Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is a healing art based primarily on philosophy as well as 5,000 years of historical clinical practice. The elemental philosophy is based on the theory of yin and yang, which represents balance. Yin represents qualities such as cold and dampness, internal, rest, fluids, darkness and night. Yang represents qualities of heat and dryness, external, movement, fire, brightness and daytime.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
For example, an individual with a yin condition might be quiet and shy with a soft voice. They often have a pale complexion and feel cold. An individual with a yang constitution might be energetic and constantly on the go. They are likely to be extroverted, often with a loud voice, and tend to be talkative. They will usually feel hot, sweat easily and have a reddish complexion. Yin and yang are constantly interacting. For example, a fever (yang) may suddenly develop into chills (yin). The intention is not to be primarily yin or yang, but to have balance of the two.
Another philosophy of TCM is that disease is a direct result of a blockage or deficiency of the body’s vital energy, known as “qi” (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the source of all movement and energy within the body. It governs all movements such as running, talking, breathing, your heart beating, and more. There are various types of qi. For example, your wei qi works in a similar manner to your immune system, protecting your body against disease, while your gu qi controls digestive activities
Qi flows along pathways in the body known as meridians, similar to the concept of blood vessels. There are twelve primary meridians, each corresponding to the major organs of the body. Examples include the lung meridian, the liver meridian, and the kidney meridian. A disturbance or blockage of the flow of qi or blood along these meridians will result in a diseased state.
Chinese Acupuncture:
Chinese acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles at specific points along these meridians to alleviate blockages, revitalize the vital energy (qi) of the body, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Acupuncture is effective because it addresses the root cause of an illness in addition to alleviating the symptoms of the disease. Since it treats the root of disease, effects are not always immediate. It can often take 3-4 sessions before results are noticeable, and can take 8-12 sessions to achieve long-term results in some chronic ailments. Treatments should be on a weekly basis for best results.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Sport Acupuncture
Sports acupuncture is an effective alternative treatment that can help with chronic, acute and sports-related injuries. It is a unique approach that combines traditional Chinese medicine techniques with modern sports medicine to provide a comprehensive solution for pain relief and healing.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning dried mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, on or near the skin’s surface to stimulate acupuncture points. It is believed that the heat generated from the burning moxa can promote the flow of Qi and blood within the body, which can alleviate pain and treat various health conditions. Acupuncturists may use moxibustion in conjunction with acupuncture needles or as a stand-alone therapy. During a moxibustion treatment, the practitioner will place a small amount of moxa on the acupuncture point or hold a moxa stick near the point, which is then ignited to produce a slow-burning ember. Moxibustion is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and pain caused by injury or surgery.
Moxibustion can be a safe and effective treatment during pregnancy:
- Turning a breech baby: encourage a baby that is in the breech position to turn head-down in preparation for childbirth. This involves applying moxa to an acupuncture point on the outer corner of the little toe.
- Alleviating pregnancy-related symptoms: alleviate common symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, fatigue, and back pain. The heat generated from moxibustion can promote blood flow and help to relax tight muscles.
- Preparing for labor: used in the later stages of pregnancy to prepare the body for labor. This involves applying moxa to acupuncture points on the feet, lower back, and abdomen.
- Boosting immunity: Moxibustion may help to boost the immune system during pregnancy, which can help to prevent illnesses and infections.
Reasons to seek Acupuncture
Calming & Relaxing
Stress, anxiety | Irritability, frustration or anger | High blood pressure
Digestive support
Gas, bloating | Upset stomach | Indigestion, constipation or diarrhea
Detoxification support to help you with
Drug, alcohol, smoking recovery
Energizing
Fatigue | Depression | Lack of energy & motivation
Muscular or joint pain
Headaches, migraines | Back, neck, TMJ, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot pain | Sciatica | Sprains, strains | Tendonitis, bursitis Arthritis | Whiplash
Recovery from loss
Grief, sadness | Loneliness or disappointment
Centering or Grounding
Easily distracted | Unfocused
Female symptons
PMS | Premenstrual syndrome | Menstrual irregularities, painful periods | Infertility | Menopause
Immune system support
Allergies | Asthma | COPD | Cold and flu prevention
What to expect at your first visit:
The first visit with a Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist is approximately 60-75 minutes in length. It is best to have all the intake forms filled out prior to the appointment.
