Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain, and improve the function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body. There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort.
Our registered acupuncturist is also a registered physiotherapist. Raffy has had advanced acupuncture training in Beijing China and has trained directly under Dr. Sona Tahan. He has a special interest in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, providing manual therapy and personal interactions on each visit.
“Clinical” acupuncture was developed in China as a system of diagnosing and treating pain and disease. It defines acupuncture as one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which aims to balance energy and blood in the body in order to keep it functional and healthy. “Anatomical” acupuncture refers to a more modern approach taken today by western trained practitioners. When combined with a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, modern therapists can use acupuncture effective in treating a variety of conditions within the scope of the therapist’s practice.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain-relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation, and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture, reducing inflammation and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
HOW IS ACUPUNCTURE USED TODAY?
Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic. The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:
- Muscular and Neurological disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis
- Digestive disorders: gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic bowel, constipation, diarrhea
- Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma
- Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive disorders
- Addiction, insomnia
In treating any illness or affliction, a correct diagnosis is important before any decisions are made regarding therapy. Each practitioner is required to treat illnesses within their scope of practice.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT??
People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there should be no significant discomfort. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are made from stainless steel. Two or three acupuncture needles would fit inside the barrel of a regular hollow needle used for injections. Only sterile disposable needles are used, preventing any risk of infection.