Acupuncture
Acupuncture at The Morrow Clinic is practised by Tomás Vela, registered with the province's college of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Sessions are unhurried, needles are fine and single-use, and first-timers get as much explanation as they want. Covered by many extended health plans.
An acupuncture session here begins with a longer conversation than you might expect: sleep, digestion, stress, the whole terrain, because where a problem shows up is rarely the whole story of where it lives.
The needles themselves are finer than most people imagine, single-use and sterile, and most are barely felt going in. Then you rest on a warmed table for twenty to thirty minutes in a quiet room. A fair number of people fall asleep. That is allowed and, frankly, encouraged.
Tomás works comfortably alongside the clinic's physiotherapists, massage therapists, and counsellor. If your care would be better shared, he will suggest it and, with your consent, coordinate it.
What to expect
First visit
About 75 minutes: an unhurried intake, your first treatment, and a plain-language explanation of what Tomás observed and suggests.
Does it hurt?
Mostly no. There can be a brief pinch or a dull ache at some points, which settles in seconds. Tell him about anything you do not like; needles come out as easily as they go in.
How many sessions?
Honest answer: it depends, and Tomás will give you his best estimate after the first visit rather than a package pitch. Plans get reviewed openly every few visits.
Who you will see
Rates
- Initial visit75 min
- $130
- Follow-up visit60 min
- $105
GST-exempt as a health service. Direct billing to most insurers: how billing works here.
Often part of care for
Asked often
Is acupuncture regulated in BC?
Yes. Acupuncturists in BC are registered health professionals under a provincial college. Tomás is a Registered Acupuncturist, and acupuncture is GST-exempt as a health service.
Is it covered by extended health?
Many BC plans include acupuncture as a paramedical service. We direct bill most major insurers and provide receipts either way.
I am nervous about needles.
You are in good company; many of Tomás's regulars started there. Say so when you book. First sessions for nervous patients use fewer, finer needles and more explanation, and you can stop at any point.
Book a first visit.
Online in about two minutes, or phone the front desk and talk it through first.
Rather talk it through first? (250) 555-0147