Are you struggling with chronic pain or stress? Perhaps you’re embarking on the challenging journey of fertility support or seeking relief from anxiety, migraines, or digestive issues. If you’re searching for acupuncture in Calgary, you’ve found the right place. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer relief for numerous health conditions—helping restore balance and promote well-being through a natural, holistic approach.
In Calgary, the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM)—one of the leading acupuncture schools Calgary has to offer—provides exceptional care through our supervised Student Clinic. We combine thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine wisdom with modern research and evidence-based safety protocols. Our approach treats the root causes of illness, not just symptoms, by restoring balance and stimulating your body’s natural healing abilities.
If you’re searching for Traditional Chinese Medicine or acupuncture in Calgary, the CITCM Student Clinic offers exceptional value. You’ll receive professional-level care from interns under direct supervision of licensed and experienced TCM and acupuncture doctors, at affordable rates starting at just $25 per session—making wellness accessible to everyone.
Why Choose a Student Clinic?
Expert Supervision + Affordable Rates + Effective Results
✓ Affordable Care
Treatments starting at just $25 per session—compared to $80-120 at private clinics.
✓ Expert Oversight
Every session is supervised by TCM and acupuncture doctors with years of clinic experience.
✓ Evidence-Based Techniques
Students are trained in acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, and more.
✓ Personalized Attention
Appointments take place in a clean and modern facility with a supportive, educational environment focused on your healing.
I am very glad a friend told me about CITCM. I have tried mud therapy and acupuncture and really find they’re helping me with the pain and healing from my broken collarbone and torn rotator cuff. The students Ballal, Hanna, Rhea, Becky, and Kelly have all been great, and I will be coming regularly now, as I feel it’s very beneficial for overall good health. Looking forward to my next treatment. —L.P.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
This comprehensive guide explores exactly that. We’ll cover the extensive range of health issues that TCM practitioners can address—from chronic pain, arthritis, and sports injuries to fertility support, anxiety, insomnia, cancer care support, digestive disorders, and addiction recovery. You’ll discover why choosing CITCM’s Student Clinic means receiving the best of Chinese medicine care: clinical excellence, safety, and affordability all in one place.
Conquering Pain & Musculoskeletal Conditions: Finding Relief in Calgary
Chronic pain can be debilitating, impacting every aspect of life—from work productivity to sleep quality to relationships. If you’re searching for chronic pain relief, you’re not alone. Pain management is the most researched application of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with decades of clinical studies demonstrating its effectiveness as both an alternative and complement to conventional pain management strategies. Pain management is the most researched application of acupuncture, with major medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic recognizing its effectiveness for treating various pain conditions.
Acupuncture addresses pain by stimulating specific points on the body that influence nerve signals, trigger the release of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers), and reduce inflammation at the source. Acupuncture works to address the root causes of discomfort while promoting your body’s innate healing capacity.
Musculoskeletal Conditions We Treat:
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek acupuncture treatment in Calgary, and for good reason. Research from the Johns Hopkins Center for Integrative Medicine demonstrates that acupuncture significantly reduces both pain intensity and frequency, often outperforming conventional treatments for long-term relief. Whether your back pain stems from injury, poor posture, herniated discs, or degenerative conditions, acupuncture can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort. Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 sessions, with optimal results after 10-12 treatments.
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid)
Acupuncture arthritis treatment offers powerful relief for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. By modulating the body’s inflammatory response and enhancing local circulation, acupuncture helps alleviate joint pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility. Many patients experience reduced morning stiffness, improved range of motion, and decreased reliance on anti-inflammatory medications. Consistent treatment helps manage flare-ups and slow progression of joint deterioration.
Migraines & Tension Headaches
If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, acupuncture can be life-changing. By relaxing tense muscles, improving circulation, and balancing neurochemicals, acupuncture dramatically reduces both headache frequency and severity. Many patients report fewer migraine episodes, reduced need for pain medication, and better ability to identify and manage triggers. Most headache patients see significant improvement within 6-8 sessions.
Neck Pain & Whiplash
Whether from car accidents, poor ergonomics, repetitive strain, or muscle tension, neck pain responds remarkably well to acupuncture treatment. By targeting specific muscle groups and restoring proper energy flow, acupuncture provides relief from both acute and chronic neck discomfort. Acute neck pain may resolve in 3-5 sessions, while chronic conditions typically require 8-10 treatments for sustained relief. Many patients also experience reduced shoulder tension and improved sleep quality.
