What is acupuncture?

​

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been used for over 3000 years, making it one of the oldest forms of medicine. It is a mainstay medical treatment in many eastern countries and has greatly expanded into our western culture. Extremely thin needles, 0.14 to 0.3 mm in diameter, are inserted into specific points on the body with the goal of having local and systemic effects. Most first-time patients relax after the first needle has been inserted and they realize how pain-free the experience really is.  

​

How does acupuncture work?

 

• Tense muscles put excess pressure and strain on joints, tendons, and nerves resulting in pain. Acupuncture targets specific muscles to reduce discomfort, stiffness, and pain.
   

• Blood carries everything your body needs to heal, including nutrients, oxygen, and hormones. Acupuncture speeds up the healing process by improving circulation to the area of concern.
   

• Acupuncture acts on the nervous system. It helps reduce the intensity and perception of pain triggering the release of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory chemicals from the brain.
   

• Acupuncture increases the release of oxytocin from the brain, which is responsible for calming and relaxation.
   

• From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, symptoms arise when there is an imbalance between yin and yang, or an obstruction in the flow of energy (Qi) through your body. Acupuncture is used to re-gain balance and ensure energy is flowing smoothly through the acupuncture meridians.

What can be treated with acupuncture?

​

Painful Conditions

• Muscle Tension

• Headaches and Migraines

• Arthritis

• TMJ Disorder

• Tendonitis

• Bursitis

• Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Sciatica

• Hip and Low Back Pain

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Plantar Fasciitis​

Skin Conditions

• Eczema​

• Psoriasis

• Acne

Respiratory Conditions​

• Asthma​

• COPD

• Seasonal allergies

• Congestion

​Hormonal Conditions​

• Painful Periods​

• Irregular Periods

• Menopause

• Infertility

• Pregnancy Support

Digestion-related Conditions

• Heartburn​

• Hiccups

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Bloating

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Mental Health Conditions​​

• Anxiety​

• Depression

• Stress

• Insomnia

• Addictions (including smoking cessation)

​Electro-acupuncture

​

The benefits of acupuncture may be enhanced by using electrostimulation, typically used in pain management and arthritic conditions. Acupuncture needles are inserted the same way as a regular acupuncture treatment. Electrodes are then attached to the handle of the chosen needles and a small electric current is passed through the needles. The goal is to increase the body’s awareness of the points, increase energy flow, and stimulate the underlying muscles to relax.