During the first visit the Acupuncturist will try to get as complete a picture of your health as possible, through extensive discussion of your past and current health, as well as your family health history, and your current lifestyle factors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture treats the whole person through individualized treatment, therefore it is very important for them to understand not only physical aspects of one’s health status, but also the mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors that contribute to illness.
Based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, you will receive a treatment of Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of surgical steel, sterilized, one time use fine needles at points located on various points of the body. Based on the pattern of disease you may benefit from additional therapies such as cupping therapy, heat therapy, Chinese medical diet therapy, lifestyle counselling and Chinese Herbal therapy. You will be asked to monitor your symptoms between visits and report to the Acupuncturist any changes on the next visit.
It is suggested to wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment to allow for access to certain points on the body.
What to expect at subsequent visits with your Acupuncturist:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture treatments are individualized and customized to the patient’s health concerns and goals. Frequency and number of visits will be suggested and may change depending on the response to treatment. The aim of Acupuncture is to treat the root cause of disease, by identifying and removing the cause of the illness, rather than suppressing its symptoms. Acupuncture stimulates the natural healing process of the body with minimal side effects; however, any concerns should be discussed with the Acupuncturists.
Throughout subsequent visits, which will be approx. 45 minutes in length, your Acupuncturist will follow-up with your treatment plan and adjust and alter it where necessary.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine sterile needles on points located on the body. These points activate a healing process within the body. Acupuncture treatments performed by a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner are designed to treat the body holistically addressing the root cause of the health issue. The combinations of these points are as a result of a diagnosis intended to treat a pattern of disharmony.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
The feeling you may experience upon insertion of the Acupuncture needle is similar to that of a mosquito bite. Once the needle is tapped into the skin most people don’t feel anything.
Will I feel anything after the treatment?
You may experience a euphoric or calm feeling and be very relaxed. Sometimes you may feel tired in which it is recommended you rest, otherwise you can resume regular activity after a treatment.
What do I wear to treatment?
It is suggested you wear loose fitting clothing, shorts or athletic wear to feel comfortable during your treatment. In order to access some points on the body you may need to remove or adjust your clothing. You will be given a gown or sheet to drape across you in these cases. At all times you should feel comfortable with your treatment and any concerns should be discussed with your practitioner.
How many Acupuncture treatments will I need?
This is individualized to each person. Some health issues take fewer treatments to resolve and others take several treatments to resolve. Your Acupuncturist can offer guidelines on your treatment frequency. Acupuncture treatments are cumulative and weekly visits may be suggested in the beginning. As symptoms become lessened a longer duration would be suggested between visits.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is the very gentle insertion of tiny needles on the face and body to promote your most radiant and natural beauty. It increases blood circulation to the area while stimulating the production of collagen to improve facial muscle and skin tone.
What Are the Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?
- Improves muscle and skin tone
- Increases collagen production
- Reduces or eliminates fine lines and wrinkles
- Diminishes eye puffiness, dark circles under the eyes, drooping eyelids & crows feet
- Stimulates circulation to the face and rebalances moisture of the skin
- Reduces sagging skin, jowls and double chins
- Regulates the pores
- Brings out your natural radiant glow & greatly enhances facial colour and overall complexion
- Treats hormonal skin conditions such as acne
- Excellent for rosacea
- Treats the skin by rebalancing the body from within to promote overall health & well-being, reduce stress and improve many other health ailments such as digestive disorders, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, low energy and much more
What Can I Expect From My Treatments? How Many Treatments Are Necessary?
Your first session will involve an overall Traditional Chinese Medicine health assessment to determine any areas of imbalance. Once the treatment begins many needles will be inserted into the face and body, however, these needles are extremely fine and inserted in such a gentle manner that clients find it incredibly relaxing, often falling asleep during the treatment. This protocol requires 10-15 sessions and treatments should be twice a week for the first three weeks, then weekly treatments for the following sessions. It is important to complete all sessions to achieve the full effect and long-lasting results. While many people notice some results after their first treatment, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has a cumulative effect with the best improvement usually noticed around the seventh treatment. Maintenance treatments are recommended every 4-6 weeks to maintain best results, with the entire protocol being repeated every 3-5 years.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
As with any acupuncture treatment performed by a qualified and registered practitioner, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is extremely safe. Since the face is a highly vascular area very slight bleeding and mild bruising may occur, however, we take several precautions to reduce or eliminate these effects. Caution must be used with certain potentially serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines and others, so please advise us if you have any health conditions before booking. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture cannot be performed during pregnancy, however, traditional acupuncture can be very beneficial.
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