I have been here three times so far and will definitely be back! The students here are so knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. Acupuncture and cupping here have been very effective for pain in my knees from running and for overall muscle recovery. —B.H.
Sciatica
Sciatic nerve pain—that shooting discomfort that radiates from your lower back through your hip and down your leg—can be excruciating and limit mobility. Acupuncture helps by reducing inflammation around the sciatic nerve, releasing tight muscles that may be compressing the nerve, and promoting healing of underlying disc issues. Most sciatica patients experience noticeable improvement within 6-8 sessions, with many achieving complete resolution of symptoms with continued treatment.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia’s widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tender points respond well to acupuncture’s ability to regulate pain pathways throughout the body. By addressing the central nervous system’s pain processing and promoting better sleep quality, acupuncture helps reduce overall pain levels and improve daily functioning. Many fibromyalgia patients report decreased pain intensity, better energy levels, and improved quality of life with regular treatment.
Sports Injuries
From sprains and strains to tendonitis and overuse injuries, acupuncture accelerates athletic recovery. By reducing inflammation, promoting blood flow to damaged tissues, and releasing muscle tension, acupuncture helps athletes heal faster and return to activity sooner. Many sports medicine practitioners now integrate acupuncture into recovery protocols for torn muscles, ligament injuries, and chronic overuse conditions like runner’s knee and tennis elbow.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction causes jaw pain, clicking, difficulty chewing, and tension headaches that can significantly impact quality of life. Acupuncture provides relief by relaxing jaw muscles, reducing inflammation in the joint, and addressing the neck and shoulder tension that often contributes to TMJ problems. Most patients notice reduced jaw pain and improved range of motion within 4-6 sessions.
Ready to experience affordable, effective pain relief? Book your first acupuncture session at CITCM’s Student Clinic and discover why Calgary trusts us for natural pain management.
Mental Health & Neurological Support: Calming the Mind & Body
Mental health challenges like anxiety, stress, and insomnia are increasingly common in our fast-paced world, affecting sleep, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Acupuncture offers a safe, non-pharmaceutical path to mental wellness, working with your body’s innate ability to find calm and balance without the side effects of medications.
Acupuncture’s impact on mental health stems from its ability to regulate the nervous system, balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and reduce physiological stress markers. It helps shift your body from “fight or flight” (sympathetic) mode to “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) mode, creating lasting changes in how you respond to stress.
Neurological Conditions We Treat:
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Acupuncture calms an overactive nervous system, reduces racing thoughts and heart palpitations, and promotes a deep sense of inner peace. Many patients report feeling noticeably calmer after just one session, with significant reduction in panic attacks and generalized anxiety within 6-8 treatments. Unlike anti-anxiety medications, acupuncture addresses root causes without creating dependency or unwanted side effects.
Depression (Including Seasonal Affective Disorder)
By influencing mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, acupuncture provides gentle yet effective support for depression. Many patients experience improved mood, better motivation, and renewed interest in activities within 8-10 sessions. Acupuncture works especially well alongside counselling or therapy, creating a comprehensive approach to mental wellness.
Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
If you struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling unrested, acupuncture can help. By targeting points that promote deep relaxation and regulate circadian rhythms, acupuncture improves both sleep quality and duration. Most patients notice better sleep within 4-6 sessions, with many able to reduce or eliminate sleep medications under their doctor’s guidance.
Stress Management
Chronic stress takes a physical and emotional toll, contributing to headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, and burnout. Acupuncture helps your body adapt to stressors more effectively, reducing the cumulative impact on your health. Regular treatments create resilience, helping you maintain equilibrium even during challenging periods. Many patients use acupuncture preventatively, scheduling sessions during particularly stressful times.
I have seen multiple students here, and all were very professional and compassionate. The supervisors are also very knowledgeable and friendly. I feel confident that I am in good hands with the students. — H.J.
PTSD Support
Post-traumatic stress disorder creates persistent anxiety, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and emotional reactivity. Acupuncture serves as a valuable complementary therapy, helping stabilize emotional responses and reduce the physical symptoms of trauma. Research published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrates acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating PTSD symptoms, with benefits comparable to pharmaceutical interventions but without side effects.
Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation
Acupuncture supports neurological recovery following stroke, helping improve motor function, speech, coordination, and cognitive processing. Many rehabilitation centers now integrate acupuncture into stroke recovery protocols, recognizing its ability to enhance neuroplasticity and accelerate healing. Treatment is most effective when started early in recovery, though benefits can occur at any stage.
Memory & Cognitive Support
Whether dealing with age-related cognitive decline, brain fog, or concentration difficulties, acupuncture improves circulation to the brain and supports healthy cognitive function. Many patients report clearer thinking, better focus, and improved memory with regular treatment.
Addiction Recovery Support
Acupuncture aids recovery from substance dependence by reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, and supporting emotional stability during the challenging early stages of sobriety. Many addiction treatment programs incorporate acupuncture as part of comprehensive recovery support.
Struggling with anxiety or sleepless nights? Experience the calming benefits of acupuncture at CITCM’s Student Clinic—affordable, supervised care that supports your mental wellness journey. Book your first appointment today!
Women’s Health & Fertility Support: Nurturing Every Life Stage
Women’s health challenges—from painful periods and fertility struggles to pregnancy discomfort and menopausal symptoms—can feel isolating and overwhelming. If you’re searching for acupuncture fertility support, acupuncture menopause relief, or care for women’s health in Calgary, you’re exploring an approach that’s been supporting women through life transitions for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a gentle, hormone-balancing path that works with your body’s natural rhythms rather than against them.
Acupuncture excels in women’s health by regulating the endocrine system, improving blood flow to reproductive organs, reducing stress (a major factor in hormonal imbalance), and supporting your body’s natural hormone production—all crucial elements for optimal gynecological and reproductive function. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, acupuncture has no side effects and addresses root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
Women’s Health Conditions We Treat:
Fertility Support (Male & Female)
Struggling to conceive can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Acupuncture significantly enhances fertility outcomes by improving ovarian function, regulating menstrual cycles, increasing uterine blood flow, and improving sperm quality and motility. Research published in Fertility and Sterility shows acupuncture improves IVF success rates when used as a complementary treatment. Many patients see improved cycle regularity within 3-4 months, with optimal fertility support achieved through consistent treatment leading up to conception attempts. We work alongside your fertility specialist to coordinate timing with IUI or IVF protocols.
Pregnancy Support & Morning Sickness
Pregnancy brings joy but also discomfort—nausea, vomiting, fatigue, back pain, and anxiety about labor. Gentle acupuncture safely alleviates these common complaints without medications that could affect your baby. Studies in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology confirm acupuncture’s safety and effectiveness during pregnancy. Most expectant mothers find relief from morning sickness within 2-3 sessions, and many continue treatment throughout pregnancy for overall wellness and labor preparation.
Menstrual Irregularities & PMS
Irregular periods, absent periods (amenorrhea), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), heavy bleeding, or severe PMS symptoms signal hormonal imbalances that acupuncture can address. By regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, acupuncture helps establish regular, comfortable cycles. Most women notice improvement in cycle regularity and reduced PMS symptoms within 2-3 cycles of treatment (typically 8-12 sessions).
Menopause Symptom Management
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and vaginal dryness don’t have to dominate this life transition. Acupuncture provides profound relief from menopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Many women experience significant reduction in hot flash frequency and intensity within 6-8 sessions, with continued improvement over time. Acupuncture also supports bone health, cardiovascular function, and emotional balance during this transition.
Endometriosis & PCOS
These complex conditions cause significant pain, irregular cycles, fertility challenges, and emotional distress. Acupuncture helps manage pain, regulate menstrual cycles, reduce inflammation, and improve ovarian function. While acupuncture doesn’t cure these conditions, it provides meaningful symptom relief and improved quality of life. Most patients notice reduced pain and better cycle regularity within 3 months of consistent treatment.
Labor Preparation & Postpartum Recovery
Acupuncture in the final weeks of pregnancy helps prepare your body for an easier labor by encouraging optimal fetal positioning, cervical ripening, and reduced anxiety. Postpartum, acupuncture supports physical healing, energy restoration, milk production, and emotional balance during the challenging fourth trimester. Many new mothers find acupuncture invaluable for managing postpartum mood changes and accelerating recovery.
From fertility to menopause—your body deserves compassionate support. Experience natural hormone balancing at CITCM’s Student Clinic with supervised care designed for women’s health. Schedule your appointment today.
