What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of needles into various parts of the body in order to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.
The practice of Acupuncture is an effective method of decreasing inflammation and easing pain associated with a variety of conditions, injuries and ailments.
Quite often, Acupuncture proves to be an effective form of treatment when other, conventional medical therapies have proven ineffective.
How does Acupuncture work?
According to traditional Chinese Medicine, energy or ‘Qi’ flows through ‘meridians’ or channels in the body. Everything in the body is classified as being either Yin or Yang. A healthy body is one where the Yin and the Yang are balanced, and where the Qi flows smoothly through these meridians.
When Qi flow is interrupted or disrupted, the body becomes susceptible to injury or dysfunction.
Acupuncture points are then located along precise meridians and needles are inserted to restore the flow of Qi.
Western Medicine has discovered that the insertion of acupuncture needles causes the brain to release chemicals called endorphins which assist with pain relief.
Preparing for Treatment
- Have a light meal
- Avoid alcohol, barbituates
or tranquilizers for four hours
prior to treatment - Take any necessary pain or other
medications as prescribed by
your physician - Avoid smoking tobacco for one
hour prior to treatment - Be as well rested as possible
After your Treatment
- Rest for two hours after you arrive
home - Avoid strenuous activity for two
days if treatment is for a pain
condition - Take any necessary pain or other
medications as prescribed by your
physician - Avoid alcohol and caffeine for two
hours after treatment and smoking
tobacco smoking tobacco for one hour
What does Acupuncture treat?
The following ailments can benefit from Acupuncture according to the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada:
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