Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional healthcare system that has been proven effective in treating various medical conditions. Unlike Western medicine, it follows an energetic model and is based on the concept of Qi, which the ancient Chinese believed to be the vital energy behind all life forms and processes.
How Does it Work?
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Ancient physicians developed a system to understand and prevent diseases by identifying specific energy pathways in the human body.
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These pathways are called meridians, and acupuncture points are located along them.
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Each point has a predictable effect on the vital energy that flows through the meridians. Modern science has confirmed the existence of these meridians by measuring electrical charges at the acupuncture points.
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The disease is believed to result from a deficiency or imbalance of vital energy due to various factors such as stress, trauma, diet, pathogenic factors, and genetic tendencies.
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Acupuncture helps to restore balance and enhance the body's natural ability to heal by disrupting this pattern of deficiency or imbalance.
​What Can I Expect in a Treatment?
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Acupuncture can provide rapid relief for many conditions, but for some ailments that have developed over a long period, progress may be slow and steady.
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The success of the treatment is also impacted by the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle.
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Traditional Chinese medicine is not just a means of healing, but it also educates the patient to become more aware of their own body, enhancing its ability to maintain good health and well-being.
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While Traditional Chinese medicine has techniques for treating most conditions, there are instances where Western medicine can be more effective.
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In such cases, your acupuncturist will advise you to consult a physician.
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In China, acupuncture is viewed as complementary to Western medicine.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is generally very safe with very few side effects.
Single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used, so there is no possibility of transmission of blood-borne viruses.
Does acupuncture have side effects?
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There are very few adverse effects or complications that arise from the use of acupuncture.
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Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort.
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You may however experience;
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Drowsiness occurs after treatment in a small number of patients, and if affected you are advised not to drive;
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Minor bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture in about 3% of treatments;
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Muscle twitching during or following acupuncture in about 3% of treatments;
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Local pain from needling occurs after acupuncture in about 2% of treatments;
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Existing symptoms may become worse before they improve for 1-2 days following treatment (less than 3% of patients). This is usually a good sign. Please advise your acupuncturist if the worsening of symptoms continues for more than 2 days;
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Fainting can occur in certain patients, particularly at the first treatment.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
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Acupuncture is a painless procedure that differs from getting an injection. Injections are usually painful because of the hollow needle's larger diameter and the medicine that is forced into the tissue by pressure.
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However, acupuncture needles are tiny and flexible, similar to the diameter of a human hair. A skilled practitioner can insert the needles with minimal discomfort, making the treatment very relaxing.
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Patients may even fall asleep during the treatment. Additionally, practitioners may recommend dietary, exercise, or lifestyle changes in some cases.
Is there anything your acupuncturist needs to know?
Apart from the usual medical details, it is important that you let your acupuncturist know:
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If you have any pre-existing medical condition;
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You are, or there is any possibility that you could be pregnant
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If you have ever experienced dizziness, faintness or seizures;
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If you have a pacemaker or any other electrical implants;
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You are a haemophiliac;
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If you are taking anti-coagulant medication (blood-thinners) or any other medication.
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If you have damaged heart valves or have any other particular risk of infection.
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If you have any allergies (metal allergy)
What to do before an acupuncture treatment?
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Have a light meal or snack within 2 hours before treatment.
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Take no alcohol, barbiturate or tranquilizer for 4 hours before treatment
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Do not smoke tobacco for 1 hour before treatment
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Continue to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor
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Be well-rested, if possible
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It is wise to arrange for an escort to accompany you home after your first appointment in case the treatment makes you feel sleepy or light-headed.
What to do after an acupuncture treatment?
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Rest for 2 hours, if possible
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If the treatment is for a painful condition, avoid strenuous activity for 2 days after treatment, even if you are pain free.
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Continue to take medications as prescribed by your doctor
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Do not take any alcohol or caffeine for 2 hours after treatment
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Do not smoke tobacco for 1 hour after treatment
What to expect from treatment?
The number of treatments will vary with each person and the condition being treated.
Relief may be noticed immediately, some notice improvement within a few hours, or after a few days; some may not respond to acupuncture.
Occasionally symptoms become worse before they improve.
For conditions of recent onset, few treatments are usually required; longstanding conditions may require 1-2 treatments a week for several sessions before improvement is noticed.
What to Expect During Your Visit
1. Initial Consultation:
Discuss your medical history, symptoms, and any concerns you may have.
Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Acupuncture Session:
You will lie down in a comfortable position.
Thin needles will be inserted into specific points on your body.
The needles are usually left in place for 20-30 minutes while you relax.
Some patients may feel a mild tingling or warmth at the needle sites, but it should not be painful.
3. Post-Treatment:
You may feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
It’s common to notice improvements after a few sessions, although some conditions may require ongoing treatment.
World Health Organization (WHO) on Acupuncture
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The use of acupuncture has been shown to effectively treat many types of conditions. In 2003 the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a report called “Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials.” Below you will see a list of the conditions mentioned in that report.
Please note that there are plenty of additional conditions which centuries of empirical data have shown acupuncture treats effectively but for which there is little or no modern western research. If you have questions about a condition not listed below, be sure to contact us so we can address your specific situation.
Psychological Conditions
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Depression
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Anxiety
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OCD
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PTSD
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Somatization disorder
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Hypersomnia
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Insomnia
Neurological Conditions
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Headache and migraine
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Trigeminal neuralgia
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Facial palsy (early stage, within three to six months)
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Paresis following stroke
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Peripheral neuropathies
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Meniere’s Disease
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Nocturnal enuresis
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Cervicobrachial syndrome
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Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
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Intercostal neuralgia
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Disc problems
Musculo-skeletal Conditions
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Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness
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Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendinitis, contractures
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Arthritis
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Fibromyalgia
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Work and sports related injuries
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Low back and/or neck strain
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Osteoarthritis
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“Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”
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Sciatica
Respiratory System Condition
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Acute sinusitis
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Acute rhinitis
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Common cold and allergies
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Acute tonsillitis
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Acute bronchitis
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Bronchial asthma
Conditions of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth
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Acute conjunctivitis
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Central retinitis
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Myopia (in children)
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Cataract (without complications)
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Toothaches, post extraction pain
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Gingivitis
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Acute and chronic pharyngitis
Gastrointestinal Conditions
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Spasms of esophagus and cardiac
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Irritable bowel and colitis
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Gastroptosis
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Acute and chronic gastritis
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Gastric hyperacidity (i.e. acid reflux)
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Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
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Acute duodenal ulcer (without complication)
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Acute and chronic colitis
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Acute bacillary dysentery
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Paralytic ileus
Gynecological Conditions
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Infertility
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PMS
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Dysmenorrhea
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Menopause syndrome
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Benign irregular menstruation
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Benign amenorrhea
Cardiovascular Conditions
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Essential hypertension
Other Conditions
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Withdrawal from street and pharmacological drugs
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Appetite suppression