Medical acupuncture at Excelsior Integrative offers a science-based approach to pain relief, nervous system regulation, and tissue recovery.

Performed by Registered Massage Therapists trained in anatomy and modern pain science, this treatment uses fine, sterile needles to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing response.

Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from injury, or dealing with muscle tension or nerve irritation, each session is tailored to your presentation and tolerance — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Conveniently located at Yonge & Eglinton. Most extended health plans provide coverage.

What is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture is a modern adaptation of traditional acupuncture, performed by licensed healthcare professionals trained in anatomy and evidence-based treatment protocols.

Using thin, sterile needles, we target specific points in the body to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing.

Unlike traditional acupuncture, medical acupuncture is rooted in neuroscience and biomedical research, making it a safe and effective option for a variety of conditions.

A close-up showcases acupuncture needles being carefully placed on a person's skin at a serene clinic near Yonge and Eglinton. A hand is skillfully setting the needles in a precise row, framed against a calming neutral background.

Learn more about the science behind medical acupuncture from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Explore a review of acupuncture’s effectiveness in pain management from Harvard Health Publishing.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our blog on the benefits of acupuncture.

Conditions we commonly treat with medical acupuncture at Excelsior Integrative include:

  • Joint and muscular pain (neck, low-back, shoulder , rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis etc..)
  • Muscle tweaks and spasms
  • Myofascial release
  • Trigger point release/treatments
  • Sciatica
  • Back pain in pregnancy
  • Tension headaches/migraines
  • Stress release
  • Post surgical pain
  • Chronic pain

Medical acupuncture at our clinic is available only as part of an integrative massage therapy. session. It is provided by an acupuncture-authorized RMT alongside massage therapy and is billed entirely under massage therapy—not as a separate acupuncture service or benefit.

Interested in how acupuncture affects the nervous system? Read this Johns Hopkins Medicine article.

medical acupuncture at Excelsior Integrative Toronto

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session

Your session is tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what to expect:

1. Comprehensive Assessment – Your practitioner will evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals.

2. Needle Insertion – Ultra-thin, sterile needles are placed at precise points to stimulate healing.

3. Sensory Response – You may feel a mild tingling, warmth, or deep relaxation as your body responds.

4. Treatment Duration – Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes, depending on your condition.

What Are the Possible Negative Effects of Medical Acupuncture?

Although most people feel better after acupuncture, some may experience temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement. This is a natural part of the healing process.

What Should You Expect After Treatment?

Some people feel relaxed, while others may feel energized after an acupuncture session. However, not everyone responds the same way to treatment.

Rare side effects include:

  • Fatigue – Some people feel slightly tired post-treatment.
  • Soreness – Mild discomfort may occur at needle insertion points.
  • Bruising – Occasionally, small bruises may form at treatment sites.
  • Dizziness or Faintness – Rare but possible, usually lasting only a few hours.

These effects are typically mild and short-lived. If you have concerns, our practitioners are happy to guide you through what to expect.

Why Choose Excelsior Integrative for Acupuncture?

✓ Experienced Practitioners – Our team is trained in both traditional and medical acupuncture techniques.
✓ Evidence-Based Treatment – We integrate acupuncture with modern pain science for optimal results.
✓ Collaborative Wellness Approach – Combine acupuncture with massage therapy, osteopathy, and cupping for a comprehensive healing experience.
✓ Convenient Location in Yonge & Eglinton – Accessible for busy professionals and families.
✓ Insurance Coverage Available – Many extended health benefit plans include acupuncture; check with your provider.

See how acupuncture can improve overall well-being in this Cleveland Clinic overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical acupuncture is an evidence-based treatment performed by regulated healthcare providers. It uses fine needles to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain, and support tissue healing based on modern anatomy and pain science.

Yes. When performed by trained healthcare professionals, medical acupuncture is very safe. We use sterile, single-use needles and tailor treatment based on your health history and comfort level.

Most people feel minimal discomfort. You may notice a brief pinch, dull ache, or tingling sensation, which usually fades quickly and is part of the therapeutic response.

If you’re uncomfortable with needles, we can modify your treatment. In some cases, acupressure or manual stimulation of the same therapeutic points can be used instead. Your comfort always comes first, and we’ll discuss options before treatment begins.

This depends on your condition and goals. Some people notice improvement after one session, while others benefit from a short series of treatments for longer-lasting results.

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Discover the wide-ranging benefits of acupuncture, from pain relief and stress reduction to improved sleep and enhanced well-being. [Read]

Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, release tight muscles, and calm irritated nerves — making it a powerful part of a comprehensive sciatica recovery plan. [Read]

Explore how combining acupuncture with massage therapy can accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall athletic performance. [Read]

Understand the importance of rest and recovery in athletic performance and how acupuncture can play a role in optimizing these strategies. [Read]

Frozen shoulder is more than muscular tightness, and acupuncture cannot release the stiffened joint capsule. This evidence-based guide explains where medical acupuncture may fit: helping some people manage pain and surrounding muscular guarding while they follow appropriate medical assessment, rehabilitation and progressively paced movement. [Read]

Experience Targeted Pain Relief with Medical Acupuncture

Medical acupuncture blends modern neurofunctional techniques with time-tested stimulation methods to calm nerves, ease muscle tension, and support whole-body healing — without drugs or downtime.

At Excelsior Integrative, our certified providers use precise point selection to treat everything from chronic pain and muscle tension to stress-related symptoms. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just need to reset your nervous system, we’ll tailor the treatment to your unique goals.

Proudly serving Midtown Toronto and surrounding neighbourhoods including Davisville, Mount Pleasant, Eglinton West, and Leaside.

Book Your Massage+Acupuncture Session Now – Limited spots available!

Not sure if acupuncture is right for you? Contact us to discuss your needs and find the best treatment option for your goals.