Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1. Is Marzieh (Marcie) a registered acupuncturist? 

Yes. Marzieh is a registered acupuncturist, which means she is licensed by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA) to perform acupuncture in BC. 

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2. What is community acupuncture? 

Community acupuncture treatments involve being comfortably reclined on treatment tables arranged in a relaxing group setting. Treatment is provided using effective points on the head, torso, arms, and legs. This style of acupuncture creates a collective healing environment. With this, we offer an affordable sliding scale making acupuncture more accessible to more people in the community. For more information on this service and its benefits, please visit our page on community acupuncture. 

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3. Does MSP cover acupuncture? 

Yes, if you qualify for Premium Assistance then MSP will cover up to $23 per visit for up to 10 visits per year. To find out if you qualify, please visit the BC government website. 

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4. Is acupuncture covered by my extended health benefits? 

Most plans cover acupuncture treatment up to a yearly maximum. Check with your provider to find out how much your specific plan covers.

Unfortunately, with the exception of ICBC patients, we are unable to provide direct billing to your insurance provider at this time. However, we will provide you with the needed documentation to claim your appointment costs with your insurance provider. 

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5. What is your cancellation policy? 

You can change or cancel your appointment without penalty with more than 24-hour notice.

If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment time and we are unable to fill your appointment, or if you do not show up to your appointment, you will be charged the minimum fee for your treatment type. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will be allowed to cancel or change your appointment if you are feeling ill at any time, even within 24 hours, without penalty. Please see our COVID-19 safety protocols for more details. 

If you must cancel with less than 24-hour notice, please email us as early as possible to increase the chance that we will be able to fill your appointment. 

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6. What is acupuncture good for? 

EVERYTHING... almost. The World Health Organization feels there are sufficient studies to recommend acupuncture for the following conditions:

• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

• Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)

• Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

• Dysmenorrhoea

• Primary epigastralgia, including acute and chronic gastritis, and stomach spasms (gastrospasm) 

• Headache or facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)

• Induction of labour, malposition of the fetus, correction of morning sickness

• Knee pain, low back pain, neck pain, pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)

• Frozen shoulder, Sciatica, sprains, tennis elbow

• Postoperative pain, renal colic, rheumatoid arthritis

Please remember that this information was gathered in 2003 and numerous studies have been done for so many other conditions with great results. If you have a specific issue and are not sure is if acupuncture is right for you, please feel free to email Marcie with your questions.

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7. What is sliding scale? 

It is vital for us at Gathered Roots to keep our prices accessible to everyone in the community and that is why we have a sliding scale system in place. Sliding scale or “pay what you can” is often based on individual income levels, with people of higher incomes paying more. However, many factors complicate and affect our financial status, for example some groups of people have specific costs that do not apply to the population at large and others have access to resources that are not always reflected in their income levels. Please consider both your available resources and earning power when are choosing your share payment. 

The sliding-scale system is offered to make acupuncture affordable, but it’s also about encouraging people to take ownership of their health. How much you pay is entirely up to you, which allows you to budget according to how often you want to get treatments. No one is going to judge you or think you are being cheap if you pay on the lower end.

Below is a short guide for approaching the question of how much you should pay. Life is complicated, and how much you can afford might be different for each session. This list is not comprehensive, but we hope it will provide a starting point for those who are new to community sliding scale services.

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8. Tips for your appointment!  

• Please keep your voice low and TURN OFF your cellphone when entering the clinic, we are a QUIET space.

• Arrive comfortably dressed, wear loose, comfortable clothes that roll up to your elbows and knees, so your acupuncturist can work efficiently without your clothing restricting movement.

• Try to have something to eat about an hour before your treatment. Also, try to set aside some time to rest and your body to settle after treatment.

• We ask that you refrain from wearing fragrances in the clinic. Many patients are especially sensitive to chemicals and scents.

• Remember that our community works best when everyone is reasonably flexible.

• Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Visa-Debit, cheque

• We email insurance receipts after each visit; submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

• We are registered with MSP if you have Premium Assistance.  MSP pays for 10 acupuncture treatments per year at $23 per visit.  

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