Supportive Care for Cancer & Chronic Illness Management
Navigating cancer treatment or managing a chronic illness can feel overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and other intensive treatments often feel as debilitating as the disease itself. Are you looking for acupuncture cancer support or effective remedies for chemotherapy nausea? Acupuncture offers evidence-based supportive care that works alongside conventional medical treatments.
Acupuncture helps manage treatment side effects, reduce cancer-related pain, support immune function, combat fatigue, and improve overall quality of life—allowing you to better tolerate your medical regimens while maintaining dignity, comfort, and hope during a challenging time.
Chronic Conditions We Help Support:
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea & Vomiting (CINV)
Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy can be so severe that patients delay or refuse treatment. Acupuncture is one of the most researched applications for cancer care, with studies showing it significantly reduces both the severity and frequency of CINV. UCLA and other major cancer centers recognize acupuncture as an effective complementary therapy for managing these debilitating side effects. Many patients notice reduced nausea within 1-2 sessions, with optimal relief when acupuncture is integrated throughout their chemotherapy cycles.
Cancer Pain Management
Cancer-related pain—whether from the disease itself, surgery, or treatments—can severely impact quality of life. Acupuncture provides a non-pharmacological option for pain relief, often reducing the need for opioid medications and their associated side effects like constipation, drowsiness, and dependency. Many oncology teams now recommend acupuncture as part of comprehensive pain management, recognizing its ability to provide meaningful relief without drug interactions.
Chronic Fatigue & Energy Restoration
The overwhelming exhaustion associated with cancer treatment or chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune conditions can persist long after treatment ends. Acupuncture addresses this profound fatigue by supporting mitochondrial function, improving sleep quality, and helping restore your body’s energy reserves. Most patients notice gradual improvement in energy levels over 8-12 sessions.
Maya is an incredible acupuncturist; it’s hard to believe she’s a student! Maya is knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to her patients. She takes the time to understand my needs and has been instrumental in helping me manage the many symptoms of my complex autoimmune condition. Her treatments are both healing and calming, and I always leave feeling better. —Reanna
Radiation Side Effect Relief
Radiation therapy often causes profound fatigue, skin irritation, inflammation, and localized discomfort in treated areas. Acupuncture helps alleviate these side effects, supporting your body’s resilience throughout treatment. Many patients report better energy levels, reduced skin sensitivity, and improved ability to complete their full radiation protocol when acupuncture is part of their care plan.
Immune System Support
Cancer treatments intentionally suppress immune function, leaving patients vulnerable to infections and slower healing. While acupuncture doesn’t interfere with cancer treatments, it can help support your body’s natural defenses during and after intensive medical interventions. Many patients use acupuncture to help restore immune function during recovery periods.
Autoimmune Condition Support
Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease involve the immune system attacking healthy tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and systemic symptoms. Acupuncture helps modulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and manage symptoms without suppressing necessary immune function. Treatment focuses on improving quality of life and extending periods of remission.
Need relief from chemo nausea, pain, or treatment fatigue? Experience evidence-based acupuncture in Calgary at CITCM’s Student Clinic—safe, supervised care coordinated with your medical team. Book your appointment today.
Digestive, Respiratory & Immunity Support: Restoring Internal Balance
Digestive issues, seasonal allergies, and recurring respiratory problems can significantly impact your daily life, affecting energy, sleep, social activities, and overall well-being. If you’re searching for IBS relief, allergy treatment, or wondering what conditions acupuncture treats beyond pain, we can help.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views your digestive, respiratory, and immune systems as deeply interconnected, with imbalances in one area often affecting others. Acupuncture addresses root causes rather than just masking symptoms, creating lasting improvements in how your body functions. Acupuncture can regulate gut motility, reduce inflammation in the digestive and respiratory tracts, and strengthen the body’s natural defenses, leading to lasting relief and improved vitality.
Internal Health Conditions We Treat:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS—with its unpredictable mix of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea—can control your life, limiting where you go and what you eat. Research demonstrates acupuncture’s effectiveness in normalizing bowel function and reducing IBS symptoms. By regulating the gut-brain axis and reducing stress-triggered symptoms, acupuncture helps restore predictable, comfortable digestion. Most IBS patients notice improvement in symptom frequency and severity within 6-8 sessions, with continued progress over 3 months of treatment.
