Benefits of Acupuncture

Relief from:

• Frozen shoulder, Fibromyalgia, general muscle tension, lower limb pain / discomfort
• Headaches, Depression/Anxiety, TMJ dysfunction, relaxation / sleep disorders
• Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Foot, sub-acute / chronic ankle sprain, general foot/ankle pain, nerve irritation / pain
• Tennis or Golfers Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, general arm pain/fatigue/tension, wrist pain
• Increase endorphins and stimulating parasympathetic nervous system 
• Fertility help with abdominal scar tissue, increasing circulation in reproductive organs, relaxing the nervous system making the body relax easier and more efficiently. Best done within the 3-5 day window before or during ovulation

What is Acupuncture?

Contemporary Acupuncture takes an ancient therapy and re-defines its mechanisms and effects using present-day scientific understanding of human physiology. Small thin needles are inserted into various points in the body, including hands, feet and scalp, and left in place for a period of time before removal. At times the practitioner may attach a small electrical device to one or more needles to aid in treatment and at other times may choose to use no electrical input. Considerable differences exist between Contemporary Acupuncture theory and the traditional Chinese approach. In Contemporary Acupuncture, your practitioner (physician, physiotherapist, chiropractor registered massage therapist etc.) treats you only after a conventional medical/neuro-functional diagnosis has been made. The practitioner will use acupuncture as a treatment modality along with other therapeutic approaches as needed. The Contemporary Acupuncture practitioner applies treatment following a conventional (scientific) view and regards the acupuncture as having certain local tissue effects as well as providing systemic regulatory affects. 

How Does Contemporary Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture produces many of its effects by stimulating nerve receptors in skin and muscle. Various substances are released that cause an increase of local blood flow that encourages tissue healing.

• Acupuncture helps to reduce pain locally where the needles are inserted and throughout the body
• Acupuncture has a calming effect and produces well-being
• Acupuncture inactivates myofascial trigger points
• Acupuncture has effects on the brain
• The effects of acupuncture accumulate when repeated regularly and consistently at the beginning of the acute stage or when a chronic issue is beginning. Six treatments is the average number of “acute” treatments then can extend to maintenance appointments 4-6 weeks or as needed after that. 

The contemporary scientific explanation of acupuncture is that needling certain points in the body stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals will change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and by promoting physical and emotional well-being. 

Can Acupuncture Help You?

Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment or as an adjunct to other therapeutic interventions. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of: 

• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries, sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuritis and facial pain
• Menstrual and reproductive problems: dysmenorrhea and peri-menopausal symptoms
• Respiratory problems: sinusitis and asthma
• Stress and psycho-emotional problems
• General anxiety disorders
• General pain and discomfort
• Scar tissue from injury, surgery or repetitive strain causing fascial restrictions ( c-section scars are a common appointment made to reduce the visibility and pulling from the deep layers of scar tissue created from the surgery.)

Contemporary Acupuncture Safety. One of the strengths of contemporary acupuncture is its safety compared with other treatments interventions. Serious side effects are very rare. Only single use, sterile, disposable needles are used. Ref: www.contemporaryacupuncture.ca 

Meet our Practitioners

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