Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of an ancient system of healing developed over thousands of years ago. It is part of the traditional medicines of China, Japan, Korea, India and other Eastern countries. The earliest records of acupuncture date back over 3,000 years and today there are over three million practitioners worldwide.
Basic Principles
Acupuncture points are located on channels (also known as meridians). They can be thought of as channels of water. Just as if a tree has fallen and dammed up a river, disease/disharmony can result if the acupuncture channels are blocked. The cause of these blockages can be caused by several factors including, but not limited to: injury/trauma, catching a cold or flu, infection, internal organ problems, poor dietary choices, inactivity and/or overwork.
It is the Acupuncturists goal to not only stimulate the body to rebalance itself (and therefore heal itself) in regards to the chief complaint of the patient – but fuel a holistic change for the better. This is done by looking at the patient as a whole person to see how their chief concern is related to other signs and symptoms that are present.
Often, just as many branches on the same tree are fed by one root system, the body’s signs and symptoms are closely related. As holistic practitioners, Acupuncturists put their patient’s symptoms together, along with other diagnostic methods such as looking at the tongue and checking the wrist pulse, in order to paint a picture of how the entire body is functioning.
Acupuncture is often used in combination with other healing methods such as:
- • Moxibustion (burning of herbs) and TDP lamp to warm areas of the body
- • Cupping and guasha: to promotes cirucltion of blood and fluid to increase detoxification and healing processes
- • Microsystem acupuncture (ear, face, scalp)
- • Acupressure (pressure at selected sites)
- • Tuina massage
- • Lifestyle and diet therapy
TCM is effective in the treatment of a broad range of health conditions. It is also used to assist with health maintenance and disease prevention.
Acupuncture can help with:
- Overall health and well being
- Immunity and allergies (environmental and food sensitivities)
- Skin disorders
- Respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, congestion)
- Headaches and migraines
- Sleep disorders
- Mental and emotional issues (stress, depression, anxiety, grief, mood swings, poor concentration and memory, addictions)
- Joint, tendon, ligament and muscular pain and weakness (repetitive stress, sport injuries, inflammation, arthritis)
- Neck and back tension
- Gastrointestinal disorders (poor digestion, food sensivities, bloating, acid reflux, IBS, Chrohns, constipation, diarrhea)
- Reproductive issues (male and female infertility, increase IVF success by regulating ovulation and menstrual cycles)
- Gynecological issues (menopausal symptoms, menstrual irregularities, PMS, cramping, heavy flow)
- Pregnancy care (fatigue, nausea, vomiting, help prevent miscarriage, assist in turning fetus in right position, labor induction)
- Circulatory disorders (hyper/hypo-tension, palpitations, poor circulation)
- Metabolism and body temperature
- ENT (sinus congestion, hearing loss, dry red itchy eyes)
- Neurological issues and sensory disorders
...to name a few!
* Acupuncture is covered under most medical health plans.
* Afraid of needles or unsure if acupuncture is right for you? Book a 10min. free consult with Christine so she can answer your questions and cast away those fears of needles!