Acupuncture

Whether you’re dealing with pain, recovering from injury, managing stress, or navigating a health condition that’s been hard to shake, acupuncture offers a precise and surprisingly powerful way to support your body’s natural healing response.

Most people are surprised by how comfortable and deeply restorative a session feels.

Our Acupuncture Practitioner

Acupuncture at Kinetically Whole Therapies in Winnipeg is offered by Dr. Paul Conyette, PhD, ND, BSc, MLT, DOMP, RAc., a Registered Acupuncturist with the Manitoba Professional Acupuncture Association (MPAA) and a Naturopathic Doctor with over 35 years of clinical practice.

Dr. Paul’s approach to acupuncture is integrative and clinically grounded. Rather than offering it as a standalone service, he uses it as one tool within a broader treatment strategy and combining it with his naturopathic, osteopathic, and laboratory expertise to address the underlying drivers of your concern, not just the surface symptoms.

Dr. Paul is also certified in manipulation and holds a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP). This means his understanding of the body’s structure, nervous system, and movement patterns runs deep — and informs how he selects and applies acupuncture as part of your care.

What to Expect

Your first appointment starts with a thorough intake. Dr. Paul will want to understand your health history, current symptoms, pain patterns, stress levels, sleep, and overall health picture — because acupuncture works best when the full context is clear.

During treatment, you’ll rest comfortably while fine needles are placed at targeted points.

Most people feel:

Mild tingling or a gentle warmth at the needle site

A sense of heaviness or subtle pressure as the needle engages
Deep relaxation that often lingers well after the session

Needles are typically in place for 20–40 minutes. Full sessions run approximately 45–60 minutes, with your initial visit running a little longer for intake. Point selection and technique will shift based on your response and how your needs evolve over time.

What Can Acupuncture Help With?

Research and clinical practice support acupuncture for a wide range of concerns.

At KWT, it’s used most often for:

Acute and chronic pain — back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, joints

Sports and accident-related injuries
Headaches and migraines
Stress, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation
Sleep disruption and fatigue
Digestive concerns — nausea, bloating, IBS
Hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularity
Immune support and seasonal wellness
Neurological conditions — neuropathy, dizziness, Bell’s palsy
Recovery support alongside other treatments

This list isn’t exhaustive. If you’re wondering whether acupuncture might help with something specific, reach out — Dr. Paul is happy to have that conversation before you book.

FAQs

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. While it has roots in centuries-old practice, it’s also backed by a growing body of modern research.

From a physiological standpoint, acupuncture has been shown to influence the autonomic nervous system, promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the release of endorphins and other natural compounds involved in pain relief and regulation. At KWT, it’s applied through an integrative lens and used as part of a broader treatment plan, not in isolation.

Who Is It For?

Acupuncture is well-tolerated by most people across all stages of life. It’s a particularly good fit if you’re looking for a treatment approach that addresses pain or dysfunction at a neurological and systemic level — or if you want to complement existing care with something that works with your body rather than overriding it.

Because Dr. Paul brings naturopathic and osteopathic training alongside his acupuncture certification, sessions at KWT go deeper than a standalone needle treatment. If there’s more to investigate, he can investigate. If acupuncture is just one part of the picture, it becomes one piece of a coordinated plan.

There are some contraindications to acupuncture (such as certain bleeding disorders or specific pregnancy considerations), so please share your full health history before your first session. Your safety is always the priority.

Insurance Coverage

Naturopathic medicine is not covered under Manitoba Health (provincial health insurance). However, many extended health benefit plans cover naturopathic medicine. Check with your provider for your annual allowance and any ND-specific requirements. IV therapy coverage varies by plan.

Dr. Paul provides receipts for reimbursement for his services.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

No, Acupuncture doesn’t hurt. Most people experience a mild tingling or a gentle warmth at the needle site and a sense of heaviness or subtle pressure as the needle engages.