Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing system used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It uses small disposable needles that stimulate specific points on the body to help restore the body to its natural state. In TCM each individual is unique and your treatment plan is based on your own symptoms. The goal of acupuncture is to balance and restore optimum function and to prevent illness.

What can acupuncture do for me?

Acupuncture can help with over 200 conditions, and is a very effective and gentle treatment. Here are just some of the conditions it can help you with:

• Gastrointestinal Health: Heart burn, constipation, diarrhea
• Women’s Health: PMS, infertility, pregnancy care, miscarriage prevention, menopause
• Lung Health: Asthma, allergies, bronchitis
• Immune Health: Common cold, immune support, sinusitis, ear Infections
• Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief, irritability, sadness
• Pain Management: Arthritis, migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, muscle aches, joint pain

What to expect?

Before a treatment can begin, a detailed intake is completed to establish which acupuncture points will be useful for your treatment. After the initial intake has been completed, your treatments will begin. Acupuncture can be performed as often as two times a week and depending on your concerns, a suitable treatment schedule will be prescribed. Treatment frequency can vary from two times a week to once every two weeks. Generally a series of 6-10 treatments will be prescribed, based on the severity and the condition before re-assessment.

During an acupuncture treatment small disposable needles are inserted in specific points while you are in a comfortable position. Depending on the treatment, you will most likely be lying on your stomach or back, but treatments can be accomplished seated as well. Once the needles are inserted they are typically left to rest there for 30-45 minutes. During the treatment it is recommended that you relax and focus on your breath, breathing deeply. Most people find acupuncture treatments very relaxing.

Preparing for your acupuncture treatments

Before your acupuncture treatment there are a few simple rules to help you achieve the best treatment possible.

• Do not eat a large meal before your treatment, but try to have a small light snack before so you are not hungry during the treatment
• No alcohol prior to treatment
• Try to arrive to your appointment on time or a few minutes early so you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy the full treatment time