What is Acupuncture All About?

Most people have heard of acupuncture. It isn’t uncommon to read about athletes using it, or see it being portrayed in a movie or show. But have you ever wondered what acupuncture really is, and what it can do for our health?

Here are the answers to a few questions I am often asked about acupuncture.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an incredibly versatile ancient method of healing. It involves the insertion of very thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific areas of the body.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

I get this question All. The. Time. And I love answering it, because I get to explain how a tiny needle can have such a profound effect on our body, mind and soul.

Acupuncture works on 3 main areas of the body:

• The Circulatory System – Acupuncture increases blood flow, and thats a really good thing. In Chinese Medicine, many diseases and health problems begin as an insufficiency of blood flow to or through a body part. For example, if you have tight neck and shoulder muscles, there is a good chance that your blood isn’t flowing as freely to your head as it could be. This can cause issues such as brain fog, headaches, and a dull complexion. Acupuncture can remedy poor circulation by relaxing the muscles and improving blood flow to the head, thereby relieving the associated symptoms.

• The Nervous System – Amazingly, the ancient Chinese somehow figured out that all the nerves in our body are mirrored with each other. The human body’s nervous system is essentially a hologram. For example, when I insert a needle into a particular spot on someone’s hand, it has an effect on many other areas of their body. This is super duper, ultra cool. Because of this mirrored hologram nature of our nervous system, I can treat a certain body part, say the neck, without even putting any needles in your neck. I just have to express again how awesome this is. I don’t have to put any needles into people’s sore spots to make the pain go away! So cool.

• The Hormonal System – Acupuncture affects areas of the brain that regulate the production and release of hormones.  This makes it possible for me to treat hormone-related issues such as infertility, gynaecological issues, stress, insomnia, gut issues, etc.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

The most amazing feature of acupuncture is that it can treat a whole lotta different health issues. As an acupuncturist, I am not confined to treating one or two problems. Instead, I can help my clients overcome a wide variety of concerns.

Here is a list of health issues that acupuncture can support:

Pain:  Acute and chronic pain, virtually anywhere in the body.  Back pain, neck pain and headaches/migraines, TMJ, sciatica, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, joint pain (spine, jaw, shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, hip, knee, ankle), plantar fasciitis, muscle aches & tensions, sports-related injuries, tendonitis, fibromyalgia.

Women’s Health:  Infertility, PMS, menstrual disorders, painful menstruation, menopausal symptoms, pregnancy support, morning sickness, labor induction, postpartum recovery, and can improve success in IVF treatment.

Emotional Health - Stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD.

General Health:  Sleep disorders and insomnia, fatigue, weight loss or gain, blood pressure, blood sugar, and diabetes.

Facial Rejuvenation - A specific style of acupuncture that is used to boost confidence by improving our skin tone and texture, increase elasticity, minimize wrinkles, and lift sagging skin.

Trauma - Acupuncture is an excellent choice for healing a wound such as a sprained ankle. I can treat injuries like this without using points right in the injury.

Neurological Conditions:  Neuropathy, numbness, tingling, stroke, Bell’s Palsy.

Digestive Conditions:  Nausea, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, IBS.

Respiratory Health:  Sinusitis, rhinitis, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, the common cold.

Addictions:  Smoking, drugs and alcohol cessation, withdrawal support, sugar or food addiction.

Preventative:  Treat minor issues before they develop into serious conditions.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes!  When performed by a skilled acupuncturist, acupuncture is very, very safe.

Although I have needled each and every acupuncture point on the body at least once, I personally prefer to avoid “dangerous” points in my practice. The risk isn’t worth the benefit, especially when there are so many other stellar points to choose from.

As well, I use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles. It is impossible to contract or transmit any sort of disease from one of my treatments.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Some needles you will feel, others you will not feel at all. The sensation of acupuncture varies from person to person, and from point to point. The sensation of acupuncture even changes in women, depending on where they are in their cycle.

Some experience a feeling warmth at the area of insertion, or dull, or achy, or tingly, or just a heaviness. Some may even feel an energetic radiation to another part of their body. Some points may trigger a slight discomfort, which usually subsides within a few seconds.

What Is Cupping?

I am going to start my explanation of cupping by telling you how awesome it is. I have clients who come to see me primarily for the cupping. Although cupping is a lesser-known treatment within the scope of Oriental medicine, it is just as stellar as acupuncture.

Cupping is a technique that uses small glass cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin. The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn up into the cup.

Cupping is much like a reverse massage. Instead of applying pressure to the muscles, it uses gentle suction to pull them upward.

The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen tight muscles, improve blood flow, and relax the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for stress). Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, lung problems such as asthma, and even cellulite.

Facial cupping is also used to loosen tight face muscles, improve lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, increase blood flow, minimize wrinkles and give us a glowing complexion.

Cupping can cause slight bruising that can last a few days, up to a week. So it is best to avoid cupping if you are planning on wearing a spaghetti strap dress to a wedding, or something like that.

What Does One Of Your Treatments Look Like?

I book 90 minutes for all my acupuncture sessions. When you arrive, we will have a chat about what you would like to focus on. The initial treatment usually involves a longer discussion than follow ups. After we chat, I will leave to wash my hands. During this time, you will get comfortable in the massage table.

When I return, I start the acupuncture.

Although all treatments are unique, they do have a similar flow. I often do a two part treatment - face up, then face down in the same session. I usually do face up first, which involves the client relaxing with needles in for about 30-35 minutes. Afterwards, face down includes either needles or cupping + massage. Face down lasts less time, usually 10-25 minutes. I find most people can get a little stuffy in their noses if they lay face down too long.

Afterwards, I will leave the room so you can take your time getting up. I then meet you out at the front desk of the yoga studio where you can pay for your session.

Is Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?

Usually yes, most extended medical plans do cover acupuncture from a registered acupuncturist. It is best to check with your employer or benefits provider to see what your coverage is.

I Want To Hear From You!

Have you had acupuncture? Did it help?