Acupuncture
Can Acupuncture Help You?
If you experience pain, anxiety, allergies or other symptoms of imbalance – the answer is yes!
Acupuncture and TCM have been used to treat a myriad of health concerns from acute to chronic conditions. It has even been used as a cosmetic treatment for facial rejuvenation! Unlike the other type of “needles” that help you look younger, acupuncture is a completely natural way to get results.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, like the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is based on the principles of balancing and stimulating a patient’s “Qi” or energy fields. Symptoms of disease occur when there are internal imbalances in your internal energy. Acupuncture helps return the body back to balance physically, mentally and emotionally by the use of small sterilized needles that are inserted into key points on the body where energy is blocked.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is mostly painless. Sometimes if a patient is really blocked, they will feel more on that point than others, but for the most part, patients aren’t even aware the needle has gone in.
Is it safe?
Yes. All needles come out of a sterilized package and are only used once before discarding them. There is no medication involved. If you have a bleeding disorder, pacemaker or are pregnant this treatment may not be for you, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What is Acupuncture used to treat?
Clinical studies have shown acupuncture helps in the treatment of pain and conditions such as:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Back and neck pain/muscle aches
- TMJ syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
What else can Acupuncture be used for?
- Anxiety and depression
- Acne/dermatological conditions
- Tinnitus and vertigo
- Insomnia
- Fertility issues-including improved results for in-vitro fertilization
- Menstrual symptoms
- Menopausal symptoms
- Respiratory symptoms (colds and allergies)
How many treatments are needed?
The frequency and number of treatments will differ from patient to patient. Some people respond more quickly to treatment than others and different imbalances may require different treatment frequency. Your plan will be discussed in your initial visit and your treatment plan can always be adjusted depending on your healing response. Acupuncture sessions are usually 45 minutes. A typical treatment plan may require a patient to have sessions once or twice per week for a total of 8-10 sessions but again, it really depends on what is being treated.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects of acupuncture include soreness, or bruising at the site of needle insertion but it’s very rare.
What are the benefits to acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture deals with the root cause of what is contributing to imbalance in the body. Even though you may initially have treatment to help with one condition, you may find you get relief from other chronic condition as well. That’s because each treatment rebalances your Qi, or internal energy. In fact, some people experience an emotional release after receiving treatment for a health condition. This is the body’s way of healing.
The Naturopathic Doctors at Balance Point Health Centre are trained in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. An initial naturopathic assessment needs to be conducted before performing acupuncture. Call our office to book a session or book a virtual appointment to determine your specific needs.