the immediate effects of acupuncture can vary. For some people, they desire to continue resting, whereas for others, they are greatly energized. Some will experience an immediate improvement in their symptoms and/or pain, and, for others, the effects of the treatment become more evident several days later.

The number and frequency of treatments are dependent on your individual needs and how long your health condition has been present. For acute and more superficial problems, one or two treatments may be all that is needed to resolve your issue. For long-standing, chronic conditions and serious illnesses, it will take a relatively longer timeframe to correct established patterns of imbalance.

Studies have shown that the beneficial effects of acupuncture are cumulative: with frequent acupuncture treatments over an extended period of time, a greater effect is achieved. Some of the positive effects of acupuncture, such as improved relaxation and sleep, can be experienced quickly. Deeper improvements usually require a lengthier series of treatments. Many people come once a week or every other week until they achieve a level of benefit that can be maintained for longer periods of time without treatment. As your symptoms improve, fewer visits are required.

Yes. Acupuncture is effective for treating numerous challenges women may experience during pregnancy, including avoiding miscarriage, relieving morning sickness, fluid retention and edema, gestational diabetes, back and hip pain, and indigestion. Acupuncture is also effective for inducing labor and can help correct malposition and malpresentation of the fetus in the final trimester.

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."

Nido Qubein

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OUR CLIENTS LOVE WHAT WE DO

I have had two episodes of Bell’s palsy approximately one year apart. The first time, I was told by the emergency room doctor that I would never get the paralysis out of the right side of my face. I went to see Val the next day we set up 3 to 4 treatments per week. In about 4 weeks the paralysis was 99% gone. I was still experiencing some mild trouble closing my eyelid completely. The second time the doctor thought I was having a stroke right in from of him. After doing all their tests they told me it was Bell’s palsy again. Again I was told I would never recover from the paralysis, this time on the left side of my face. I again did a B-line to Val’s office and we did the same 3 to 4 times a week regimen. Within the same timeframe, about 4 weeks, I was completely back to normal. There was no longer any paralysis, not even the eyelid.
David A.
I was a client of Val's back in 2010-2011, she was the first acupuncturist I had ever seen. Was amazed how she was able to help with a complicated nerve issue that no other modality could even touch. So, when another medical issue came up in 2021, I did not hesitate to start seeing her again. And what a difference it has made in my life. I highly recommend working with Val. She is very knowledgeable, caring, gentle and compassionate---and she listens. She is a credit to the healing arts and I wish more practitioners were like her.
Deb A.(Google)
I’m giving Val Kowal a 5-star review only because that’s the maximum allowed. I suffered a seriously painful sciatic attack and was reduced to walking with a cane. Upon my wife’s recommendation, I reluctantly made an appointment to be treated by Val Kowal’s acupuncture method. I was skeptical as I knew nothing about acupuncture. I parked one block from her clinic and hobbled in with my cane. Two hours later I literally danced back to my car. The success of the treatment was truly amazing. Val cautioned that the initial treatment would have a short-term positive effect but that a few subsequent treatments should completely abate my problem. True to her word, 3 more treatments were all that were required and to this day have no further pain. I would highly recommend Val Kowal to anyone requiring pain management.
Don G.
Absolutely amazing therapy. Have been dealing with Eye Tracking, Post Concussion, Traumatic Brain Injuries since 2010 with very little relief until I met Val. She has not only helped with my chronic headaches and neck pain (without causing dizziness/balance issues), but even helped with my eye tracking so much that I have been able to cancel my subsequent strabismus surgery. I highly recommend Synthetic Therapy [Synthera Therapeutics] it has literally changed my life.
Dean K.(Google)
Val is an excellent practitioner! Intuitive, knowledgeable, friendly and compassionate. I highly recommend her to people seeking a higher quality of treatment than is offered elsewhere.
Nick S.(Google)
I highly recommend Val for anyone looking for an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner of both western and eastern medicine. I have been seeing her for over a year now and she has successfully addressed multiple health issues that I was struggling with. Her understanding of both western and eastern medicine allows her to offer a unique approach to healthcare that is both comprehensive and effective. What sets Val apart is her extensive knowledge and experience in the field of acupuncture. She is highly educated and has a deep understanding of the art and science of acupuncture. Her treatments are always tailored to my individual needs and she takes the time to listen and understand my concerns. I highly recommend Val to anyone seeking a highly skilled and caring acupuncturist. Her expertise and compassionate care have truly made a difference in my health and well-being.
Monica A.B.(Google)
I first heard of Val Kowal over seventeen years ago when a work colleague of mine was treated by her for a back problem. I couldn’t believe the transformation that occurred in this lady, going from barely able to get out of her car to being literally comfortable after only one of Val’s acupuncture treatments. She continued with more treatments and after that I never saw her in pain again.
Gayle G. (Part 1)
As time went by and I began to wrestle with my own aches and pains I thought I’d try out this highly recommended acupuncturist. My first impression of Val was that of a compassionate and highly competent woman who truly cared about alleviating me of my pain. Clearly, acupuncture was and still is her profession but more importantly it’s her passion. She is driven by her desire and uncanny ability to help people. Over the years I’ve gone to Val for treatment of aches and pains of every nature and intensity and she has never failed to bring me great relief. Besides being a brilliant acupuncturist, she is also a certified practitioner of Chinese medicine. As a result, she helped me with reducing inflammation and therefore pain, in a hip that was due for replacement. Even though her knowledge is boundless, Val is constantly researching and studying, keeping up with and sometimes even ahead of the latest developments in her field. I can’t sum Val up in one word but if I was forced to, I’d say she’s amazing! My quality of life has been improved dramatically because of her. She is one of a kind and honestly, I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Gayle G. (Part 2)
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Suite 300, 8 Varsity Estates Circle NW Calgary, AB T3A 2Z3

(403) 807-7806

info@synthera.ca

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Tue – Thurs: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Fri: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Sat: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm

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