FAQS

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the insertion of very fine (often no thicker than a human hair) needles into specific points on the body in order to stimulate the body to reach a state of balance and harmony.

Chinese medical theory holds that there are meridians or channels in the body through which qi or chi (vital energy or life force) flows. These channels connect the organs with all the body's other structures. When the body is in a healthy state, energy flows smoothly and harmoniously through these channels. Acupuncture works to harmonize and balance the flow of energy throughout the body thereby supporting the body's inherent capability to balance and heal itself.

Chinese herbology, another branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a natural complement to acupuncture, but can also be used on it's own. Herbal formulas, comprised of multiple herbs, are prescribed according to the individual condition and are modified as the individual's condition evolves. As with acupuncture, the goal is to stimulate the body to reach a state of balance and harmony.

Other Traditional Chinese Medicine health modalities:
Moxibustion: Dried mugwort leaves burned as a warming and stimulating therapy during treatment.
Cupping: Placing glass cups on the body by creating a vacuum, increasing the microcirculation and supporting detoxification and healing.
Electro-Acupuncture: acupuncture points are stimulated using a safe, gentle, electrical current.
Acupressure/Tui Na: A massage technique that stimulates the meridians/channels.

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How Does Acupuncture Work?

While the exact scientific mechanisms by which acupuncture works has not been determined, studies indicate that acupuncture affects the nervous system and stimulates the release of endorphins making it effective for pain control. It has also been shown to influence the levels of sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood, and the functioning of the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and immune systems.

The official World Health Organization (WHO) report: Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials lists 28* conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture, as well as another 63 conditions for which the therapeutic effects of acupuncture have been shown but not proven to be of therapeutic benefit, and a small number of conditions pertaining to the possible value of acupuncture in other difficult conditions or those requiring special expertise.

*low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, knee pain, periarthritis of the shoulder, sprains, facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders), headache, dental pain, tempromandibular (TMJ) dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, induction of labor, correction of malposition of fetus (breech presentation), morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, postoperative pain, stroke, essential hypertension, primary hypotension, renal colic, leucopenia, adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy, allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, biliary colic, depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke), acute bacillary dysentery, primary dysmenorrhea, acute epigastralgia, peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis.

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Some Commonly Treated Conditions:
Allergies/Asthma, Anxiety/Depression, Arthritis/Joint Problems, Back Pain, Bladder/Kidney Problems, Constipation/Diarrhea, Colds/Flu, Cough/Bronchitis, Dizziness, Drug Addiction/Smoking, Fatigue, Frozen Shoulder, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Gynecological Disorders, Headache/Migraine, Heart Problems/Palpitations, High Blood Pressure, Immune System Deficiency, Infertility, Knee Pain, Menopausal Disorders, Neck Pain/Stiffness, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Numbness/Paralysis, Rhinitis, Sciatica, Sexual Dysfunction, Shoulder Pain, Sinusitis, Skin Problems, Stress/Tension, Tendonitis, Vision Problems, and Weight Management.

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What Can I Expect During A Treatment?

Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible needles are placed at specific points on the energetic pathways leading to the organs, muscles, and nerves of the body. Acupuncture needles are designed to be smooth, solid, and pointed so they displace or move through, rather than cut through the skin. There is little or no pain. When the needles are inserted you many experience a slight pricking followed by vague sense of numbness, heaviness, slight tingling, or warmth. Some people feel no sensation at all. Treatment is effective in either case. The needles are generally left in for 20-40 minutes. Many people find the treatments very peaceful, calming, and relaxing

The first appointment is usually about one and a half hours as there will be an extensive interview and examination. In Chinese Medicine, the focus is upon treating the individual rather than attacking a disease entity per se, and upon the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Thus, the keys to understanding an individual's underlying imbalances lie in all of the signs and symptoms that person is experiencing and examining the person and asking the individual detailed questions regarding what they are experiencing is crucial in determining the most effective course of treatment.

Following treatments will generally take about one hour. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person to another. Generally, some relief will be experienced in two to three treatments in less serious conditions and in six to eight treatments for more complex ones. Treatments are scheduled as often as three times per week or as little as once a month. As symptoms improve, fewer visits are required. As no two individuals are exactly alike, no two treatment programs are exactly alike. Treatment with acupuncture is a dynamic process that is tailored to the changing needs of the individual. Once symptoms are gone, there may still be some lingering imbalances requiring a few follow up visits, so it is advisable to continue with the treatment program your acupuncturist recommends.

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What Should I Do Or Not Do Before And After Treatment?

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and try not to come to a treatment feeling extremely hungry but avoid having a very a large meal within an hour of your appointment. Also try to avoid food or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment. After treatment, you will usually feel calm and relaxed but occasionally, you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours. If at all possible, allow yourself some time to relax, or at least try to avoid very physically strenuous or mentally taxing activitities for several hours before and especially after a treatment. Avoiding alcohol and other recreational drugs will also enhance the effet of treatments. Do continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.

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Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is a very safe procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Serious complications such as an infection, injury of an internal organ, or breakage of a needle are extremely rare and usually only occur as a result of bad practice of a poorly trained acupuncturist. All licensed acupuncturists are thoroughly educated in anatomy and physiology and trained to follow strict safety standards including the NCCAOM's (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Clean Needle Technique procedures. The needles used are sterile, disposable, single-use needles.

The most common side effect is the occasional slight bruising at the site of needling. Though infrequent, there may be a short term flair up of your symptoms or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state for a few days. These "healing reactions" should not cause concern, as they are indications that a rebalancing of energy and stimulation of healing is taking place and the acupuncture is starting to work.

For greatest safety and efficacy, always inform your acupuncturist of all pre-existing conditions, known problems, the names of all medications and supplements you are taking, whether you are or could be pregnant, have a cardiac pacemaker, and if you have any bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners. Acupuncture should not be utilized as a substitute for medical care but instead in addition and as a complement to it. Keep your medical doctor(s) informed of any alternative or complementary health care treatments you undergo and nutritional or lifestyle changes you make.

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