Acupuncture

What exactly is acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses thin, filiform needles that are inserted into specific points on the body.

What does acupuncture do?

The Eastern View...Acupuncture points lie along meridians throughout the body. Qi (energy) flows along these meridians and disruption of the free flow of Qi results in pain or dysfunction. Specific points are picked that help correct those imbalances and restore proper flow and movement of Qi.

The Western View...Acupuncture points help stimulate local antidromic axon reflexes, segmental and extrasegmental neuromodulation, and other central nervous system effects. That's a super fancy way of saying the needles cause an increase of endorphins and enkephalins to help relieve pain and increase happiness.

Dude, I'm terrified of needles. Won't it hurt?

For many people acupuncture doesn't hurt at all. For others, they may feel a slight pressure or quick pain (like the moment you get stung by a bee). The area the needle is inserted may feel a pressure, soreness, itch or slight numbing sensation.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe when done by a trained provider. We will always use sterile needles, we will never reuse needles, alcohol is utilized to clean the skin and all needles are properly disposed of after treatment. The most common risk is possible bleeding which is worsened by certain medications or a small red blotch that will disappear quickly.

What does acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization has a list of Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved – through controlled trials—to be an effective treatment. Here are the most common ones we see in the office:

• PAIN - knee pain, low back pain, facial pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, etc.
• Sprains and strains
• Arthritis - osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
• Headache
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Morning sickness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hypertension