Acupuncture is a therapy that has been used for over 4000 years...
to treat a wide range of health conditions.
Acupuncture points are located along energy meridians that are associated with different organ systems. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, when energy, or Qi (chi), is not flowing freely, health conditions or diseases can arise. Inserting small, sterile acupuncture needles into specific points along these energy channels helps to regulate the flow of Qi through the body, correcting the imbalances leading to states of ill health.
From a Western point of view, the effectiveness of acupuncture can be attributed to it’s ability to enhance circulation in the area of treatment. Studies involving MRI imaging of the brain have also shown that acupuncture has the ability to work at the level of the nervous system to help regulate the body’s response to pain.
Some of the more common conditions for which acupuncture has been shown to be effective include arthritis and joint pain, sciatica, hypertension, allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergy symptoms, headaches, and menstrual pain and irregularities.
Over the years, I have also commonly used acupuncture in my practice to help patients with smoking cessation, address obstetrical issues such as morning sickness and fetal malposition, prepare the body during pregnancy for an efficient labour, enhance the outcome of fertility treatments, support the immune system in the case of frequent or chronic infections, and calm the mind to reduce anxiety symptoms and help treat insomnia. I often use reiki and/or cupping to enhance the healing process.
Overall, most people feel very calm, relaxed, and “rebalanced” after an acupuncture session.
If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture, complimentary 15-minute consults are available to help determine whether this treatment modality would be a good fit for you!