ACUPUNCTURE

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine that originated around 3000 years ago. Chinese acupuncture involves the use of very thin, sterilized, single use needles that are inserted in various areas of the body through the skin into the underlying tissues. The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Acupuncture is gaining acceptance and traction in North America. Research and teaching of the use of Chinese acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs is growing within North American Colleges and Universities.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

According to Eastern thought, Chinese acupuncture stimulates the Qi (or energy) of the internal organs to work better. From a Western or biochemical perspective, we are still trying to fully understand how acupuncture works. We know that acupuncture can affect all of the organ systems of the body including cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, gastrointestinal and genitourinary, and we have numerous studies that show that acupuncture is beneficial, but we are still unravelling the “how”. The current theories stem from the acupuncture needles stimulating neural pathways and local circulation, triggering body wide responses.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture can affect all of the organs of the body and can often be added to an individualized treatment protocol for most conditions. The most common concerns that the Naturopathic Doctors and Registered Acupuncturists at Natural Choice Medical Clinic have been treating with acupuncture include:

• • acute pain
  • chronic pain
  • back pain
  • headaches
  • migraines
  • menopausal symptoms
  • digestive concerns
  • infertility
  • IUI and IVF support
  • pregnancy symptoms
  • insomnia
  • menstrual concerns
  • hormonal imbalances
  • inability to lose weight
  • stress
  • depression
  • anxiety

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

The needles used for Chinese acupuncture are extremely thin; much thinner than your average needles used for injections or blood draws. Therefore, there is usually little if any pain experienced during acupuncture. You may experience a slight pinch as the needle is inserted and possibly a very mild dull ache while the needles are in place. The dull ache is a sign that the body is responding to the needles and that the treatment is doing what it should. After a treatment, patients tend to feel relaxed and have a general feeling of wellbeing.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WOULD I NEED?

The number of treatments varies greatly depending on the concern. Results could be seen in as few as 1 or 2 treatments of an acute concern or as many as a few months of weekly treatments to shift hormones. Your practitioner will discuss the expected treatment duration with you prior to beginning your acupuncture treatment.

To get started with one of our practitioners at Natural Choice Medical Clinic in Guelph for acupuncture treatments, book an appointment online today.

Interested in Facial (aka Cosmetic) Acupuncture?  CLICK HERE