Did you know If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) covered by ICBC on or after April 1, 2019, you are automatically pre-authorized (regardless of fault) for up to 12 acupuncture sessions?!
How can Acupuncture help?
After an accident we can often be shaken, emotional, a little or a lot traumatized and usually in pain. Acupuncture is a gentle and powerful technique that helps the body and mind come back into balance after going through an accident. By opening the channels, calming the mind and relieving pain, acupuncture allows you to heal from the accident and prepares the body for complementary therapies like massage, chiropractic or physiotherapy.
Acupuncture has been shown to:
– speed recovery by
- increasing blood flow to the site of injury
- increase cytokines release to reduce inflammation
- decrease production of stress hormones
- increase production of pain relieving endorphins
– improves the patient’s ability to deal with their injury
– helps regulate an individuals emotions i.e. depression, anxiety, fear, worry and sadness are common emotions someone may feel after an injury
– increases an individual’s energy levels
– helps an individual deal with their activities of daily living (ADL’s), by increasing the ability to – perform tasks that have become difficult since the injury
– enhances the patient’s quality of life
– reduces reliance on prescription medication and prevents associated side effects
Common symptoms of motor vehicle accidents/ whiplash:
Q & A
1. Do I need approval for treatment by my ICBC adjuster or a doctor’s referral?
– no, the first 12 treatments within 12 weeks of the date of your accident do not require approval or a referral. You just need your ICBC claim number. If more treatments are need this can be requested.
2) How much do treatments cost?
– treatments are entirely covered by ICBC and they are directly billed so you don’t need to pay anything up front.
3) what treatments will I receive?
– you will receive a combination of acupuncture and/or cupping, along with gua sha ( scraping) and tui Na (Chinese massage) and lifestyle suggestions, if deemed necessary.
4) how long and how often should I get treated?
– the best results are seen when you come in twice a week for the first month and then once a week after that. The treatment plan will be discussed on your first appt based on your condition.
5) After the accident I lost my appetite, had troubles sleeping and developed a panic disorder. Can acupuncture help with this?
– Trauma to the body and nervous system is common after accidents. Acupuncture excels at treating trauma, mental and emotional imbalances and sleeping disorders, as well as pain and digestive concerns.
6) A child was also involved in the accident, can they also receive acupuncture?
– absolutely, we use extra small needles with a shorter retention time for children. If they are scared of needles, then we can use acupressure and ear seeds.