Acid Reflux & GERD
Chronic heartburn, regurgitation, and throat irritation from acid reflux significantly impact sleep and quality of life. Acupuncture helps by regulating lower esophageal sphincter function, reducing stomach acid production, and addressing the stress and dietary factors that trigger symptoms. Many patients reduce or eliminate acid-blocking medications (under their doctor’s guidance) after consistent acupuncture treatment. Most see improvement within 8-10 sessions.
Constipation & Digestive Irregularity
Whether from stress, medication side effects, or chronic sluggish digestion, constipation causes discomfort and affects overall health. Acupuncture promotes healthy gut motility and regular bowel movements by regulating the parasympathetic nervous system and improving intestinal muscle function. Most patients notice improved regularity within 4-6 sessions, with lasting benefits as healthy patterns become established.
Food Sensitivities & Inflammatory Responses
While acupuncture doesn’t cure true food allergies, it can reduce inflammatory responses to certain foods and help heal intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) that contributes to sensitivities. Many patients find they can tolerate a wider variety of foods and experience less bloating, fatigue, and digestive upset after meals. Improvement typically occurs gradually over 2-3 months of treatment combined with dietary modifications.
I saw Julie and Sarah today for an acupuncture treatment, and it was fantastic! They were able to address and treat some issues I’ve been having for the past couple weeks in a very specific and effective way. I feel very well taken care of and that my body and mind were treated as a whole. — E.N.
Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion don’t have to ruin spring and fall. Studies published in the National Library of Medicine show acupuncture improves quality of life for allergy sufferers, offering a natural alternative to antihistamines. Acupuncture is most effective when started 4-6 weeks before allergy season, helping prevent symptoms before they start. Many patients experience a 50-70% reduction in seasonal allergy symptoms and a decreased need for medications.
Asthma Support
Acupuncture helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks by relaxing airway muscles, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune responses that trigger bronchospasm. While not replacing rescue inhalers or controller medications, acupuncture can help many asthma patients reduce medication needs and improve exercise tolerance. Treatment works best as ongoing preventive care rather than during acute attacks.
Chronic Sinusitis
Persistent sinus congestion, facial pressure, post-nasal drip, and sinus headaches significantly affect quality of life and often resist conventional treatment. Acupuncture alleviates congestion, promotes sinus drainage, reduces inflammation, and addresses underlying immune imbalances. Many chronic sinusitis patients notice clearer breathing and reduced facial pressure within 4-6 sessions, with continued improvement preventing recurrent infections.
Cold & Flu Recovery
Acupuncture boosts immune function, helping your body fight off infections more effectively and shortening recovery time from colds and flu. Many patients use acupuncture preventively during cold/flu season to strengthen immunity. When used at the first sign of illness, acupuncture can reduce symptom severity and duration. Regular treatment helps reduce the frequency of seasonal illnesses.
Tired of seasonal allergies or digestive troubles ruining your plans? Experience holistic acupuncture at CITCM’s Student Clinic—natural support for your internal health. Book your appointment today!
Addiction Recovery & Behavioural Health Support: Restoring Balance and Control
Recovery from addiction (whether to substances, food, or behaviours) requires courage, support, and every tool available to help you succeed. The journey involves managing intense cravings, navigating withdrawal symptoms, addressing underlying anxiety and depression, and rebuilding your relationship with yourself.
The NADA Protocol: Evidence-Based Addiction Care
At the heart of addiction recovery acupuncture is the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol—a standardized five-point auricular (ear) acupuncture treatment. This protocol is recognized globally for its effectiveness in detoxification, reducing cravings, alleviating anxiety, promoting calm, and empowering individuals in recovery.
The NADA protocol’s simplicity and effectiveness have made it standard care in addiction treatment centers, correctional facilities, disaster relief settings, and community health programs worldwide. Our students receive specialized training in this protocol under expert supervision, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care.
Recovery Support We Provide:
Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking requires breaking both physical dependence and habitual patterns. Acupuncture reduces nicotine cravings, eases withdrawal symptoms like irritability and anxiety, and supports the willpower needed during challenging moments. The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) ear acupuncture protocol is specifically effective for smoking cessation. Most people find cravings more manageable within 3-4 sessions, with optimal support through the critical first 6-8 weeks of quitting. Many use acupuncture whenever strong cravings arise during early recovery.
