ACUPUNCTURE

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a healing modality that originated in China over 2500 years ago.  Traditionally, patients were treated using needles made from sharpened stones.

The practice of acupuncture has continuously evolved over time.  Wisdom accumulated from centuries of medical experience and improvements in metallurgy have greatly refined this technique.

Today, acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin stainless steel needles into specific points on the body.

water drops into a pool causing ripples

The effects of acupuncture may spread from the local point to the whole body

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Acupuncture uses the body’s innate ability to fix itself.  The insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates a healing response.  Like a pebble dropped into a pond, this healing cascade may ripple out from the local area, affecting the whole system.

Although the mechanisms are yet to be fully understood, research has shown that acupuncture may have the following effects:

    • Reduce Pain: via activation of the body’s own natural pain killers & deactivation of pain centers in the brain
    • Reduce Inflammation
    • Relax Muscles
    • Improve Circulation
    • Modulate Parasympathetic Activity: stimulate part of the nervous system associated with rest, relaxation, digestion, wound healing. i.e. “rest & digest”
    woman in green shirt receiving a painless acupuncture treatment

    BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE

    Acupuncture is typically given as a series of treatments, especially for chronic conditions. 

    When administered as a series, the benefits of acupuncture may accumulate and last longer.

    These benefits may include:

      • Feeling Less or No Pain
      • Better Movements:  with less pain & increased range of motion
      • Better Sleep:  patients sleep deeper and longer, especially as their pain improves
      • A Calm Mind:  many patients feel less anxious, more relaxed & with a sense of balance after their treatments
      white acupuncture model with channel and point markings

      Does acupuncture hurt?

      Unlike needles used for injections and drawing blood, acupuncture needles are very thin, like a cat’s whisker.

      Therefore, pain or discomfort from needling is typically minimal.  In many cases, it is non-existant.

      While each person experiences acupuncture differently, many patients find the treatments soothing & relaxing.

       

      Is acupuncture safe?

      Acupuncture is an extremely safe modality when practiced by a well-trained Registered Acupuncturist or TCM Practitioner.

      Since our clinic only uses sterile, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles, the likelihood of infection is very low.

      While minor bruising and nerve irritation may occasionally occur, these usually resolve themselves in several days.  More serious adverse events, such as pneumothorax, are quite rare and easily avoidable with a qualified practitioner.

      Acupuncture may not be appropriate for patients with:

        • Bleeding Disorders:  Patients with hemophilia may be treated with non-needle therapies.
        • Pacemakers:  Patients with pacemaker implants should not have electroacupuncture, but may receive regular acupuncture instead.

        Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

        Yes!  Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine have been safely used in pregnancy for centuries.  Please let us know if you are possibly pregnant before treatment.

        We may address many common ailments during pregnancy such as:

        • nausea & vomiting
        • pain (i.e. low back pain, sciatica)
        • water retention or edema
        • fatigue

        Acupuncture may be used to assist with labour preparation and for post-partum care.