Acupuncture At Cedar
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture
Risks of acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves using single-use sterile fine filiform needles that are on average 1/10th the size of a medical syringe needle diameter
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
Traditional, Western
Help Reduce Pain
Stress, Anxiety
What Is Acupuncture?
Energy flow
In traditional medicine, it is often accepted that our body is capable of self healing. Keeping your body in balance and energy flowing freely may reduce the likelihood of health issues. On the other hand, if your body is out of balance and energy flow has been interrupted, a number of different health issues may arise. Your acupuncturist may use a combination of needles and other modalities such as cupping, Gua sha (scraping), electroacupuncture or ear acupuncture to treat various conditions.
Get Pain Relief Today
Contact us today to schedule your initial visit with your registered acupucnturist.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Do I Need?
As with all therapies, acupuncture often requires several treatments to resolve an issue. An average course of treatment is generally between 5 to 10 treatments.
- Chronic conditions will often require a longer treatment plan
- Many patients are able to experience improvements starting within their first few sessions
- Women’s health concerns are often assessed over a minimum of three cycles
Upon your initial course of treatment, your acupuncturist will likely be able determine the best plan for you
What To Expect From An Acupuncture Treatment?
Next, a course of treatment may be recommended detailing the points. Your acupuncturist may discuss other adjunctive techniques such as:
- Cupping
- Electro-stimulated acupuncture
- Guasha
- Tuina
The needles used are extremely fine and are for one-time use only, thus ensuring safe and sterile protocols.
Subsequent treatments may include other approaches such as cupping which targets your fascial tissue. Patient often notice a sense of calm, peace and clarity after your treatment
What Is The Difference Between Acupuncture, IMS And Dry Needling?
Traditional acupuncture, dry needling, and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) are very similar in that they all use sterile single use needles to stimulate specific parts of your body.
Acupuncture
Traditional acupuncture targets specific meridian points. The focus is to balance and encourage energy flow in order to stimulate your body’s self healing process.
Dry needling, IMS
Dry needling and IMS are more often associated with targeting local muscles and tissues to relieve localized pain, stiffness or neuropathic pain
What Can Acupuncture Help?
Acupuncture is a holistic, safe, non-invasive, alternative approach to a wide range of health problems including:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: constipation, diarrhea, IBS
- Mental-emotional: anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia
- Musculoskeletal pain: motor vehicle accident injuries (whiplash), frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, low back pain
- Neurological: headache, migraine, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, jaw / TMJ pain, facial palsy, peripheral neuropathies
- Upper-respiratory: common cold, sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis
- Reproductive: infertility, PMS, menstruation, menopause
- Respiratory issues: asthma, bronchitis
Are The Any Risks With Acupuncture Treatment?
The risks of acupuncture are low if your acupuncturist is experienced and is a certified acupuncture practitioner who uses sterile needles. Common side effects can include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal. Before having acupuncture treatment, be sure to consult with your practitioner if you:
- Are currently pregnant
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Use a pacemaker
The practice of acupuncture and TCM is regulated provincially in Canada and acupuncturists must be registered in order to practice acupuncture, ensuring your safety and ethical practices
What Happens During My Acupuncture Session?
Before your treatment
1. Prepare for your treatment
Complete your Acupuncture Intake form before your appointment. The more information you can provide for your acupuncturist, the more time can be used for treatment. Please answer as thoroughly and with as much detail as you are able to as this will help your acupuncturist develop the best treatment plan for you
2. Wear proper clothing
Loose fitting clothes are great for your acupuncture appointments. Tight fitting clothes can be difficult for your acupuncturists to reach the right acupoints.
3. Have something to eat before your visit
When you have an empty stomach, you may have lower energy and some patients may feel light-headed after their acupuncture treatment. A light snack or meal 1 hour before your appointment should be appropriate. Avoid caffeine, greasy food or any type of stimulants before and after your treatment
During your treatment
1. Relax
Acupuncture treatment is about balancing your energy. After acupuncture needles have been set in, take deep breaths and try to relax. Take time to notice your breath. Enjoy your time of healing.
2. Feeling disoriented during your treatment?
Most of time, patients have little to no discomfort during and after your acupuncture treatment. However, sometimes depending the on patient’s constitution, your body may react to the energy flow differently. Some patients may notice feeling lightheaded or dizzy and some level of discomfort. If you notice these sensations, simply your acupuncturist know how you are feeling during your visit.
After your treatment
1. Relax and relax
Avoid any strenuous activities and movements after your acupuncture treatment. Your body will be adjusting to the treatment and will be going through a self healing process. If you do anything strenuous to your body, you may break that rhythm and reverse the effects of your treatment. Drink plenty of water and stay as comfortable as you can.
2. You can shower but no bathing or using a sauna
Some people believe taking a hot shower is not good after treatment. Taking a hot shower is fine so long as you avoid staying in the hot water for long time or taking a hot sauna.
3. Notice your changes and provide feedback to your acupuncturist
After treatment, take notes of how you felt during your treatment as well as how your symptoms progressed after your treatment ended. By providing feedback to your acupuncturist, this will help your acupuncturist adjust your treatment and to improve the effectiveness of your care
Frequently Asked Questions
What does acupuncture actually do?
How long does it take for me to feel the benefits of acupuncture?
How do I find an acupuncturist near me?
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