Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of very thin, sterile, one-time use, filiform acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points in the body to achieve a therapeutic effect.   

Acupuncture stimulates the innate healing power of our body to heal itself. It improves mood and energy, reduces or relieves pain and improves the functions of our body. 

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medical theories is based on an energetic model. There is an intricate web of energetic pathways that are mapped throughout the body that are known as “meridians”. The heart of the model is the belief that there exists in nature, and the human body, energy, that is referred to as Qi (Chi). The effects of acupuncture are explained by how it influences Qi. In order to be healthy, one must have enough Qi. It must be free-flowing, unobstructed, and balanced. If there is an imbalance, or the flow of Qi is disrupted, moving in the wrong direction, or in excess, signs and symptoms of disease, or health conditions arise.

Acupuncture points lie along the meridians and each point has a function. Acupuncture needles when inserted into the acupoints, influence Qi and work toward correcting imbalances. A traditional Acupuncturist will diagnose and treat both the cause of imbalance, and the symptoms of disease.  

Does Acupuncture hurt?

For people who have never experienced Acupuncture, you may be surprised with how relaxed you feel during and after your treatment. Generally speaking, Acupuncture does not cause pain. During the initial insertion of the needle, you may feel a momentary prick-like sensation that quickly passes. Once inserted, some points may feel dull, heavy, or achy. At other points, you may not feel anything all.

Is Acupuncture safe?

In Yes. Acupuncture has very few contraindications. Although very safe, you want to ensure you are receiving treatment from a Registered Acupuncturist. The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (TCM) and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA) is the regulatory body for TCM and Acupuncture in British Columbia. On their website you can locate all professional Registered Acupuncturists in British Columbia. 

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture excels at prevention, as well as drugless relief of symptoms from a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions and disease. The following are a few of the most common conditions that acupuncture can treat:  

Injuries, sciatica, backaches, neck pain, tight shoulders, carpel tunnel syndrome, muscle cramping, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, facial paralysis, numbness, tingling, post operative pain, post herpetic pain (shingles), allergies, asthma, cold/flu, bronchitis, sinusitis,  fatigue, infertility, morning sickness, labour induction, PMS, menopausal symptoms, irregular menstruation,  indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, stress and skin problems.

What can I expect?

Services provided include a 60 minute initial consultation including a detailed health history consultation and treatment, and 40 minute follow-up visits.  

During your initial consultation, the Acupuncturist gets to know you and your health concerns. You can expect to go over details about your past and present health. Such details will include symptoms that you experience in regards to your sleep, digestion, emotional state, aches and pains, injuries, etc. Based on the information collected a diagnosis and treatment plan based on Chinese Medical Theory. Treatment techniques that are offered along side acupuncture are Trigger Point Release, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxabustion, and Elecro-Stimulation. Modalities used will be based on your individual needs and diagnosis.  

After the needles are inserted, the Acupuncturist will leave the room for 15-20 minutes allowing you to enter a deep state of relaxation while your body starts the healing process. It is possible that immediately after treatment you may feel a bit light headed. This passes within a few minutes, and with drinking water. It is normal to feel relaxed, and have a great sleep the night after a treatment. 

How many treatments will I need?

Every person is unique and responds differently to Acupuncture. Therefore, there is no set treatment protocol. It is important to understand that Acupuncture is stimulating the body to heal itself and can take time to restore the body’s balance. 6-8 treatments are usually recommended before re-assessing, although some things respond immediately. For more chronic issues remember that it took a while for your body to reach this state and it is important to have patience while your body heals. Usually treatments are more frequent at the beginning and become less frequent ans improvements occur.  

For people coming in for general wellness and prevention, treatments every 4-6 weeks is suggested.