What is acupuncture?

What does acupuncture feel like?
Is acupuncture safe?

How does acupuncture work?

What should I expect during my first visit?

How many treatments will I need?

How will I feel after a treatment?

Will you work with my Doctor?

Can I get acupuncture while I am pregnant?

Can children get acupuncture?

Is acupuncture covered by OHIP?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world.

The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. North American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

What does acupuncture feel like?
Is acupuncture safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.

How does acupuncture work?

In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.

Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the North America.

It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies from person to person. Most health conditions take more than one treatment to be resolved. It depends on many factors including duration and severity of the complaint. For example, if you?e condition is acute, 2-5 treatments may completely resolve symptoms, however if you have been dealing with your symptoms for many years addressing them effectively will take longer. As a guide, it takes one month of treatment for every year you have been experiencing your complaint or ailment. As your health improves, visits can be reduced.

How will I feel after a treatment?

Many people describe the feeling as being deeply relaxed. Although the majority of people feel relaxed and a bit sleepy after treatment, some people feel an energy surge. I do have patients who come in for acupuncture before work or during their lunch hour. It is common for people to return to work after a treatment. People often find that in addition to their symptoms improving, functions that were not part of the main complaint will improve, for example you may have less anxiety, improved digestion, circulations, and sleep. Much like beginning a course of exercise, some people experience an achy feeling for up to 24 hours after the first acupuncture session. It is important to note that not everyone will experience this feeling, but it is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Will you work with my Doctor?

Acupuncture can help people who have not been successfully treated using conventional western medicine. With your consent, I will share information regarding your care with your doctor or health professionals.

Can I get acupuncture while I am pregnant?

Absolutely. Acupuncture is a great drug-free way to provide relief from many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as: nausea, severe vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, stress, insomnia, bleeding, heartburn, hemorrhoids, pain (back, joint, and pelvic girdle pain), edema/swelling, sciatica, elevated blood pressure, urinary incontinence, headaches/migraines, constipation, and itching. Acupuncture is an excellent way to prepare the mother and baby for labour and can be used to correct breech position (up to 34 weeks). Acupuncture treatments are also very beneficial after pregnancy, for postpartum issues such as fatigue, depression and anxiety, vaginal discharge, lactation issues (insufficient or excessive lactation, engorged breasts).

Can children get acupuncture?

Of course! Acupuncture is safe for everyone, at any age.

Is acupuncture covered by OHIP?

OHIP does not cover acupuncture; however many extended health insurance benefits do cover acupuncture treatments. Contact your insurance provider to obtain details on the extent and conditions of coverage.