Ottawa · West Hunt Club Open Saturdays
(613) 226-8142
Merivale Chiropractic & Massage Clinic
New patient? Book online
Menu

Acupuncture

Acupuncture

A fine-needle technique used for pain management, headaches, stress, and complementary care.

Book an appointment All services

About acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is increasingly recognized in Western medicine as a complementary treatment for certain conditions. At Merivale Clinic, acupuncture is used as part of an individualized care plan following an assessment. It may be recommended on its own or combined with chiropractic care and massage therapy. Common reasons patients seek acupuncture include musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches, migraines, stress and anxiety, TMJ discomfort, and support during injury recovery. The practitioner selects needle placement based on your specific concern and assessment findings. Sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes, including a rest period while the needles are in place. Most patients describe the experience as relaxing.

What to expect

  1. 1 A health intake and discussion of your concern, history, and goals
  2. 2 An assessment to determine whether acupuncture is suitable for your situation
  3. 3 Placement of fine, single-use needles at selected points, with minimal sensation
  4. 4 A rest period of 15 to 25 minutes while the needles remain in place
  5. 5 A review of how you respond, self-care guidance, and a plan for follow-up sessions

Acupuncture sessions are available individually or as a 6-session package at a reduced rate. Some extended health plans cover acupuncture. Check with your insurer for your specific coverage. Suitability is assessed individually.

Common questions about acupuncture

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture uses very fine, single-use needles that are much thinner than injection needles (about the width of a human hair). Most people feel a brief sensation on insertion, then little to no discomfort. Many patients find sessions deeply relaxing and some fall asleep during the rest period.
What conditions can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is commonly used for musculoskeletal pain, headaches, migraines, TMJ discomfort, stress and anxiety, nerve-related symptoms, and support during injury recovery. At Merivale Clinic, it is offered as part of an individualized care plan. Research support varies by condition, and suitability depends on your specific situation.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your condition, how long it has been present, and your individual response. Some people notice changes after one or two sessions; chronic conditions may benefit from a longer course of four to eight sessions. Your practitioner reassesses and adjusts the plan as you progress.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Ontario?
Many extended health plans now cover acupuncture when provided by a qualified practitioner. Coverage limits vary by insurer and plan. We provide receipts for insurance submission. Check with your benefits provider to confirm your specific coverage before booking.
Can acupuncture be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. At Merivale Clinic, acupuncture is often used alongside chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Your practitioner can recommend whether a combined plan is appropriate based on your assessment.
How much does acupuncture cost at Merivale Clinic?
A single acupuncture session is $100. A package of six sessions is available for $500, offering a reduced per-session rate. Fees may be updated periodically. Call the clinic to confirm current pricing.

Explore other services

Chiropractic care Assessment and hands-on care for the spine, joints, nerves, and movement. Massage therapy Registered massage therapy for muscles, tension, and soft-tissue rehabilitation. Shockwave therapy Non-invasive acoustic-wave treatment for chronic tendon conditions and soft-tissue pain. Custom orthotics Custom-made foot orthotics for arch support, gait correction, and pain relief. CoreScore assessment Non-invasive nervous-system scanning used as part of a chiropractic assessment.
Book an appointment All services

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich

Chiropractor · D.C., B.Sc. (Hons)

Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, Shockwave therapy, Custom orthotics, CoreScore assessment

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich is a board-certified chiropractor in the province of Ontario with a special interest in working with families. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, provides acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and orthotics as adjunctive therapies, and is a traditionally trained yoga teacher. Dr. Tatyana is the founder of Urban Panda Health and Wellness, a company created to help decrease chemical, physical and emotional stressors in the lives of families through health seminars, yoga classes and stress reduction workshops.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich graduated Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree with a focus in Human Kinetics. She then went on to complete her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Before graduating with her doctorate in 2009 she was awarded two clinical internships at Anishnawbe Health Center and South Riverdale Community Health Center in Toronto.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich has a very personal reason for deciding to dedicate her life to helping families through chiropractic care. After a traumatic birth, she would not sleep, cried constantly and refused any source of nourishment. Like in many births, forceps and suction were used to help in the delivery process. This caused trauma to her neck and head. Desperate for a way to help Tatyana, her mother took her to a chiropractor. It was on this visit that tight muscles and a blocked cervical joint were located in her neck. It was after a chiropractic adjustment that she was able to latch and sleep through the night.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich offers a wide range of treatment styles including Diversified, Koren Specific Technique, Thompson, cupping, muscle release therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue treatment. She is also certified in Webster's technique, is licensed to perform acupuncture and can dispense custom-made orthotics.

As a two-time GTO award recipient, Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich is passionate about giving back to the community. She is often asked to lecture at corporate and group wellness events and summits on topics including ergonomics, preventing injuries, proper motor development for children, peri- and postnatal wellness, and tips to improve overall health.

After spending many years teaching cycling and spinning to athletes as well as training as a competitive swimmer and Ironman, Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich has taken a step back to focus on her practice and family. She spends her time hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors with her son, husband and dog.

Lywei Huang

Registered Massage Therapist · RMT

Massage therapy, Acupuncture

Lywei Huang is a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated with honours from triOS College. His focus in treatment is on identifying the biomechanical, neuromuscular, and movement-based contributors to pain and dysfunction. These are viewed within a holistic framework with the goal to return patients to activities of daily living.

Lywei treats a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions using individualized, patient-centered care plans. His treatments seamlessly integrate therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy with corrective exercise and contemporary acupuncture. Within his practice, acupuncture is applied through a modern clinical framework to regulate neuromuscular pain, accelerate tissue recovery, and support functional rehabilitation.

Driven by a strong commitment to interdisciplinary care, Lywei works collaboratively with chiropractors and the broader rehabilitation team to ensure his treatments complement each patient's overall recovery plan and long-term functional goals.