Acupuncture
The practice of traditional Chinese medicine is the assessment of body system disorders through traditional Chinese medicine techniques and treatment using traditional Chinese medicine therapies to promote, maintain or restore health.
(Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006)
Acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective way to support the body's self-regulating and healing abilities. Acupuncture is an ancient form of healthcare that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago; making it one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and aims to treat the person as a 'whole' - mind, body and spirit.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to restore energetic balance and create internal harmony within the body's systems. Treatment may also be complemented by additional techniques including cupping, tuina massage, moxibustion, guasha etc.
Qi (pronounced 'chee'), is the vital life force energy that circulates throughout the body in a system of channels called meridians. It is responsible for regulating all the necessary functions in the body and protects us from illness, pain and disease. Our health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. According to Chinese medicine, optimal health is achieved when the body is harmonized and everything is flowing freely. Physical and emotional trauma, environmental factors, overexertion, stress, poor diet and insufficient sleep can all disrupt or block the flow of Qi resulting in a variety of signs and symptoms. Over time, the body becomes weakened and imbalanced making you more susceptible to disease, stress and pain.
Modern science has shown that acupuncture influences various bodily systems including - nervous, hormonal, circulatory and immune systems - giving us a better understanding of how the many therapeutic benefits are achieved.
What does acupuncture treat?
Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating the signs and symptoms of many health conditions by identifying the deeper underlying causes that are creating imbalance within the body. Acupuncture can also strengthen the body to prevent future illness and disease and promote an overall sense of wellness, energy and vitality.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) recognize acupuncture to be an effective treatment for a variety of diseases and disorders based on controlled clinical trials. For a complete list, please visit http://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/who-official-position
Some common conditions treated with acupuncture:
Respiratory
Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Colds and Flus
Gastrointestinal
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Ulcers
Gastritis
Abdominal Bloating
Hemorrhoids
Cosmetic and Skin Disorders
Fine Lines/Wrinkles
Uneven Skin Tone
Improved Texture
Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Hives
Emotional and Psychological
Anxiety, Depression
PTSD
Insomnia
Stress
Musculoskeletal and Neurological
Arthritis
Sciatica
Back Pain
Stiff Neck
Sprains, Strains, Muscle Spasms
Bursitis
Tendonitis
TMJ Problems
Bell's Palsy
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Headaches and Migraines
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Shingles
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Allergies
Earache
Deafness
Ringing in the Ears
Dizziness
Poor Eyesight
Cardiovascular
High Blood Pressure
Poor circulation
Anemia
Varicose Veins
Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
Endometriosis
Menopause
Fibroids
Chronic Bladder Infection
Kidney Stones
Impotence
Infertility in Men and Women
Sexual Dysfunction
Addiction
Smoking Cessation
Drugs
Alcohol
Other
Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
Diabetes
Weight Management
Pediatrics
Pre-and Postnatal Care
First visit
On your first visit, please bring or wear loose comfortable clothing and eat a light meal or snack at least one hour before your appointment (an empty stomach may cause dizziness).
Your initial visit is booked for 75 minutes and includes a thorough interview process as we discuss your medical history and the main reasons for your visit, then I will check your pulse and look at your tongue. These are two diagnostic tools used in Chinese medicine. The information gathered provides an overall picture of you and the factors influencing your health in order to form a specific treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and health concerns. We will end the session with the treatment, focusing on specific points that are most indicated for alleviating your symptoms; needles are retained for about 20 minutes. Follow-up treatments generally last from 45 - 60 minutes to allow time for bodywork (cupping, tuina, guasha) and needle treatments face-up and face-down as needed.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people typically associate needles with pain and are afraid to give acupuncture a try. Unlike hypodermic needles used to give injections, acupuncture needles are solid, thin and flexible and do not give the same sensation of discomfort. You can fit close to 10 acupuncture needles inside the tip of one hypodermic needle! Sometimes, you can feel a slight pinch on needle insertion, but this usually only lasts for a couple of seconds. None of the needles should hurt you, so if they feel uncomfortable, they can always be adjusted or removed. Common sensations can include a mild tingling, heaviness, dull ache or pressure around the needle. These are normal and suggest that the treatment is working. Most clients find acupuncture treatments very relaxing and even take a nap.
How many treatments are needed?
Since everyone responds to treatment differently, the number and frequency of treatments needed will vary depending on how long the condition has been present and your overall health. Acupuncture works in a series of treatments and provides a cumulative effect. Initially, in order to keep building on your progress, frequent regular treatment is what gives acupuncture the best results. As wellness is restored, the frequency of treatment may be reduced. The practitioner may suggest 1 or 2 treatments per week, monthly visits for maintenance or seasonal tune-ups. Generally, chronic conditions take longer to resolve than acute ones, however it is not uncommon to feel some relief after the first treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe when practised by a qualified practitioner. To limit infection and spread of communicable disease, only sterilized, single-use, disposable needles are used according to Clean Needle Technique protocol.