What is acupuncture used to treat?
- Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:
--Promotion of health and well being.
--Prevention of illness.
--Treatment of various medical conditions
Acupuncture is often recommended as an effective means of pain management and control, it is also a very effective method of treating a large variety medical conditions, symptoms and syndromes. Some of these include PMS, TMJ, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, colds and flus, stroke-rehabilitation, skin disorders like eczema, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, IBS and gastrointestinal disorders, Asthma and Sinusitis, and much more. Acupuncture can also treat difficulties arising from (or resulting in) emotional and social problems, such as weight control, depression, infertility, insomnia, stress, anxiety, tension and fatigue.
The World Health Organization lists 43 common ailments for which acupuncture has shown benefit.
See list at page bottom.
Is Acupuncture safe?
When administered by a qualified professional, acupuncture is safe for everyone. Please ensure that your acupuncturist has a certain level of training, and is registered by the Alberta government or registered with the CTCMA in British Columbia.
What can I expect?
Very fine sterilized, stainless steel needles are inserted into the skin at specific points and trigger points to stimulate the flow of energy along the pathways, or in specific muscles and joints. Sensation at needle insertion should be, and usually is minimal.
Only sterilized needles are used and immediately disposed thereafter.
Other techniques may be part of the treatment. These include: small electric current/ TENS machine to stimulate specific points, cupping, massage, and heat or pressure.
Following the treatment one may feel tingling, or warmth where the needles were placed. Many people report the sensation of feeling very relaxed or light in body after a treatment.
How many treatments are required?
- The number of treatments will vary from person to person.
- For chronic, long standing or complex problems, one or two treatments a week for
several weeks may be required.
- For acute problems, a total of one or two treatments could be all that is necessary.
- For health maintenance, three or four sessions a year may be recommended.
Are there any side effects or complications?
- Generally, no. It is not unusual with the initial treatment sessions to experience a sense of deep relaxation or mild disorientation for a brief period of time. As energy flow is stimulated or balanced in the body, chemical and hormonal changes will occur and healing begins to take place.
- Occasionally, the original symptoms may temporarily worsen or changes in appetite.
- sleep patterns or emotional states may occur after acupuncture treatment. These changes will diminish quickly and should not cause concern.
Do the needles hurt?
- People will experience needling sensations differently. Most will feel only very minimal pain at the moment of insertion; some feel no pain at all.
- Once the needles are inserted a temporary sensation of numbness, mild soreness or aching may occur at the insertion site. This indicates the stimulation of Qi and is desirable.
After the initial insertion and stimulation of Qi, there is no discomfort.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
NO Acupuncture has been used for years to treat children and animals, both of whom have no preconceived beliefs or understanding of acupuncture. Of course, with any healing modality, either traditional or alternative, a positive attitude may reinforce the effects of treatment, just as a negative attitude may hinder the benefits.