Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to prevent disease and treat imbalances in the body.

This therapy has been used for thousands of years and has become very popular in the west. In the past 50 years several medical researches have been conducted to study the theories of the mechanisms behind acupuncture. One of the dominant findings in this research is its effect on endorphins.

According to these researches, Acupuncture points have certain electrical properties, and by stimulating these points the nervous system can emit a variety of biochemical reactions that influence other cells of the body.

The nervous system is composed of over 30 peptides involved in transmitting signals.
Endorphins are one of several neuro peptides. They have been shown to alleviate pain and have been described as the bodyʼs own “Opiates”. Endorphins are connected to the hormonal system via the adrenal gland and make connections to every cell and system of the body.

During treatment the patient may experience some sensation from the needles. These sensations may vary with the treatment, but some that have been commonly described are numbness, tingling and warmth. Sometimes the needling sensation is experienced as propagating from the point of needling to another part of the body.
Fine needles, close to the diameter of a human hair are gently applied to the treatment points promoting deep relaxing and restorative experience.

Acupuncture treatment may take 5 to 10 sessions of 60 min each to achieve complete results.
Traditional Chinese doctors consider this to be one of the key indicators that the acupuncture is working and providing results.

Acupuncture is indicated for

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Irregular period and PMS
  • Fertility health
  • Prenatal and post-natal care
  • Labor induction and delivery
  • Skin conditions
  • Correction of posture and alignment of spine
  • Repetitive strains to tendons, muscle and ligaments
  • Stress management
  • Mental relaxation
  • Pain release
  • Digestive disorders and Nutritional counseling
  • Headaches

The initial consultation takes 1.5 hour and will involve a detailed case history and use a variety of techniques to determine the condition of Ki energy in the body.

Following the treatment, recommendations may be given on gentle meridian stretching and self-acupressure as well as changes to lifestyle or dietary patterns to support health and well-being.

Practitioners will go through the intake forms filed out by the client and get an overall picture of their health, discuss consent for treatment, health history, goals, conduct a diet assessment, check range of motion, posture, talk about what the clients individualized treatment plan will look like, discuss financial matters if applicable. (sometimes agreed discounts are made for clients who are low income or are students without insurance coverage).

Acupuncture is now a regulated profession in Ontario and the treatment is covered by most insurance companies.

Acupuncture treatment uses

  • Pulse and tongue diagnosis
  • Complete assessment and patient's medical history
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Tuina Chinese massage
  • Ear acupuncture
  • Electro acupuncture
  • Moxibustion treatment
  • Cupping
  • Gua sha

Cupping

cupping

Cupping is an ancient form of integrative medicine commonly used in Chinese Medicine that uses the application of a glass jar on the skin to create congestion and eliminate toxins from the body.

The suction of the skin is caused by igniting a small cotton ball soaked in alcohol and placing it in and out of the jar. The heat inside the cup causes the oxygen to burn creating a vacuum seal on the skin. The glass cup is left on the skin for few minutes.

Benefits of cupping

Cupping increases blood supply to the muscles releasing tension and providing nourishment to the body.

It helps to activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages and improve the skin. Children as well as adults can benefit from cupping therapy.

Cupping is indicated for several conditions including:

Lower back pain, shoulder pain, cough, constipation, diabetes, liver disease, women's diseases, cancer, heart diseases, asthma headache and gastrointestinal disorder.