WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of the Qi (pronounced “chee”) flow throughout the body through the insertion of thin stainless steel needles into specific sites on the body. Acupuncture needles are fine and thin, some being 25-50 times thinner than hypodermic needles, and virtually painless.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Qi circulates in the body through a system of channels called meridians. Qi can be stimulated in the body through over 500 acupuncture points on the surface and flows to deeper organ structures. The stimulation of Qi in the meridians allows the body to rebalance from the negative impacts of daily life and disease.

Today’s Science has revealed that Acupuncture affects the body through the nervous and hormonal systems and can be used to treat a wide variety of health concerns.

There are usually no side effects to the treatment. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are re-balanced and stimulated, and healing begins to take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms may worsen for a few days. Other general changes in sleep, appetite, bowel, urination, or emotional state by be triggered; however, these symptoms simply indicate that acupuncture is starting to work.

WHO ARE ACUPUNCTURISTS?

Acupuncturists (R.Ac’s) are skilled health care professionals who apply the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of Acupuncture. They care for patients by evaluating and treating pain and illness and in maintaining health and wellness.

Acupuncturists have specialized expertise in using traditional methods of assessment and use both traditional and advanced technology in their treatments. They are educated to treat in all age groups from infants to the elderly.

Within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they are educated to treat a wide range of health conditions in the areas of pediatrics, gerontology, gynaecology, addictions, sports injury and pain management, mental health, oncology, dermatology, and cosmetology. They need good judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain composure in any practice situation.

VISITING AN ACUPUNCTURIST

During the first acupuncture session, the acupuncturist will assess your general health. As each treatment is unique to the individual, this will facilitate the most effective treatment for each.

The investigative process will include questions relating to your current symptoms, past treatments, patient and family medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns, and emotional health. Also, the pulse on both wrists will be taken to determine how energies are flowing in the body. As part of the diagnosis, the acupuncturist will assess the structure, color, and coating of your tongue.

During this comprehensive evaluation the practitioner will observe your emotions, voice, and self-presentation. This will further aid in the diagnosis and development of a treatment that will assist in harmonizing your overall energy.

Specific acupuncture points will be chosen and the practitioner begins treatment. The first session may last up to two hours. Subsequent treatments will last approximately one hour. Dietary and other recommendations will be discussed at appropriate times throughout the treatment process.