What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is one of the oldest and most commonly performed types of medical procedure. The literal meaning of Acupuncture is “needle piercing.” As the name suggests, the procedure of acupuncture involves penetrating the skin with solid, metallic needles that are very thin. Acupuncture has grown in popularity in North America since the 1970s and is now widely regarded as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions.

According to Chinese medicine, the body transmits energy or qi (pronounced chee) through pathways or meridians in the body. The unimpeded flow of this energy, along with a balanced Yin and Yang, account for a person’s overall health. Acupuncture targets more than 2,000 acupuncture points along these pathways to ensure the proper flow of energy through the body.

How Does it Work?

According to Western medicine, Acupuncture works by stimulating the Central Nervous System to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain that can alter biochemicals in a way that may relieve pain, stimulate healing and promote physical and emotional health.

Uses

Both Eastern and Western medicines agree that Acupuncture can help treat a wide variety of illnesses by relieving pain and symptoms associated with these illnesses. Acupuncture can help with conditions as diverse as abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, menopause, infertility, chronic pain, arthritis, headaches, Parkinson’s Disease, bronchitis, smoking cessation, addiction and high blood pressure just to name a few.

Other Services Offered by Acupuncturists

Gua Sha

Gua sha is a technique usually done by an acupuncturist. They use a small, smooth-edged tool to gently scrape areas of your skin to improve circulation and promote healing. In traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha is said to help balance the flow of qi (pronounced “chi”), or energy, throughout the body. Gua sha can potentially increase blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve lymphatic drainage.

Cupping

Cupping is a form of traditional medicine that originated in China and West Asia that has been practiced for thousands of years. A provider places cups on your back, stomach, arms, legs or other parts of your body, and using suction, the cup pulls your skin upward. You’ll have red, round cupping therapy marks that should fade in a week or two. Cupping can potentially reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tightness, improve blood flow, and increase range of motion.

Call 416-633-6858 today for more information about how these treatments may be able to help you.