What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine needles into the body to stimulate the meridians in the body’s energetic system. Different points along the meridians are stimulated to balance the flow of energy (Qi) in the body promoting health & well-being. Practitioners may also use heat, pressure (Acupressure), friction, suction (see Cupping), or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate these points.
Acupuncture is one of the fastest growing forms of healthcare in Canada. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented its success in treating over forty-three conditions including:
- Chronic and Acute Pain conditions – injuries, carpal tunnel and headaches
- Upper Respiratory Disorders – Colds and flu, asthma and bronchitis
- Digestive Disorders – Irritable Bowel syndrome, ulcers, colitis, constipation, chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Reproductive Disorders – Infertility, erectile dysfunction, menopause symptoms, PMS, fibroids, endometriosis.
Sterile and Safe and Painless
Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the size of a human hair. They bare no resemblance to the needles used when receiving an injection. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed with minimal discomfort. All needles are used only once and each point is alcohol swabbed prior to insertion. A new individual needle is opened from a sterile and sealed package for each point applied.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The body contains energy pathways known as meridians, and these meridians can become blocked for various reasons. The acupuncturist helps to determine where these blockages are, and then working to restore the proper flow of Qi, through the use of needles, etc., which in turn restores good health. It has been also been shown to stimulate the immune system, affects the circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, secretion of the gastric acid, and production of red and white cells. It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones which help body to respond to injury and stress.
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Acupuncture FAQ
No special preparation is required before starting acupuncture. Just make sure your treatment is administrated by certified professionals.
In general, acupuncture has a high degree of reliability if performed by an experienced, skilled and careful specialist. Except for a few countries, acupuncturists are licensed in the office and guaranteed by the government.
The needles are very delicate and flexible and can even pass through the labia of nerve and sensory cells, so the pain is very little or insignificant, and with special techniques and methods, there is no pain when the needle enters the skin.
All age groups, from one-day-old infants to very old people, can use this method without any side effects, and after completing the treatment.
Depending on the health of the patient, type of disease, duration of onset, the severity of disease, age and sex of the patient, the duration of treatment varies. Each treatment session lasts about 20 minutes. In some acute diseases, 2 to 3 sessions of treatment are enough.
The results last for 3 to 5 months after a 10-session course of treatment. Every disease is different. But usually, every patient will need maintenance treatment once a month or once every 3 months.
The needles are covered with silicone material, so they penetrate the skin easily with minimum pain. The skin of the face is very sensitive, so the needles used in cosmetic acupuncture care for delicate and sensitive areas, however, Minor bleeding may occur in some areas.
Used 3 methods of acupuncture in 194 smokers and reported a 95% success rate. Among them, 41% quit smoking after 6 months and 30% quit smoking after 2 years.
Yes. Acupuncturists are trained to know the effective points and the points that should be avoided during pregnancy. There are certain areas on the hands, shoulders, around the legs, ankles and back that acupuncture avoids during pregnancy.
Yes. In this method, the needle is inserted into specific areas of the abdomen and increases blood circulation and eventually ovulation in women.
Yes, acupuncture plays a major role in improving the condition of toothache and many people have used this method in the past to relieve toothache. Physiotherapists improve toothache by inserting needles into tooth-related areas and dental energy channels.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture treatments both help improve the condition of osteoarthritis in different parts of the body. For this purpose, the needle is curled in the areas around the knee joint, elbow, wrist, neck, and by stimulating the tissues, it repairs the damaged tissues and prevents the rapid destruction of cartilage, joint, etc.
Acupuncture is really important for postpartum care for new mothers. Excessive fatigue and depression are postpartum symptoms. Acupuncture is very effective in helping mothers fully recover and regain their strength after childbirth, especially in the treatment of postpartum depression.