How Long the Sleep Time is the Safest to our Health

'Over time, you incur a sleep debt which you can never fully repay,' says doctor

 In 2010, Statistics Canada found 46 per cent of Canadians cut into the time they spend sleeping in order to complete other activities. About 40 per cent of Canadians will experience a sleep disorder during their lifetime, which can lead to serious health risks over time. Less sleep or sleep disorder can have drastic long-term effects on the mind and body, from heart problems to stroke, to an increase risk of car accidents, work performance errors,  more fatigue during the day, anxiety,even obesity......Lack Of Sleep Doubles Risk Of Death.
But does that mean the longer sleep better?
A new study suggests that individuals who sleep eight hours or more a night actually have an increased death rate compared with those who average just six or seven hours. The findings appear in the Archives of General Psychiatry. 


It is not hard to believe that lack of sleep cause lots of health problems, but how come longer sleep(over 9 hours) is not good to our health either? Studies didn't tell us why, but 2000 years ago, the ancient Chinese medicine pioneer has told us that " Stay too long on the bed(Sleep too long time) hurt 'Qi'(energy)" in his book"Huangdi Nei Jing" or "The Inner Canon of Huangdi"

So balance is the key. For all different kind of sleep disorder such as Insomnia or wake up problem, acupuncture or cupping massage therapy definitely is a great option to improve the sleep quality and improve your general health
With Jarry(Chinese acupuncturist since 1989) 28 years clinical experience, you will feel the difference.

五劳所伤:久视伤血,久卧伤气,久坐伤肉,久立伤骨,久行伤筋,是谓五劳所伤。(《黄帝内经·素问·宣明五气篇》)
久卧伤气:适当的睡眠对人是非常有益的,睡眠少则会伤身,气血得不到补养。但睡眠太多对健康是不利的,不管是健康人,还是病人,过度的睡懒觉缺乏运动,会削弱人的阳气,会使人精神萎靡,肺气虚弱,体弱无力。也会造成人体气机不畅,气滞则血瘀,经络越来越不通畅久而久之便会患上疾病如:动脉粥样硬化、脑血栓、心梗、高血压等。俗话说得好:“活人睡个病人,病人睡个死人”。生命在于运动,做适当的运动能生发人的阳气,能推动气血的运行,滑利关节。气行则血行,气滞则血瘀所以做适当的运动对人是非常有益的。气虚的人容易疲劳无力,少气懒言,经常喜欢卧床。气虚者常吃一些补气之品如:人参党参黄芪西洋参山药、大枣,还可以服用四君子汤补中益气丸四君子汤,配方:人参12克 白术12克 茯苓12克 甘草6克。水煎服一日两次,血压高者加钩藤10克 天麻10克,功效:补气健脾。

FAQs of Direct Billing for your Extended Health Insurance

Extended Health insurance plans often include alternative and complementary medical services, such as Acupuncture,Massage therapy that you would otherwise have to pay for out of pocket.

Common services that extended health insurance plans might include are:
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage Therapy
  • Naturopathic Medicine
  • Physiotherapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Custom Foot Orthotics
  • Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Dental
  • Eye care and glasses
  • Fitness Spending
  • Discretionary funds to use how you like!  You need to ask about this!
Typically you will receive a certain dollar amount (i.e. $300 – 500) toward a particular service.  

How is Direct Billing done and what's the benefits?

Before direct billing came available, it used to be that the only option for getting these services paid for was to pay for them yourself upfront, submit the receipt either by mail or online, and then wait for a cheque in the mail (or a direct bank deposit).  The turnaround time to get the money this way can be prohibitive for people who are tight on cash.  
Most of the insurance companies provide the eClaims portal to clinics like ours or the healthcare providers to submit the eCalims for our clients and get paid directly, reducing your out of pocket payment and saving you the hassle of both submitting and waiting for your money!  
The insurance companies or providers that Oriental Acupuncture Clinic can direct billing to: 
  • Blue Cross
  • Chambers of Commerce 

  • Cowan
  • CINUP
  • Desjardins
  • First Canadian Benefits
  • Great West Life
  • Green Shield
  • Industrial Alliance
  • Johnson Inc
  • Johnston Group
  • Manulife Financial
  • Maximum Benefit
  • RBC insurance
  • SSQ Financial Group
  • Standard Life
  • Sun Life
  • Veterans Affairs Canada
  • Canadian Armed forces
  • Veterans Affairs
  • RCMP: Royal Canadian Mounted Police


This is great news!  All you have to do is bring your policy and plan numbers (you should have a wallet card) on your first visit and sign up the consent forms, so we can start the eClaims for you. 

Will I ever have to pay up front?

3 cases that you have to pay upfront:
  1. If your plan only covers a portion of the visit (i.e. 80%) you will have to pay the difference to the clinic,
  2. If your company does not do Direct Billing at all or for specific types of services (so call your insurance company to find out if you not sure)
  3. If it’s the first time using Direct Billing Services the Insurance Company sometimes blocks the first transaction because they want to make sure a real person can verify that it’s legitimate.  This does mean that you will have to pay up front on your first visit, but it usually clears up for follow-ups. 

Common Questions to ask your Insurance Company:

Being prepared for direct billing before you come in for your first visit for is always a good idea.  Do to privacy issues, you are the only one who can ask about your plan!  Plan to make a quick phone call and ask the following questions:

  1. What is my coverage period?
  2. What Categories am I covered for? Acupuncture or Massage therapy etc.
  3. Do I have an annual deductible?
  4. What are my maximums for each category?  (dollar amount)
  5. Up to what amount is covered per each visit?  Is it different for initial visits versus follow-ups?
  6. Do I need a referral from an MD to obtain any of these services?
  7. Do I have separate “health spending account” or “fitness account” that can be used for other health care services not listed above?




Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic  at 416-800-3978 
or Text:416-655-1311
to set up your first appointment!
Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience greater health and well-being!

With Jarry's 28 years clinical experienceyou will feel the difference.