RMT vs. Acupuncture: What to Know Before You Book
When you are comparing RMT and acupuncture, the first difference is how treatment is delivered. Registered massage therapy uses hands-on soft-tissue techniques. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at selected points. The choice should reflect your concern, health history, preferences and an individual assessment.
At NU MVMT, these are separate appointment types. Understanding the difference makes it easier to ask useful questions and book the service you intend to receive.
RMT and acupuncture at a glance
| Question | RMT | Acupuncture |
|---|---|---|
| What happens? | An RMT assesses your concerns and uses appropriate soft-tissue techniques. | An acupuncturist assesses your concerns and may use fine needles as part of the agreed treatment. |
| What can I discuss? | Pressure, comfort, positioning, areas treated and home-care suggestions. | Needle concerns, comfort, positioning and the proposed treatment approach. |
| What affects suitability? | Your health history, current symptoms and the treatment proposed. | Your health history, current symptoms and the treatment proposed. |
| What should I confirm? | That you have booked an RMT appointment and understand the fee and coverage. | That you have booked acupuncture and understand the fee and coverage. |
What can the evidence tell you?
Research suggests acupuncture may help with some pain conditions, but effects and evidence differ by condition. Massage may also help with some symptoms, with limitations in the research. Neither service is a universal solution, and a response to one session does not tell the whole story.
Ask your practitioner what evidence applies to your concern, what change is realistic and when you should reassess the plan. Treatment should not delay medical evaluation of a new or unexplained health problem.
Meet our RMT and acupuncture team
Our seven registered massage therapists bring different training and interests to their work. Practitioner locations and schedules vary; check their current Jane profiles when choosing an appointment.
Registered massage therapists
Ian Chan
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Ian completed Langara College’s RMT program in 2019. His experience includes athletes, seniors, pregnant people and people affected by motor vehicle accidents.
Sim Bhatti
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Sim is an RMT and Sports Science diploma graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. His approach combines individualized soft-tissue work with an interest in movement and active lifestyles.
Ingrid Yip
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Ingrid completed Langara’s RMT program in 2019. She emphasizes listening, practical treatment planning and home care, and speaks Cantonese, Japanese and Mandarin.
Anton Borda
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Registered Massage Therapist
Anton graduated from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Toronto in 2012. His experience includes working with athletes, pregnant patients and office professionals.
Chad Luarca
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown
Registered Massage Therapist
Chad graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2022 and has a kinesiology background from UBC. He combines individualized hands-on care with practical home-care strategies.
Julian Galang
Jane profile and appointment options: Downtown
Registered Massage Therapist
Julian trained at Vancouver Career College. His background includes Swedish massage, myofascial techniques and PNF, with experience working with athletes, professionals and seniors.
Andrea Stothard
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Registered Massage Therapist
Andrea graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her fitness background includes powerlifting, calisthenics and climbing, and she has an interest in sport-related concerns.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Karen Trane
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore · Downtown · Brentwood
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Karen is a registered acupuncturist and TCM practitioner. She studied traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture at Central College in New Westminster after earning a BA at UBC.
Student and non-RMT massage
NU MVMT also offers a separate non-RMT massage service with Vanessa Hung, Emily Iaccino and Miriam Jang. These appointments are not registered massage therapy; do not book them as a substitute for an RMT appointment when submitting an RMT insurance claim.
Vanessa Hung
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Non-RMT Massage Provider
Vanessa graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her Jane profile describes Swedish massage and myofascial techniques; her current booking category is Student Massage Therapy (Non RMT).
Emily Iaccino
Jane profile and appointment options: Downtown
Student Massage — Non-RMT
Emily is a massage therapy student offering relaxation-focused sessions using general Swedish massage techniques. She enjoys biking, swimming and figure skating outside the clinic.
Miriam Jang
Jane profile and appointment options: Gilmore
Student Massage — Non-RMT
Miriam is a massage student intern at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Her training includes Swedish massage, myofascial release and PNF stretching.
How to make your first appointment more useful
Rather than arriving with a technique already chosen, describe what you want help with. For example: “I want to understand why this activity is uncomfortable,” or “I want a plan that fits alongside my current rehabilitation.”
- Explain when the issue started and what makes it better or worse.
- Share relevant health conditions, medications and current treatment.
- Discuss your comfort with touch or needles and any positioning needs.
- Ask what the practitioner recommends, why, and what alternatives exist.
- Agree on a practical way to review your response.
You can ask to change or stop a technique. For massage, firmer pressure is not automatically more useful; communicate what you feel rather than assuming discomfort is necessary.
Can you combine RMT and acupuncture?
A plan can include different services when there is a clear reason for each. Let your practitioners know what other care you receive and ask how the approaches fit together. Booking both is not a requirement, and the goal should be a useful plan rather than simply more treatment.
Where to book NU MVMT services
Registered massage therapy is offered at Gilmore in Burnaby and Downtown Vancouver. Acupuncture is offered across Gilmore, Brentwood and Downtown. Check current practitioner schedules and appointment options in Jane.
Common questions
Is student massage the same as RMT?
No. A student massage appointment is a different service from treatment with a registered massage therapist. If you intend to submit an RMT claim, confirm the practitioner and appointment category before booking.
Will my benefits cover either service?
Coverage is specific to your plan and provider. Massage therapy and acupuncture may have different limits or requirements. Direct billing, where available, does not guarantee payment or full coverage.
What if I am nervous about needles?
Tell the acupuncturist before treatment. Ask what is proposed, what sensations to expect and whether an alternative approach is appropriate. You do not have to agree to a technique you are uncomfortable with.
Explore the team and current appointments: Book with NU MVMT in Jane.
General educational information; an individual assessment is needed to determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you.