Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the art of balancing the body’s energy or Qi. The practitioner inserts sterile, single-use needles, generally thinner than the width of a human hair, into acupuncture points at specific locations on the body. Points relate specifically to an individual’s condition. For most people, this is nearly painless.The clinical diagnosis and treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine are mainly based on the yin-yang and the Five Elements theories.

The acupuncturist may also make lifestyle suggestions to help improve the condition. Other techniques, in addition to acupuncture, may be employed by the practitioner as part of the treatment plan. These include;

Moxibustion: the burning of herbs on top of needles or directly on the skin

Cupping: the use of round cups that adhere to the body with suction

Tuina: Chinese massage applied to the channels of Qi and/or acupuncture points, Electro-acupuncture: the stimulation of needles with an electric charge.

Scalp acupuncture: a therapeutic method which uses acupuncture on the specific stimulationg areas of the scalp to treat diseases with a cerebral (brain) origin.

Auricular acupuncture :stimulating certain points on the ear with needles.

Gua Sha: involves firmly rubbing a person’s skin with a massage tool to improve Qi and blood circulation.

Acupuncture Practitioner

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine training is a 3-6 year program (dependent on full or part time attendance) that deeply explores theoretical and clinical concepts. Students learn foundational philosophies, diagnostic principles and therapeutic techniques and incorporate them with biomedical sciences and other healing philosophies. A minimum of a 2260-hour program satisfies curriculum requirements for practicing in Ontario.

Acupuncture became a regulated profession in Ontario in 2013. If you are considering an acupuncture treatment, it is essential that you seek an acupuncturist who is registered with the College of Traditional Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO).

Benefits of Acupuncture

• Provides energy, strength and vitality
• Boosts the immune system
• Help relieve different kinds of pain to decrease the need painkillers
• Recover faster with continuous acupuncture sessions
• Improve the body’s circulation
• Reduces stress symptoms
• Preventive medicine qualities

R.Ac’s work with a wide variety of patients in the treatment of illness, injury, rehabilitation and disability and can be beneficial to manage symptoms of many conditions.

Your Acupuncturist will require an overall picture of your current health and a detailed health history in order to design a treatment plan that’s right for you. If a R.Ac. determines that your condition would be better treated by another healthcare professional, they will make the appropriate referral.