Acupuncture is the therapeutic insertion of very fine, filiform needles into the skin at specific points on the body to affect different body systems.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for many ailments and is one of the oldest natural healing therapies, having been practiced for thousands of years since its development in China.
Acupuncture is well known for its analgesic effect, but the World Health Organization of the United Nations (WHO) also recognizes acupuncture as being proven through controlled trials to be an effective treatment for over 40 different medical conditions.
Acupuncture treatments performed by a Registered Acupuncturist are covered by most health insurance companies including Blue Cross, Green Shield, Great West Life, Sun Life and Manulife Financial.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, developed systematically over a period of at least 3000 years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy or Qi flows through the body in channels called meridians. Acupuncture meridians, 'connect the inner organs with the outer body,' enabling a person's 'Qi' and blood to flow smoothly throughout the whole body. Health problems arise when there is an obstruction in the flow of Qi or when the supply of Qi is inadequate. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points to adjust and stimulate the flow of Qi, thereby restoring health and normal function.
Contemporary Acupuncture is acupuncture following conventional orthopedic/neuro-functional assessment or medical diagnosis. It relies on anatomical structures, evidence based research and stimulation of the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals will change the experience of pain; trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones to influence the body's own internal regulating systems.
Conditions treated using Acupuncture
• Musculoskeletal Conditions - Trigger points, spasm, contracture, weakness, atrophy, hypertonicity, sprains, strains, headaches, neck and back pain, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, TMJ dysfunction as well as decreased range of motion
• Inflammatory Conditions – Rheumatoid Arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, Gout as well as inflammation caused by acute injury
• Neurological Conditions –Epilepsy, Bells palsy, Facial paralysis/spasm, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke
• Digestive Disorders – Biliary colic, nausea and vomiting, Renal colic, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and Gastritis
• Gynecological Issues –Dysmenorrhoea, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Premenstrual Syndrome and menopausal symptoms
• Acupuncture has also been documented to affect sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes involved in regulating blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a safe, natural, effective way to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten facial muscles and minimize dark circles and puffiness beneath the eyes. Acupuncture improves local lymph and blood circulation, increases production of collagen and elastin as well as resets muscle tone preventing further wrinkles.
Cupping Therapy creates local suction on the skin; opens pores releasing toxins (ie. lactic acid) as well as promotes circulation of blood and lymphatic drainage. Depending on the depth of suction as well as manipulation techniques used cupping can be used to reduce hypertonicity, spasm and tension in the superficial and deep muscle layers as well as treat myofascial restrictions and trigger points.
Direct Billing Available for Blue Cross, Great West Life, Manulife, Sunlife and all other Telus Health plan Administrators, as well as RWAM DAL and SMU student Health plans
Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for many ailments and is one of the oldest natural healing therapies.