Merle Hansen
Dip. Acupuncture, BA Hons. Education
Member of Acupuncture-Acutherapy Council (membership ID: AC7-23)
Senior Practitioner & Co-Director: BodyHarmonics
SPINAL
& FULL BODY
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a gentle, holistic therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years to support
physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture works by
stimulating specific points on the body to restore balance, relieve pain, and encourage natural healing processes.
Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee")—a vital energy flowing through pathways in the body known as meridians. When this energy becomes blocked or unbalanced, discomfort or illness can follow. By carefully placing ultra-fine needles at key points along the meridians, Acupuncture helps to release blockages, improve circulation, and restore harmony.
Modern research supports Acupuncture’s effectiveness for a range of concerns, including: chronic pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and more. Many people also turn to Acupuncture for preventative care or as a way to unwind and reset in a calming, supportive environment.
Whether you’re new to Acupuncture or have experienced its benefits before, my objective is to make
each session relaxing, effective, and tailored to your needs. I aim to guide you on your journey
toward balance and better health—naturally.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sessions are gentle, restorative, and tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Clinic 8.
Your Initial Consultation
Treatments start with a conversation. We take time to understand your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This conversation may include questions about sleep, stress, digestion, and emotional balance. We may also check your pulse and examine your tongue to help identify how energy—or Qi—is operating in your body.
The Acupuncture Experience
Following the development of a treatment plan, your Acupuncture session will begin. Using sterile, ultra-fine, single-
use needles, we gently insert needles into specific Acupuncture points on your body. These may be located on areas like your arms, legs, back, abdomen, or ears.
Most people find the process surprisingly comfortable. You may feel a light pinch or a mild tingling
sensation when the needle is inserted. This is followed by a sense of warmth, heaviness, or gentle pressure—all positive and normal responses.
Time to Relax
After the needles are inserted, you’ll rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Clinic 8 is quiet, comfortably warm, and soothing. This will help you to fully relax. Many of our clients find this time deeply calming—and it’s not uncommon to drift off to sleep.
Wrapping Up
Once your session is complete, the needles are gently removed with minimal to no discomfort. I may share insights, offer lifestyle or dietary suggestions, or recommend a follow-up treatment based on your needs.