What is Acupuncture?
The practice of acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has a history of more than 3000 years of successfully diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness, while promoting health and well being. Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, pre-sterilized, disposable (one time use) surgical grade stainless steel needles into specific points or trigger points used to stimulate the body’s qi (pronounced “chee”), also known as vital energy or life force that flows through specific channels or pathways called meridians.
How does acupuncture work?
Health problems begin when the flow of qi is obstructed or when the qi is considered insufficient. Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of qi and removing obstructions, to restore health, balance and normal function. Acupuncture has shown to decrease inflammation, relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and regulate hormone secretion, as well as boost the immune system.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes. In some instances children can respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, then acupressure, herbal medicine or other modalities may be used.
Does it hurt?
Experience with acupuncture varies with each person. Many feel nothing at all while some may notice a small sensation as the needle is inserted. Once the needle is introduced, one may experience local feelings of tingling, distension, or heaviness. These are all considered positive sensations.
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is safe and effective when practiced by a qualified practitioner. Always be sure that your acupuncturist has received the proper level of training and is registered by the Alberta government or other recognized governing bodies. After treatment most people experience positive side effects reporting an increase in relaxation, improved sleep and a general sense of wellbeing right away, while others may take a little longer before establishing the same effects.
What does acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) has identified a number of conditions that acupuncture can benefit. Here are some of the conditions they have listed:
- Colds & Flu Sore Throat, Hay Fever
- Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinus Infection
- Addictions
- Digestive Disorders, Nausea, Vomiting
- Diarrhea, Constipation
- Hypoglycemia, Diabetes
- Ear Aches, Tinnitus
- Eczema, Acne
- Arthritis, Neuralgia, Sciatica,
Bursitis, Tendonitis
- Sprains
- Neck and Back Pain
- Headaches, Migraines
- Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Stroke
- Infertility
- Menstrual Irregularities, PMS,
Menopause
- Morning Sickness
- Anxiety, Depression
- Stress, Insomnia
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies with each person. Some of the factors include individual constitution, severity of a condition, whether it’s an acute or chronic condition as well as individual response to treatment.
How should I prepare?
- Arrive
15 minutes prior to your initial visit to fill out forms before your scheduled
appointment.
- Wear
loose and comfortable clothing. This
allows for easy access to acupuncture points.
- Write
down and bring in any questions you may have.
- Be
sure to bring in the names and dosages of medications being taken, copies of
any relevant test results and/or medical documents pertaining to your health
concerns.
- Be
sure not to have an empty stomach nor eat large meals just before or
just after your treatment.
- Refrain
from working out or over exerting yourself, taking drugs or alcohol for at
least six hours after your treatment.
- Drink
plenty of water and take time to relax after each visit.
- Take
note of any changes that may occur, such as relief from pain or changes of
frequency and types of problems.
What to expect at your visit
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic, whole body approach to health. This means that you will be asked a wide range of questions pertaining to your entire self, not just the symptoms. This allows the doctor the ability to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together to get to the core of the problem and find a treatment plan that is best suited to you. This will include questions regarding your history, current complaints and overall health status.
A physical exam will then be performed, which will include taking your pulse and an examination of your tongue. This helps the doctor in determining health factors by looking at the color, texture and coatings. In addition, some body areas may be palpated.
Initial visits generally last from 60 – 90 minutes. Subsequent visits will average from 30 – 60 minutes. Please be sure to allow yourself the appropriate amount of time for each visit.
Different Forms of Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of an herb called Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). It is a form of heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. It can be used on the handle of the needle, above the skin, or on top of salt or sliced ginger. The purpose of Moxibustion, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy used to stimulate the flow of blood and qi with the use of either glass cups used with heat to create a partial vacuum or plastic suction cups and placed on specific areas of the body. The suctioning created with the cups affects the superficial muscle layers offering the best deep tissue massage available making it beneficial for sore muscles. Cupping allows for the tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages and is used for the common cold. This treatment can leave some slight redness to the skin but will quickly dissipate.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a scraping therapy, used with a round-edged instrument that involves stroking the skin, also like a deep tissue massage and results with the appearance of small red petechiae called “sha” causing some redness to the skin that will dissipate within a couple of days. This technique is used to promote the circulation of blood and metabolic processes, giving relief to stiff and sore muscles, fever, chills and digestive disorders.
Electro Acupuncture
A battery powered machine using wires with small clips on the ends electrically stimulates needles and is especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of qi, such as in chronic pain syndromes, or in cases where the qi is difficult to stimulate.
Laser
This uses a low energy laser beam as an alternative to using needles, to influence the flow of qi at the acupuncture points, an effective treatment for painful conditions.
Auricular Therapy
The ear is considered a micro system that represents every part of the body. It is an important component of acupuncture that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease through observation of the color and texture of the auricle, allowing the practitioner to detect certain health conditions.
Navel Acupuncture
Navel acupuncture places one or a few needles in the navel area to treat illness. It has superior clinical results on various pain conditions.
Navel acupuncture was invented in 2000. Its root comes from I-Ching philosophy. Several clinical trials in China have proven its astonishing clinical efficacy. Naval acupuncture based on I-Ching and BaGua theory, needling points around umbilicus, awaking pre-natal energy for healing. It is a great breakthrough of acupuncture development. Its advantages are “practical, simple, fast-working, extreme high efficacy”.
Acupressure
This technique involves placing physical pressure, by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices, on acupuncture points to provide relief of symptoms in responsive patients.
Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s primary aspect is the use of herbal medicine. The main focus for herbal medicine is to maintain or restore balance by nourishing the body. Each herbal formula is prescribed to address the specific needs of each individual. It is important to follow the doctor’s directions in order to get the most benefit from these treatments.