Frequently asked questions

What does an Acupuncture treatment look like?

An acupuncture treatment starts with the identification of key health issues and the establishment of a diagnosis and treatment plan based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Treatments may include the stimulation of acupressure points via laser, electromagnetic impulses, physical manipulation or the insertion of fine sterile needles under the skin.



Does Acupuncture only involve needles?

Other treatment modalities often practiced under the umbrella of acupuncture are Auricular Therapy, the application of heat via Moxa or Far Infrared Light, Cupping, Remedial Exercises (Qi Gong) and recommendations on diet and lifestyle.



What are the health benefits of Acupuncture?

What are the health benefits of Acupuncture? Acupuncture restores the body’s flow of energy or Qi strengthening its ability to defend itself against disease. It reduces pain, calms the nervous system and improves overall health and well-being. A number of scientific studies suggest that the pain-killing action of acupuncture is a result in part of the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture has also been shown to increase blood circulation in treated areas as well as reduce inflammation.



Is there a long history of Acupuncture?

A growing number of patients choose acupuncture as one of their preferred health-care options. Acupuncture is just one of several therapies that constitute Traditional Chinese Medicine or (TCM) which also includes Acupressure Massage, Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong and Healthy Nutrition. ​ Although acupuncture has been practiced for 3,000 years, until recently, nearly all the evidence of its effectiveness was anecdotal. In the last decade, however, research has revealed physiological mechanisms that help explain the multiple analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and regenerative effects of acupuncture. ​ It is now well documented that the stimulation of acupuncture points affects both central and peripheral nervous systems. It triggers the release of endorphins and enkephalins - chemicals that have pain-relieving properties similar to those of opiates. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH – http://nih.gov) has indicated that "there is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional medicine." The NIH points to the efficacy of acupuncture an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program in the treatment of adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, in postoperative dental pain, stroke, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. According to the NIH, “the emergence of plausible mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is encouraging. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful."



What are the benefits of incorporating Acupuncture into your wellness plan?

A growing number of patients choose acupuncture as one of their preferred health-care options. Acupuncture is just one of several therapies that constitute Traditional Chinese Medicine or (TCM) which also includes Acupressure Massage, Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong and Healthy Nutrition.

​

Although acupuncture has been practiced for 3,000 years, until recently, nearly all the evidence of its effectiveness was anecdotal. In the last decade, however, research has revealed physiological mechanisms that help explain the multiple analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and regenerative effects of acupuncture.

​

It is now well documented that the stimulation of acupuncture points affects both central and peripheral nervous systems. It triggers the release of endorphins and enkephalins - chemicals that have pain-relieving properties similar to those of opiates. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH – http://nih.gov) has indicated that "there is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional medicine."

The NIH points to the efficacy of acupuncture an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program in the treatment of adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, in postoperative dental pain, stroke, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. According to the NIH, “the emergence of plausible mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is encouraging. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful."