What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that uses thin, sterile needles inserted at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote natural healing. Modern research supports its use for pain relief, stress reduction, and improving circulation, making it a well-established complement to chiropractic and massage care.
Patients seek acupuncture for a wide range of concerns, including chronic neck and back pain, tension headaches and migraines, anxiety and sleep difficulties, digestive issues, and sports-related injuries. It is also used to support recovery from surgery or illness, and as part of a broader wellness plan.
At Health Matters, acupuncture integrates naturally with our other services. Many patients combine it with chiropractic care or registered massage therapy for more complete and lasting results.
Acupuncture at Health Matters Chiropractic Centre
Our acupuncture services are provided by Dr. Mark Renzoni, DC, RMT, and Dr. Michael Lehr, DC, both certified with the Acupuncture Council of Ontario (ACO). Dr. Renzoni completed his advanced acupuncture certification through the ACO in 2006 and brings over 20 years of integrative practice experience. Dr. Lehr has held ACO certification since 2003 and also offers electro-acupuncture, a technique that uses mild electrical stimulation alongside traditional needling for enhanced therapeutic effect.
Because both providers also hold chiropractic degrees, treatment plans at Health Matters can address the musculoskeletal and neurological dimensions of your concern together, rather than treating them separately. Our approach is practical and patient-centered: we assess your specific presentation, explain what to expect, and adjust the treatment based on how you respond.
What to Expect from Your Acupuncture Appointment
Initial assessment
Treatment
After your session
What Acupuncture Can Help With
Pain reduction. Acupuncture is widely used for neck pain, lower back pain, joint pain, and headaches. Patients often report a meaningful reduction in pain intensity following a course of treatment.
Stress and anxiety relief. Needle stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports a calmer physiological state. Patients managing chronic stress or anxiety frequently notice improved sleep and a reduction in daily tension.
Improved recovery from injury or illness. When combined with chiropractic care or massage, acupuncture can support faster recovery from soft tissue injuries and post-surgical healing by improving local circulation and reducing inflammation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of therapy. It makes use of the relationship between various meridians (channels) within our bodies. Although Western science does not yet have all the answers, evidence is overwhelming that this form of medicine is very effective in treating conditions such as: Acute or Chronic Pain Control Headache/Migraines Colds/Sinusitis/Flu Acute Bronchitis or Asthma Toothache & Neuralgia Digestion & Bowel Problems Golfer’s Elbow Frozen Shoulder Tennis Elbow Hip & Knee Pain Lower Back Pain & Sciatica Osteoarthritis Radicular (Nerve) Pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is covered by many extended health benefit plans in Ontario. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so we recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment. Our practitioners hold ACO certification, which is the credential most insurers require.
Most patients experience little to no pain during insertion. The needles used are very fine, much thinner than a standard injection needle. You may notice a mild ache or tingling sensation at certain points, which typically settles within a minute or two.
The number of sessions depends on the nature and duration of your concern. Acute conditions often respond within two to four sessions. Chronic conditions typically require a longer course of treatment. We assess your progress at each visit and adjust the plan accordingly.
Yes, and this is one of the advantages of receiving care at a multi-disciplinary clinic. Dr. Renzoni and Dr. Lehr are both chiropractors and ACO-certified acupuncturists, so they can incorporate both approaches into a single treatment plan where appropriate.
Eat a light meal two to three hours before your appointment. Avoid coming in on an empty stomach. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the areas being treated. Avoid alcohol on the day of your appointment.
Book an Acupuncture Appointment in Vaughan
Health Matters Chiropractic Centre has been serving Vaughan and the surrounding area since 2006. Dr. Renzoni and Dr. Lehr are both accepting new patients for acupuncture, and our team is happy to answer any questions before your first visit.
Health Matters Chiropractic Centre
57- 3175 Rutherford Rd,Vaughan, ON
L4K 5Y6 View Staff & Treatments