Alcohol Recovery Support
Alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious and emotionally overwhelming. Acupuncture helps manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce alcohol cravings, improve sleep quality, and stabilize mood during detoxification and ongoing recovery. While acupuncture doesn’t replace medical detox supervision for severe alcohol dependence, it significantly improves comfort and reduces relapse risk during early recovery. Many patients continue acupuncture long-term to support sustained sobriety and emotional regulation.
Drug Addiction Treatment Support
Whether recovering from opioids, stimulants, or other substances, acupuncture serves as a valuable complementary therapy. It supports the body’s detoxification processes, reduces cravings, alleviates withdrawal discomfort, and addresses the underlying anxiety, depression, and trauma often driving addiction. The NADA protocol has been extensively studied and validated for its effectiveness in reducing withdrawal symptoms and improving retention rates in treatment programs. Acupuncture works best when integrated with counselling, support groups, and comprehensive addiction treatment.
Eating Disorder Support
Eating disorders involve complex relationships with food, body image, control, and emotional regulation. Acupuncture helps by regulating appetite signals, reducing anxiety around meals, supporting healthy digestion, and promoting emotional stability. While not a standalone treatment for eating disorders, acupuncture complements therapeutic and nutritional counselling, helping patients develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Treatment requires ongoing coordination with your eating disorder treatment team.
Behavioural Addictions
Gambling, internet/gaming, shopping, and other behavioural addictions create similar brain chemistry changes as substance addictions. Acupuncture supports recovery by stabilizing mood, reducing compulsive urges, managing anxiety that triggers behaviours, and promoting the calm mental state needed for making healthier choices. Many patients find acupuncture helps them pause between urge and action, creating space for better decision-making.
Cravings Management
Regardless of the specific addiction, managing cravings is central to recovery success. Acupuncture—particularly the NADA ear protocol—significantly reduces craving intensity for substances and behaviours. Many recovery programs teach patients to seek acupuncture treatment when cravings feel overwhelming, using it as a healthy coping tool. The portable nature of ear seeds or ear tacks allows patients to apply acupressure between sessions for ongoing support.
Your Path to Wellness Starts at CITCM
You’ve discovered how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can address chronic pain, mental health challenges, fertility issues, digestive problems, and so much more. Now it’s time to experience these benefits for yourself at Calgary’s most accessible, professionally supervised acupuncture clinic.
Why Choose CITCM’s Student Clinic?
Professional Care, Accessible Pricing
Receive expert-level acupuncture treatment for just $25 per session—a fraction of the $80-120 charged at private clinics. Our mission is simple: make high-quality acupuncture and TCM treatments in Calgary available to everyone, regardless of income.
Expert Supervision, Every Session
Every treatment is conducted by acupuncture interns under the direct supervision of TCM and acupuncture doctors. You receive extended appointment times, personalized attention, and the same rigorous safety standards as any licensed clinic with the added benefit of multiple practitioners reviewing your case.
Evidence-Based, Cutting-Edge Training
Our students learn the latest research and techniques alongside time-honoured traditional Eastern methodologies. When you visit CITCM—a leading acupuncture school in Calgary—you benefit from an educational environment where best practices are constantly refined and updated.
Comprehensive, Holistic Care
Our students are trained to address the full spectrum of conditions covered in this guide. Your treatment may integrate acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine recommendations, creating a truly personalized approach to your health.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Initial Visit (90-120 minutes)
Your student practitioner, alongside their supervisor, will conduct a thorough health history review, discuss your concerns and wellness goals, and perform traditional TCM diagnostic techniques, including pulse and tongue analysis.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your assessment, you’ll receive a tailored treatment plan outlining recommended acupuncture points and/or other TCM modalities, herbal prescriptions, estimated treatment frequency, expected timeline for improvement, and any complementary therapies that may benefit your condition.
Your Treatment Session
Relax in our comfortable, private treatment rooms as fine, sterile needles are gently inserted. Most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing—many even fall asleep during treatment. Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes with needles in place.
How to Prepare:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to arms and legs
- Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before (not too hungry or too full)
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine on treatment day
- Bring a list of current medications and supplements
Questions before booking? Check out our article: Things You Should Know Before Your First Acupuncture Appointment.
Schedule Your Acupuncture Appointment at CITCM Today
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, stress, or injury, we are here to help you feel your best while supporting the next generation of holistic healthcare professionals.
Don’t let cost be a barrier to better health. Experience the healing benefits of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at CITCM’s Student Clinic—where expert care meets accessible pricing.
