In many cases, acupuncture in Ottawa is often sought for pain, stress, hormonal changes, and symptoms that aren’t fully resolving with other types of care. At Triada Health Ottawa, our Registered Acupuncturists take a whole-body approach to help regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and support recovery.
Whether you are dealing with muscle tension, anxiety, sleep concerns, or hormonal imbalances, acupuncture works by helping the body return to a more balanced and responsive state. For patients navigating hormonal or reproductive concerns, our approach to fertility acupuncture offers more targeted support, while facial acupuncture can help address skin health and tension patterns in the face and jaw.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
Acupuncture is commonly used to support:
- Pain (neck, back, TMJ, headaches)
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep issues
- Hormonal balance (PMS, perimenopause, fertility)
- Pregnancy and postpartum recovery
- Digestive concerns
- Inflammation
- Immune resilience and recurring illness
- Neurological conditions
- Autoimmune conditions
- Fibromyalgia
In many cases, acupuncture is used alongside other therapies such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, naturopathic medicine, or physiotherapy to support more complete and lasting results.
What to Expect During Acupuncture
During your first visit, there is a detailed intake, where we discuss your symptoms, health history, and goals for care.
Treatment typically involves:
- Placement of very fine, gentle needles
- 20–30 minutes of rest
- A calm, quiet environment to allow the body to reset
Many patients notice:
- A sense of deep relaxation
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved sleep following treatment
Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may evolve as your body responds.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles that view the body as an interconnected system. From a modern perspective, it has been shown to support nervous system regulation, improve circulation, and help reduce inflammation.
By stimulating specific points and point combinations on the body, acupuncture helps shift the body out of a stress response and into a state where healing and recovery can occur more efficiently.
Techniques That May Be Used to Support Your Treatment
In addition, your acupuncturist may incorporate additional techniques to improve circulation, reduce tension, and support your body’s response to treatment.

Cupping Therapy
Cupping is often used to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, particularly for back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as athletic recovery.

Gua Sha
Gua sha supports circulation and helps reduce muscle tightness and inflammation. It is commonly used for neck and shoulder tension, immune support, and recovery.

Moxibustion (Moxa)
Moxibustion uses targeted warmth to support circulation and strengthen underlying systems. It is often used for fatigue, digestion, and women’s health concerns.

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture
This technique focuses on points in the ear to help regulate the nervous system. It is commonly used for stress, anxiety, sleep, and overall relaxation.

Herbal Medicine (When Appropriate)
Herbal medicine may be recommended in some cases to support ongoing care between treatments, particularly for digestion, hormonal balance, and chronic conditions.
These techniques are always selected based on your individual needs and are integrated into your treatment when appropriate.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
- Acute issues: 3–6 sessions
- Chronic conditions: 6–12 sessions
- Hormonal / fertility support: ongoing cycle-based care
Your plan is always individualized.
Registered Acupuncturists You Can Trust
All acupuncture treatments at Triada Health Ottawa are provided by Registered Acupuncturists trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and regulated to meet Ontario standards.
Our practitioners take a personalized, whole-body approach and work collaboratively within our multidisciplinary clinic.
Meet our Acupuncturists
- Tracey Crocker RAc, RTCMP, Clinic Owner
- Stefanie Manthey RAc
Acupuncture FAQs
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel little to no discomfort. The needles used are very fine, and many patients describe the experience as relaxing rather than painful.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a Registered Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe and well-regulated in Ontario.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is commonly used to support pain, stress, anxiety, sleep issues, hormonal balance, digestion, and fertility.
Can acupuncture help with stress or anxiety?
Yes. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, which can reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote a sense of calm.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book acupuncture treatment.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment Ottawa
🔗 Book Your Appointment Online
📞 613-695-1213
📧 admin@triadahealthottawa.com
📍 Learn more about our team and location on our Our Clinic page.
Education
Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac and R.TCMP) are skilled healthcare professionals. They apply the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine via Acupuncture and other supportive techniques. Traditional Chinese Medicine education is extensive and is typically a Master’s level degree program.
Depending on the title, training requirements start at a minimal 3-year program, over 2600 hours of in-class study, and 650 hours of practical clinical training:
- Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), approximately 3-year program
- Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP), approximately 4-year program (adds herbal medicine training)
For more information, please visit The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Named one The 10 Best Acupuncture Clinics in Ottawa by Best of Ottawa
