Acupuncture
The Purpose of Acupuncture Is...to balance the body’s Qi (chi), the energy of life, by increasing the Qi or decreasing the Qi according to each individual’s needs, through the insertion of very fine needles into specific points in the body. It is this smooth flow of energy through channels within the body that keep human beings alive...and healthy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) comprises a system of health care which originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and has been offered in North American for decades. It is a comprehensive system that assesses and treats acute and chronic disorders; it also serves as preventative health care and maintenance.
The practice of Acupuncture is based on a view of the body unlike that used in Western modern medicine. This model centers on the concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), loosely translated as "energy", and its effect on physiological function and health. Acupuncture’s basis is supported by the scientific understanding that human beings are complex bioelectric systems. Acupuncture functions to promote the body's ability to heal and rejuvenate itself. As a system of medicine it uses natural laws and energetic principles rooted in Taoism with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific points on the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of vital energy for health and well-being.
How Acupuncture Works...
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists approximately four dozen different conditions that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture. The most common uses for acupuncture in the West include:
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Using clean needle technique, your qualified acupuncturist is well trained on safe needle insertion. Disposable, one-time used, sterile needles that are classified as a type-II medical device are used to elicit a body response.
From the viewpoint of modern medicine, the principle action of acupuncture is to regulate the function of the human body and to increase its resistance by enhancing the immune system and the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spastic, anti-shock and anti-paralytic abilities of the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered an alternative therapy, however it has been around 4,000-5,000 years longer than conventional Western Medicine, so even though the methods are very different, the results are significant.
Do insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment?
Many insurance companies provide coverage for acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) comprises a system of health care which originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and has been offered in North American for decades. It is a comprehensive system that assesses and treats acute and chronic disorders; it also serves as preventative health care and maintenance.
The practice of Acupuncture is based on a view of the body unlike that used in Western modern medicine. This model centers on the concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), loosely translated as "energy", and its effect on physiological function and health. Acupuncture’s basis is supported by the scientific understanding that human beings are complex bioelectric systems. Acupuncture functions to promote the body's ability to heal and rejuvenate itself. As a system of medicine it uses natural laws and energetic principles rooted in Taoism with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific points on the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of vital energy for health and well-being.
How Acupuncture Works...
- It strengthens the immune system by increasing T-cell counts. This may be why it is effective on allergies and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- It releases pain-killing endorphins that play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain, arthritis, ulcers and also for P.M.S.
- Endorphins, released through acupuncture, not only relax the whole body, but they also regulate serotonin in the brain, which is responsible for the regulation of our moods. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.
- It breaks the spastic cycle that muscles can get caught in, causing unrelenting tightness and pain. It does this by increasing circulation which in turn provides needed nutrients to nerves and muscles to begin healing. It also triggers muscles to fire and release, causing them to untangle themselves.
- Acupuncture works with our "life force" which is similar to our electrical circuitry that runs throughout our body. It taps into specific points along this circuitry and balances the energy connecting all of our major organs.
- Acupuncture needles used are as fine as a human hair. The needles are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes during which time the patient usually relaxes while soft music plays. In areas where you are especially tight, electrodes can be attached to the needles inducing a steady vibration. This vibration feels like a gentle massage. Heat is sometimes applied or suction cups are used to increase local circulation.
- The number and frequency of treatments will vary. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment while others may take four to ten treatments. Your body chemistry, your particular problem, and the length of time that you have been ill will all play a part in the number and length of treatments.
- Acupuncture works without drugs or chemicals. Acupuncture has no known negative side effects and is perfectly safe and comfortable for almost everyone. The needles alone create the beneficial effects of acupuncture. It is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists approximately four dozen different conditions that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture. The most common uses for acupuncture in the West include:
- Bone and Joint Problems including arthritis, low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, whiplash, shoulder rotator cuff injuries
- Muscular Problems inflamed, injured or strained muscles, ligament sprains
- Nerve Related Problems including sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness and tingling
- Headaches including migraines, cluster and tension type
- Disorders of the Head and Face including facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, vertigo, sinusitis, tinnitus or “ringing in the ears.”
- Cardiovascular Disorders including angina, high or low blood pressure, stroke
- Endocrine Problems including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism
- Gastrointestinal Disorders including constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, duodenal and gastric ulcers, vomiting
- Gynecological and obstetric problems including menstrual cramping, bloating, menopausal symptoms, as an aid to labour, morning sickness
- Mental and Emotional Disorders including addictions, insomnia, symptoms of stress, anxiety
- Respiratory Disorders including asthma, bronchitis (acute and chronic), cough (chronic)
- Skin Disorders including eczema, psoriasis
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Using clean needle technique, your qualified acupuncturist is well trained on safe needle insertion. Disposable, one-time used, sterile needles that are classified as a type-II medical device are used to elicit a body response.
From the viewpoint of modern medicine, the principle action of acupuncture is to regulate the function of the human body and to increase its resistance by enhancing the immune system and the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spastic, anti-shock and anti-paralytic abilities of the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered an alternative therapy, however it has been around 4,000-5,000 years longer than conventional Western Medicine, so even though the methods are very different, the results are significant.
Do insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment?
Many insurance companies provide coverage for acupuncture.