Ask-upuncture

Acupuncture tends to work cumulatively, peeling back layers of disharmony to achieve balance and well being. Therefore, frequency and consistency are important factors in effectiveness. Dramatic results after a single treatment are rare, though not unheard of. Most patients see a gradual improvement of symptoms over several treatments. One standard is to receive treatment 1-2 times per week for 4-6 weeks. However, after the first couple treatments, your practitioner will be better able to determine how long the course of treatment will take for you as an individual. Generally, conditions that were acquired more recently will respond to treatment sooner. Conditions that are chronic will take more time. Once symptoms have improved significantly and/or have been alleviated, “tune-up” treatments every few months may be suitable to keep a condition at bay. Acupuncture can also be used as preventative medicine to prevent disharmony from occurring in the first place.

The experience of receiving acupuncture feels different to each person. Some patients don’t feel the needles at all, whereas others experience dull, achy sensations, heaviness, tingling, spreading, warmth, etc. There are a wide range of reported sensations. Occasionally, the needles may initially feel sharp when inserted. However, this usually subsides quickly and needles are readjusted for maximum comfort. It should also be noted that acupuncture needles are threadlike—much thinner than the familiar hypodermic needles.

Many patients find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing and may even fall asleep during the treatment. Others find it more energizing and uplifting. Responses vary greatly between individuals, however the vast majority of patients are very pleased with the experience.

What can acupuncture treat?

According to Chinese medicine, when we are in a state of dynamic balance, we are healthy and at ease. However, when our natural balance becomes disrupted, the result is discomfort and disease. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine focuses on restoring this balance. Therefore, it is able to treat an extensive number of conditions with minimal side effects.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that acupuncture can effectively treat the following conditions:

Musculo-skeletal

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tennis elbow
• Facial pain
• Dental pain
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
• Postoperative pain
• Sprains
• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia

Neurological

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Bell’s palsy
• Stroke recovery

Gynecological

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Morning sickness
• Infertility
• PCOS
• Recurrent lower urinary-tract infections
• Sexual dysfunction

Gastrointestinal

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery
• Ulcerative colitis

Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat & Respiratory

• Cold/Flu
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Allergies (hay fever)

Mental-Emotional

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Stress

Miscellaneous

• High Blood Pressure
• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
• Cancer pain
• Addiction support
• Weight control support

*Note: this is not an exhaustive list of conditions that can be successfully treated with acupuncture. If you have questions about a particular condition, please schedule a consultation.