Acupuncture

Initial and subsequent acupuncture treatment

Fine acupuncture needles are place in the area of concern, and in other areas to help support the body as a whole. Acupuncture helps to move blood and energy, also know as “Qi” in Chinese medicine, which helps to move stagnations resulting in pain. IMS/Dry needling technique (motor point acupuncture) can be performed for pain and injury related conditions to help release muscle tension. The needles rest for 20-25 minutes with the addition of electro-acupuncture and cupping, if appropriate for the condition being treated. A specific treatment plan will be made during your initial appointment, however a series of 3 treatments once per week is typical to achieve proper results.

Facial Acupuncture + LED

Small facial needles are inserted into the face to help stimulate blood flow, collagen and elastin production, and reduce facial tension. A great testament for TMJ tension and headaches! Facial acupuncture can help improve facial tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts and scarring. Body points are also added to help support the body as a whole. Needles then sit for 25 minutes with the addition of Celluma LED light therapy which further helps to stimulate collagen, reduce redness and inflammation, and acne-causing bacteria. A miniumum series of 5-6 treatments once per week is recommended to build collagen-stores for optimal results.

Fertility / induction acupuncture

For fertility acupuncture, specific acupuncture points are needled to help balance hormones, regulate your cycle, reduce stress using Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. For induction and acupuncture during pregnancy, acupuncture is performed to to help reduce pain and support symptoms that may arrise throughout your pregnancy journey. Induction acupuncture can be performed around 37-40 weeks (please consult your doctor or primary care provider before coming in for induction acupuncture). Induction points that have a strong downward action in TCM, are inserted in combination with points around the sacrum which help to stimulate the nerves travelling to the uterus. Acupuncture can be performed 1-2 times a week to help prepare you for birth, ripening your cervix, thus stimulating labour when the timing is appropriate. Electro-acucpunture is avoided during the course of pregnancy and only added for induction. Light cupping can performed during pregnancy to help promote blood flow and reduce tension in certain areas.

how does acupuncture work

Frequently asked questions

  • Long story short, acupuncture helps to promote blood flow and ‘Qi’ (energy) to the areas of concern which then stimulates healing. It also stimulates your nervous system putting your body into a state of ‘rest and digest’, allowing for rejuvenation.

  • Yes! If appropriate, cupping is usually added at the end of your treatment to help release tension, opening up space to promote blood flow.

  • Yes and no. Essentially, you do want to feel something during your acupuncture treatment whether it’s achiness, heaviness, pressure, tingling or warmth. These are all positive sensations as your body is aware that it is being stimulated. However, as we insert the needle, you may feel a brief moment of discomfort, such as sharpness, achiness, or a burning sensation. It resolves quickly and the needle settles making the treatment surprisingly relaxing.

  • It is typical to feel relaxed and very tired after your acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture lowers blood pressure and puts your body in a state of ‘rest and digest’. You may get a deep sleep the night of your treatment because of this, which is a great side-effect of acupuncture! It is also typical to feel soreness post-treatment when working with tension and injuries as we stimulate the muscles to release, and break down tension with cupping. After 24-48 hours, tenderness will resolve.

  • Absolutely not. Acupuncture needles are only used once, and are disposed of in a sharps container after removed.

  • A treatment plan will be discussed during your initial appointment as everyone is different. But typically, a series of 3 appointments once per week is recommended for optimal results. Follow-up appointments (or what I like to call “tune-ups”), are then recommended as needed every month or so to assure continually of care.

  • Electro-acupuncture involves attaching electrodes to some of the inserted acupuncture needles. A controlled, low-frequency electric current is delivered to the needles which helps to further invigorate the area with blood and relax targeted muscles. Electro-acupuncture is used for a variety of health concerns, including pain management, musculoskeletal issues, and neurological disorders. It feels like a tingling or vibration in the muscle and doesn’t hurt as it can be adjusted to the patient’s comfort level. It is used for acute or chronic injuries that may require extra stimulation. Electro-acupuncture is also used for induction acupuncture!