Acupuncture
"Life is a balance between holding and letting go"
-Rumi-
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is among the oldest healing arts in the world and refers to the practice of stimulating specific anatomical points on the body with fine needles in an effort to restore the body’s optimal balance and energy.
Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years, Acupuncture is one of the key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: Yin & Yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while Yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle.
According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state”; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. The actual number of meridians can vary with the subtle differences in traditional Asian healing philosophy but generally there are regarded to be 14 main meridians with as many as 6 others.
Each meridian is associated with a specific organ system, which may or may not correlate to standard western physiology as TCM theory is seen as more functional than structural.
Acupuncture Can Be Used for a Wide Variety of Health Concerns and Complaints Such As, but Not Limited To:
- Fatigue
- Skin disorders
- Insomnia and Sleep disorders
- High blood pressure
- Hypothyroid / Hyperthyroid
- Prostate issues
- Cancer and Chemotherapy Support
- Smoking Cessation
- Addictions
- Musculoskeletal trauma or dysfunction
- Depression and Anxiety
- Menstrual irregularits
- Digestive complaints and disorders
- Respiratory issues
- Stress Reduction
- Menopause and Perimenopause
- Infertility and Reproductive issues
- Migraines and Headaches
Are You Thinking of Quitting Smoking? Have You Tried to Quit Before but Given Up? if You Are Ready to Quit, We Can Help!
Acupuncture treatment for smoking cessation is a viable, alternative option. It can help lessen the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, curb cravings, increase circulation, improve breathing, and ease tension and stress. Please click here for more information.
FAQ
Q. Is Acupuncture Safe?
A. When performed by a trained and licensed practitioner Acupuncture is very safe. Necessary precautions are always taken to prevent the risk of communicable diseases.
Q. Is Acupuncture Painful?
A. No. In most instances you will hardly be able to tell if a needle has been inserted. Occasionally you may feel a slight pinch.
Q. What Kinds of Needles Are Used?
A. The needles used are sterile, individually packaged, and SINGLE USE ONLY. The needles used range from ½ inch to 2 inches in length and are half as thick as a sewing needle – so very thin. Maximum insertion of a needle is approximately an inch and a half with most depths being ½ inch.
Q. How Long Does a Treatment Take?
A. Aside from the initial visit which lasts approximately 60-70 mins, most sessions will range from 30– 45mins.
Q. Do I Need to Wear Anything Special?
A. Loose fitting clothes are ideal for the session but not required. Medical robes are available if needed so no need to worry!
Q. Will an Acupuncture Treatment Interfere With Any of My Medications?
A. Acupuncture does not interfere with conventional medications. However, please disclose any prescribed medications and supplements that you are currently taking to the Dr. Sean McConnell, our licensed Acupuncturist, before starting the treatment.
Q. Is Acupuncture Covered by OHIP or EHI?
A. OHIP does not cover Acupuncture visits. Extended Health Insurance benefits commonly cover Acupuncture. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm exact details of your coverage or as always, ask our staff for help.
Q. Does Acupuncture Have Side Effects?
A. Acupuncture is a very benign modality so adverse effects are minimal. One may experience slight bruising, mild sleepiness, or lightheadedness after a session.
Q. Is There Ever a Time When Someone Should Not Get Acupuncture?
A. The only health conditions that prohibit Acupuncture are bleeding disorders. Patients should inform their practitioner of their specific health status such as Hepatitis, HIV, Diabetes, pregnancy, etc but treatments are adapted to the individual taking such matters into consideration.
ACUPUNCTURE for SMOKING CESSATION
Finally Kick Smoking to the Curb!
Once a client has truly decided to give up smoking, Acupuncture can be used as a powerful ally in the fight against the cravings, the triggers, and the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Like all of the tools in the “quit smoking” arsenal, (the patch, the gum, hypnosis, therapy) Acupuncture can only truly be effective when a client is fully committed to the process. Acupuncture isn’t the cure for quitting, it’s a treatment that helps lessen cravings, and reduces the effects of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
The theory behind Acupuncture treatment for quitting is simple: by placing Acupuncture needles in specific locations in the ear (and sometimes other areas of the body as well), we can redirect the energy the body is focusing on the nicotine cravings towards improving blood circulation, improving breathing, easing tension, and promoting relaxation. Ultimately the goal is to silence the irritable, craving-driven anxiety in the body and replace it with positive energy in the form of improved circulation, deeper relaxation, and better breathing. By consistently stemming the symptoms of the withdrawal, clients can proceed through the quitting stages with greater ease.
At Physio FX, there is no pre-set package to purchase. The number of treatments required will be determined by the client and Naturopathic Doctor. Every client is treated individually and will have a specific program tailored to meet their needs.
If you truly feel ready to finally kick smoking to the curb, please give us a call.
We are here to help get you feeling better!
Acupuncture is used on the ear to treat addictions of all kinds