Acupuncture in NW Calgary
Acupuncture at Renu is delivered by Dr. Will Tanner, a Registered Massage Therapist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine at CITCM. Ultra-fine sterile needles are placed at specific points to support circulation, regulate the nervous system, relieve pain and muscular tension, and promote recovery. Treatments are personalized, and can be combined with massage therapy, fire cupping and lymphatic care in the same visit. Will also works alongside founder Meeghan Mackenzie, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, on integrated care for fertility, surgical recovery and support during and after cancer treatment.
What acupuncture is and how it may help
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ultra-fine sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to support healing and restore balance. Modern research suggests acupuncture may stimulate the nervous system, release endorphins, reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes. Many clients describe treatment as deeply calming, grounding and restorative.
- Encourage circulation
- Support nervous system regulation
- Relieve pain and muscular tension
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
- Support recovery and overall wellness
Fire cupping with Will
Will is one of the few Registered Massage Therapists offering fire cupping in Calgary. A flame briefly heats the air inside a glass cup before it is placed on the skin, creating suction that promotes circulation, relieves tension and supports overall wellness. It is a traditional technique that pairs naturally with acupuncture and massage.
Acupuncture and lymphatic wellness together
We view the body as one interconnected system, constantly communicating through the nervous system, circulation, breath and movement. When stress, tension, inflammation, surgery or emotional overload overwhelm it, that natural flow can feel stagnant. Acupuncture calms the nervous system and encourages circulation; lymphatic therapies support the body’s drainage pathways and fluid movement. Together they create a grounding, restorative experience that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Clients often describe the combination as feeling lighter, more relaxed, less inflamed or “stuck”, and more regulated. Acupuncture can be integrated with manual lymphatic drainage, massage therapy, fire cupping and the infrared cocoon.
Who this integrated approach supports
While many clients first find us during their fertility journey, the pairing of acupuncture and lymphatic therapy supports a much wider circle of people: anyone whose body is asking for a gentler way back to balance.
Holistic fertility support at Renu
A fertility journey asks so much of the body and the heart. There are appointments, waiting, hoping, and often a sense that your body has become something to be monitored rather than cared for.
At Renu, Dr. Will Tanner and the RMTs work together to offer something different: a space where you can soften, breathe and feel supported through every stage.
Acupuncture sessions with Will focus on nervous system regulation, relaxation and supporting balance throughout your cycle. Lymphatic therapy offers gentle, rhythmic care that can ease fluid retention and the heavy, bloated feeling many clients experience during fertility treatment, while giving your body permission to rest.
We time your care around your cycle and treatment calendar, and we are always happy to work alongside your fertility clinic or physician. Our role is to support your medical care, never to replace it.
Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or you are in the middle of an IVF cycle, we would love to hear where you are. Get in touch and we will help you map out what support could look like for you.
Support during and after cancer care
Cancer treatment asks a great deal of the body. Beyond the diagnosis itself, many people struggle with side effects that affect their daily life: pain, nausea, fatigue, disrupted sleep, joint aches, neuropathy and swelling.
At Renu, we have supported oncology clients for many years. Our founder, Meeghan, is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a clinical focus on oncology, and she works alongside Will to offer care that supports you through treatment and into recovery.
Why acupuncture?
Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a supportive therapy in cancer care. Leading oncology organizations, including the Society for Integrative Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, now recommend it for certain treatment-related symptoms, such as joint pain from aromatase inhibitors and cancer-related pain. The Canadian Cancer Society also recognizes acupuncture as a complementary therapy that may help with side effects like nausea, fatigue, hot flashes and sleep difficulties.
Why pair it with lymphatic therapy?
Surgery, lymph node removal and radiation can all affect how fluid moves through the body. Specialized lymphatic care helps manage swelling and supports lymphedema risk reduction and management. Acupuncture complements this work by calming the nervous system and supporting comfort during what is often an exhausting time.
Our approach
Our care always works alongside your oncology team and never replaces it. Before we begin, we review your treatment history and current status, and we adapt every session to where you are. This includes the timing of treatments around chemotherapy, attention to blood counts, and special care around any limb at risk for lymphedema.
In treatment or recently finished, and not sure what kind of support is right for you? Reach out for a no-pressure conversation with our team. We will help you figure out what makes sense for where you are right now.
Sources: Canadian Cancer Society: types of complementary therapies · Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO guideline (PubMed)
Your practitioners
Your acupuncture practitioner
From the Library
Questions and guides about acupuncture
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most clients experience minimal discomfort. The needles are extremely fine, and many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on your goals and concerns. Some clients benefit from occasional maintenance treatments; others need a series of sessions. Will discusses a plan with you at your initial consultation.
Can acupuncture be combined with massage therapy?
Yes. The 90-minute acupuncture and massage combination is available to returning acupuncture clients and integrates both in one session.
Can acupuncture support me during IVF or IUI?
Many clients choose acupuncture during fertility treatment for relaxation, stress support and a sense of balance. We will work around your treatment schedule, and we encourage you to let your fertility clinic know you are receiving care with us.
Is lymphatic drainage safe during fertility treatment or pregnancy?
Lymphatic therapy can be very supportive, but timing and technique matter. We adapt treatment to where you are in your cycle or pregnancy, and there are certain situations where we pause specific work. We will always talk this through with you first.
Do I need to see both Will and Meeghan?
Not at all. Some clients see one of us, and others benefit from both. At your first visit we will recommend what makes sense for your goals.
What makes the approach at Renu different?
Our practitioners work as a team. When acupuncture and lymphatic therapy are both right for you, Will and Meeghan plan your care together so each treatment supports the other.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows access to the arms, legs and back.
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Page reviewed September 30, 2026 by the Renu team
West Hillhurst, NW Calgary
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Book online in a minute, or call the clinic. New clients can begin with the 60-minute intro massage, which includes a complimentary infrared cocoon session.
200, 209 19 St NW · Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 8:30 pm · Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm