What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a core practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the precise placement of fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to support the nervous system, promote circulation, and restore balance to the body's natural processes. It is widely used for pain management, stress, hormonal health, digestive concerns, and a range of chronic and acute conditions.
At Big Idea Family Chiropractic, acupuncture is offered as a standalone service and as a complement to chiropractic and other manual therapies. The combination of Eastern and Western approaches under one roof allows for more comprehensive, individualized care, particularly for patients managing complex or long-standing conditions.
Meet Diana Kohut, R.Ac.
Diana Kohut is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) licensed with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, holding dual diplomas in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She also holds a Diploma in Massage Therapy, which informs her understanding of soft tissue and musculoskeletal presentations.
Diana's clinical focus is pain management and peripheral neuropathies, an area she has developed through advanced NeuroMeridian Acupuncture training across three modules. This specialization is particularly relevant for patients dealing with nerve-related pain, numbness, tingling, or conditions that have been difficult to resolve through other approaches.
Her areas of focus include:
- Pain management and peripheral neuropathy
- Sports injury recovery and performance support
- Musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions
- Cosmetic acupuncture and facial rejuvenation
Diana has also completed certification in Cosmetic Acupuncture through the Facial Alchemy Master Series, and regularly incorporates cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and dry needling into her treatments.
What to Expect at Your Acupuncture Appointment
Initial Appointment
Treatment
Ongoing Treatment
What Patients Commonly Experience with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used for a wide range of conditions, and outcomes vary depending on the presentation, the patient's overall health, and how consistently treatment is received. That said, patients at Big Idea most commonly seek acupuncture for the following, and here is what the research and clinical experience generally support:
Pain relief: Acupuncture has a strong evidence base for reducing musculoskeletal pain, including chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. It works by stimulating the nervous system and promoting the release of the body's natural pain-modulating chemicals.
Nerve-related conditions: Diana's specialization in peripheral neuropathies makes Big Idea a particularly strong option for patients dealing with nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or conditions like diabetic neuropathy that have been difficult to address through conventional care alone.
Sports recovery and performance: Acupuncture supports tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and can improve range of motion following injury. It is commonly used alongside rehabilitation for athletes returning from strains, sprains, and overuse injuries.
Stress and mental health: Acupuncture has a regulatory effect on the nervous system and is frequently used to support patients dealing with anxiety, insomnia, and stress-related conditions. Many patients report improved sleep quality and a reduction in tension after a course of treatment.
Digestive health: TCM has a long tradition of treating digestive complaints, and acupuncture is used to address conditions including IBS, bloating, nausea, and irregular bowel function.
Hormonal and women's health: Acupuncture is often sought by women managing menstrual irregularities, PMS, perimenopause symptoms, or seeking adjunctive support during fertility treatment.
Cosmetic Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation
Cosmetic acupuncture, sometimes called facial acupuncture, is a non-invasive approach to skin health and facial rejuvenation rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rather than targeting surface-level appearance alone, it works by stimulating circulation, collagen production, and lymphatic drainage across the face and neck, producing gradual improvements in skin tone, texture, and elasticity.
Diana Kohut is certified in cosmetic acupuncture through the Facial Alchemy Master Series, a recognized advanced training program. Her treatments may include micro-needling of specific facial points, facial cupping, and constitutional body points to address the internal imbalances that often manifest in skin health.
Cosmetic acupuncture is commonly sought for:
- Fine lines and loss of skin firmness
- Dull or uneven skin tone
- Puffiness or poor lymphatic drainage around the face and jaw
- Acne or hormonally-driven skin conditions
- A natural, non-injectable alternative to aesthetic medicine
Results develop gradually over a recommended series of sessions. Unlike injectables, cosmetic acupuncture works with the body's own processes rather than replacing them. Most patients notice visible improvement after four to six sessions, with optimal results after eight to twelve.
A consultation is included at your first appointment to discuss your skin concerns and determine whether cosmetic acupuncture is an appropriate fit for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles used are extremely fine, far thinner than a hypodermic needle, and most people describe the sensation as a mild pressure, dull ache, or warmth at the needle site rather than pain. Diana uses a gentle technique and takes time with first-time patients to ensure they feel settled before and during treatment.
This depends on your condition, how long you have had it, and your overall health. Acute conditions often respond within three to six sessions. Chronic or complex presentations generally require a longer course of care. Diana will give you a clear recommendation after your initial assessment and will check in on progress as treatment proceeds.
Many extended health benefit plans in Alberta include coverage for acupuncture when provided by a Registered Acupuncturist. Diana Kohut, R.Ac. is licensed with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, which is the credential most insurers require for reimbursement. Check your plan details ahead of your appointment, and ask at the front desk about direct billing options.
Yes, and for many conditions the two work well together. Chiropractic care addresses joint alignment and spinal mechanics; acupuncture works with the nervous system, soft tissue, and energetic patterns that may be contributing to the same complaint. Patients at Big Idea who see both Dr. Joitescu and Diana often find that the combination produces faster and more lasting results than either approach alone.
Eat a light meal one to two hours before your appointment so you are not treating on an empty stomach. Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows access to your arms and legs. Arrive a few minutes early for your first visit so there is time to complete your intake paperwork without rushing.
Book an Acupuncture Appointment in SW Calgary
Big Idea Family Chiropractic is located at Unit 5, 8720 Macleod Trail SE in Acadia, serving patients from Haysboro, Southwood, Fairview, Willow Park, and surrounding neighbourhoods. Diana Kohut, R.Ac. is currently accepting new patients.
To book your first acupuncture appointment, use the button below or visit our contact page.
