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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective method of healthcare that focuses on moving blood and lymphatic fluid to accelerate the healing process.​​

 

In a typical acupuncture session,  several diagnostic methods are used to determine what's out of balance. This begins with questioning you about your various signs and symptoms, previous medical history, and course of illness.

Acupuncture sessions are 45-50 minutes long which allows time for assessment, evaluation and treatment as we try to gain a deep understanding of your health issues, lifestyle and eating patterns.  

Massage techniques and fire cupping are also used during the treatment to promote blood and lymph flow.You are the focus for the entire session and we only treat one patient per hour. ​

The acupuncture needles used are extremely thin, and their insertion is virtually painless. Some needling sites will produce very little sensation, and you may not even know the needles are in place.

Other sites may produce a sensation of tingling, electricity, heat, cold, heaviness, or an achy sensation. The vast majority of people find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing, and many will even fall asleep during treatment.​If you prefer not to have needles inserted then acupressure therapy and auricular points can be used instead.​

 

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?​

 

With new technology called the FMRI (Functional magnetic resonance imaging) an abundance of studies have been published within the last decade. ​These studies have shown that acupuncture indices different effects on the human brain as displayed through use of FMRI machines.

 

Studies using FMRI found that acupuncture can induce different effects on the brain and can be used to:​

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  1. Decrease pain by Increasing endogenous opioids: (enkephalins and endorphins- Which are stronger than morphine!)

  2. Increasing serotonin- a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness. 

  3. Protect the brain- Has neuroprotective effects :Inhibits neurodegeneration. (Via expression and activation of brain derived neurotrophic factor -BDNF). 

  4. Reduce blood flow to the amygdala (fear centre of the brain) and Increase cerebral blood flow. 

  5. Reduce blood flow to the prefrontal cortex. (Pain processing, overthinking over analyzing part of the brain).  

  6. Has vasodilation effects: Increases nitric oxide levels resulting in increased local circulation.  

  7. Anti inflammatory effects: decreases levels of pro inflammatory cytokines In the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. ​

  8. Increases nitric oxide in the endothelium to increase circulation in the body.

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Many things happen when you insert a needle into the skin:

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  • It creates a micro-trauma that stimulates the activity of immune cells that control inflammation.

  • Sends a signal through the nervous system to the brain: chemicals such as endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalin are then released. Some of these substances are 10-200 times more potent than morphine!

  • Helps stimulate blood flow: Restoring proper blood flow is vital to healing and maintenance of health.

  • Regulates nitric oxide levels: Increased nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity has been found in acupuncture points. Acupuncture increases the nitric oxide level in treated regions and helps increase local circulation and decrease inflammation and pain.

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How many sessions you will need is based on the ailment. I usually recommend at least 3-5 sessions to correct most imbalances. Although relief is usually felt after the first or second session.​​ ​           â€‹               

Cupping therapy

Fire Cupping 

Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment that has been used for thousands of years, it's like a reverse massage where the cups pull the skin, muscles and tissues upwards.

 

 

 Fire cupping is a technique that uses glass cups and heat to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion by drawing congested blood and toxins to the surface.

Cupping is used for immediate pain relief, enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation, and supporting your immune system.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that pain results from the congestion, stagnation, and blockage of Qi, or vital energy, vital fluids, lymph, phlegm, and blood. If pain is the essence of disease, then suffering is a result of obstructed or irregular flow in the body. Chinese cupping is therefore a method of breaking up the blockage to restore the body’s natural flow of energy.​​​

 

Cupping Benefits​

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  1. Reduces adhesions in the fascia which increases blood flow to the surrounding areas.

  2. Increases lymphatic circulation

  3. Helps relieve pain

  4. Feels incredibly relaxing

  5. Pulls pathogens and toxins that linger deep in the body's tissues. 

  6.  Cupping is used for:

  7. Relieving neck, shoulder and back tension

  8. Decreasing coughs and congestion

  9. Clearing allergy symptoms (sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchiness)

  10. Reducing red, itchy skin conditions

  11. Increasing circulation to warm body, clear inflammation or swelling

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​​Cupping Method

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To create the vacuum required in cupping we use the fire cupping method.

Fire cupping uses an open flame to create low air pressure inside glass cupsthe flame is quickly removed and the cup is placed on the skinas the air inside the cup cools, it contracts and draws the skin into the cup. This is a painless procedure.

Skin markings or slight bruises are common after fire cupping,  the markings usually disappear after 2-4 days.​​

 

*Cupping sessions are usually combined with an acupuncture or acupressure session.​​

 

Before Your Session​Make sure you are adequately hydrated the day of your appointment and make time to use the washroom beforehand.  Try not to consume a large meal right before your appointment as you will be lying down for part or all of your treatment.​       

 

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Acupuncture

FAQ

1. Does it hurt?

Acupuncture doesn’t hurt. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, almost like a hair, and it is sometimes hard to even feel them being inserted. Often people report a sensation sometime after the insertion of the needle, but this is a pressure-like sensation rather than a pain.

 

2. Is it safe?

In the hands of a professionally trained practitioner, Acupuncture TCM is safe and entirely free of negative side-effects.

Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilised, single use needles. They are safe and painless to use, and safely discarded after the treatment.

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3. What if I’m afraid of needles?

The needles used are hair thin and totally unlike the needles used for injections of medicine. Most people don’t even feel the insertion and those who do, describe it as a kind of pressure. There is no need to be afraid of the needles. 
There is an option for acupressure therapy massage if you prefer not to have any needles inserted.

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4. How often do I need to have a treatment?

Usually treatments are scheduled weekly, sometimes bi-weekly. Many patients choose to, once the problem has been successfully treated, to attend treatment bi-weekly or monthly in order to ensure they stay healthy.  

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5. Do you direct bill?

Yes direct billing is done to most extended health providers. Except for MSP and Worksafe. (receipts will be issued for reimbursement)

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6. How much does it cost?

$130 per treatment. This may be covered mostly by extended medical

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