What is Acupuncture ?

 

Acupuncture is a healing modality used in Traditional  Chinese Medicine (TCM). There is growing interest in the West about the use of acupuncture for in pain management, infertility, and general health maintenance.

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Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. TCM describes Acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of Qi (life energy) , which is believed to flow through pathways (meridians or channels) in ones body. Although there is significant science behind this technique, there is also a substantial amount of art involved in the application. 

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The origins of Acupuncture and more specifically Traditional Chinese Medicine can be tied back thousands of years to the Yellow Emperor himself. The goal of Acupuncture is to stimulate the natural healing properties of the body itself and restoring balance. 

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ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT PLAN

Prior to your treatment, the acupuncturist will take a health history. Then they will come up with a treatment plan to address your condition. During the acupuncture treatment, most people report no or minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. The needles are usually left in the body anywhere between 5-30 minutes. After the treatment, people generally report feeling relaxed. The total number of treatment sessions will be discussed by your provider.

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Acupuncture Therapy is a powerful and natural therapy that alleviates symptoms in virtually every system of the body and promotes balanced health on the physical, mental and energetic levels.  

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• ​Women’s Health Conditions: menstrual pain, PMS, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, turning a breech or transverse baby (mispositioned fetus), promoting labour for term or post-dates pregnancy, stalled or slowed labour.

• Mental Health Concerns: anxiety, worry, insomnia, grief, depression, attention deficit disorders (ADD, ADHD).

• Digestive problems: constipation, IBS, acid reflux/heartburn/ GERD, diarrhea, nausea.

• Male and Female Infertility

• Pain, swelling, numbness, neuralgia

• Recovery from injury or surgery

• Colds, flus, sore throats, coughs, fevers

• Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture: targets wrinkles, fine lines, signs of aging

• Smoking

• Addiction

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What to Expect in Your Visit for  Acupuncture?

The acupuncturist will begin by asking questions, perform a physical exam, and will provide a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Following this, they will select the Acupuncture points that most specifically address your concerns and symptoms.

 

 Traditional tongue and pulse diagnoses are used to identify imbalances in the body that can be addressed through treatment. 

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Is it painful?

Treatments are very relaxing and involve minimal (if any) pain, and they are performed according to internationally-recognized Clean Needle Technique standards with sterile, single-use needles that are extremely fine.

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How Often Do I Need Treatments for Acupuncture?

 

For chronic concerns, Naturopathic Acupuncture is typically performed in a series of 6-8 weekly to biweekly treatments. For acute issues such as a cough, cold or flu, or to encourage spontaneous labour in a post-dates pregnancy, treatments can be provided 2-3 times per week until the condition is resolved.  The benefits of Acupuncture are often experienced with the first treatment, and continue to develop cumulatively through the course of care.