Acupuncture 针刺

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Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.

Registered TCM Acupuncture is a regulated health profession governed by CTCMPAO. Treatments are covered under most health care benefit providers.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

Treatment is given to the local area of your complaint as well as to distally related areas. The abdomen, back, head, neck, arms, hands, chest, legs, feet, sacrum and buttocks may be treated.

An Acupuncturist is trained to look at your life patterns in order to draw a picture of the imbalances. The aim of the treatment is to re-balance the body to promote harmonious functioning once again. Then, he or she will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs. Using these unique assessment tools, the acupuncturist will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition.

The number of treatments needed depends on each individual’s condition.

What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncture?

Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, sciatica and others) to nausea, migraine headache, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility…

After a treatment

Occasionally after a treatment you may feel tired, headachy, or heavy, or experience other odd symptoms. These last only a day or two and are not unusual. It’s body’s natural reaction to changes. Please phone your therapist if you are concerned.