Ancient Practice. Real, Measurable Results.
Acupuncture at Brightpath is offered by our licensed Naturopathic Doctor as part of an integrated approach to pain relief, hormonal health, stress, sleep, and overall wellbeing, without medication, without side effects, and without anything to be nervous about.
More Than You Might Expect
Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years, and the modern research behind it continues to grow. At its core, it involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to stimulate the body's natural healing response.
There are over 365 acupoints mapped along pathways throughout the body called meridians. By activating specific points along these pathways, a skilled practitioner can influence circulation, reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and support the body's ability to regulate itself.
Needles are single-use and sterile, and are discarded after every treatment. A typical session involves needles remaining in place for 15 to 30 minutes while you rest — most patients find the experience deeply relaxing.
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Probably Not What You're Picturing
This is the question we hear most often from first-time patients: does it hurt? And the answer almost always surprises people.
Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles used for injections. They are incredibly fine, roughly the width of a single strand of hair. Most patients barely feel the insertion at all. If there is any sensation, it typically feels like a very brief, mild pressure, nothing more.
Many patients fall asleep on the table.
If you've been curious about acupuncture but have been putting it off because of the needles, come in for a consultation first. We'll walk you through everything and you can decide at your own pace.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is one of the most versatile tools in our clinic. We use it to support a wide range of conditions, including:
Pain & Physical Health
- Back pain & neck pain
- Arthritis pain & Joint pain
- Headaches & Migraines
- Pinched Nerve & Sciatica
- Sports injuries & tendonitis
Hormonal & Women's Health
- Menstrual irregularities & painful periods
- Hormonal imbalance
- Fertility support natural and alongside IVF, perimenopause and menopausal symptoms
- Fibroids, PCOS & Endometriosis
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
- Stress & anxiety
- Low mood & depression
- Nervous system dysregulation
- Stress induced headaches
Digestive Health
- Bloating, cramping & IBS symptoms
- Constipation & indigestion
- Unexplained weight gain
- Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis
Sleep
- Insomnia
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Always feeling tired / low energy
Chronic Disease Management
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Liver dysfunction
If you're unsure whether acupuncture can help with what you're dealing with, reach out, we're happy to talk it through before you book.
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In Experienced Hands
Acupuncture at Brightpath is offered by Dr. Gayamali Karunaratna, ND, our licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Dr. Gayamali’s approach to care is rooted in a simple philosophy: find the root cause behind your symptoms, and support your recovery with evidence-informed treatment, education, and sustainable lifestyle choices.
She has particular expertise in women's health, digestive concerns, fertility, hormonal health, and skin conditions, and she brings acupuncture into her care plans as one of several tools, always in the context of your full health picture.
Better Together
At Brightpath, acupuncture doesn't operate in a silo. It's frequently used in combination with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and naturopathic medicine to produce outcomes that none of these treatments achieve as effectively on their own.
For example, a patient dealing with chronic migraines might receive chiropractic adjustments to address spinal alignment, massage therapy to release neck and shoulder tension, and acupuncture to calm the nervous system and regulate the patterns that trigger headache episodes.
This is what integrated care looks like in practice, and it's the principle that we've built Brightpath around.
Is Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for acupuncture, though the specifics vary by provider and plan. We recommend checking your policy for:
- Whether acupuncture is listed as a covered service
- Whether your plan requires treatment to be performed by a specific type of practitioner (Registered Acupuncturist, Naturopathic Doctor, etc.)
- Your annual coverage limit and any per-visit caps
We direct bill to most major insurance providers. Contact us before your appointment and we'll help confirm your coverage so there are no surprises.
Your First Acupuncture Appointment
1
Before you arrive
No special preparation is needed. It helps to eat a light meal beforehand and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows access to your arms and legs.
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When you arrive
Dr. Gayamali will take a thorough health intake, asking about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and goals. This is not a rushed process. Understanding your full picture is how she ensures the treatment is targeted and effective.
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During treatment
You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table while the needles are gently inserted and left in place for 15 to 30 minutes. Most patients rest quietly or fall asleep during this time.
4
After your visit
Some patients feel immediate relief. Others notice gradual improvement over a series of sessions. Dr. Gayamali will give you a realistic picture of what to expect based on your specific condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you direct bill my insurance?
We can direct bill to most insurance providers like Sunlife, Manulife, Canada Life, Greenshield, Blue Cross, Desjardins and many others. Contact us to check if we can bill your insurance directly
Can acupuncture be combined with my other treatments?
Yes, and in many cases, it works best that way. Acupuncture integrates well with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and naturopathic medicine. Our team coordinates your care across disciplines.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Acupuncture can be very beneficial during pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner who understands prenatal care. Dr. Gayamali is trained in prenatal acupuncture and takes all necessary precautions. Let us know you're pregnant when booking.
What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by some physiotherapists and chiropractors that targets muscle trigger points. Traditional acupuncture follows the meridian system of Traditional Chinese Medicine and addresses a much broader range of conditions, including internal health, hormonal balance, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Gayamali practises traditional acupuncture within her naturopathic framework.
What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Dry needling is a technique used by some physiotherapists and chiropractors that targets muscle trigger points. Traditional acupuncture follows the meridian system of Traditional Chinese Medicine and addresses a much broader range of conditions, including internal health, hormonal balance, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Gayamali practises traditional acupuncture within her naturopathic framework.
I've never tried acupuncture before. Where do I start?
Book a consultation with Dr. Gayamali. She'll assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for your situation, explain exactly what to expect, and answer any questions you have before any treatment begins.
Curious Whether Acupuncture Could Help?
The best way to find out is a conversation. Dr. Gayamali offers consultations for new patients, it's a low-pressure opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health concerns, and see if acupuncture is the right next step for you.