Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain.
They do this by improving the blood circulation to the parts of the body that need them. There are many other medical uses for these needling techniques besides healing (i.e. stimulation of organ function, allergy remedy, smoking cessation, etc).
Acupuncture (Eastern medicine)
- typically stimulate meridians—energy pathways in our body—which harmonizes energy flow
- can also be placed in ashi points (trigger points)
- improves blood flow
- needles are left in for a period of time (10-20 minutes)
- more comfortable sensation then dry needling
Dry Needling (Western medicine)
- typically stimulate motor—where the majority of the muscle is energized by the nerve—or trigger points—hyperactive/dense entangled tissue—in the body
- needles are pistoned in and out of tissue for usually only a minute or less
- reduces overall tissue tension
- can be more uncomfortable
Who is a good candidate for Acupuncture / Dry Needling?
Almost anyone can get acupuncture/dry needling—young or mature.
Some concerns would be persons with bleeding disorders, pregnancy, fear of needles, or poor skin integrity.
Works Great for Treating:
- Chronic (long-standing) and acute injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Painful trigger points
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Many other conditions
Other Benefits of Acupuncture
- Acupuncture Reduces Stress – Acupuncture is well-known for lowering stress. It helps take the edge off by mellowing out the nervous system, helping us become better prepared to manage things that normally create stress in our daily lives.
- Acupuncture Gives You Energy – Many have reported feeling a relaxed meditative state during acupuncture treatment. As a result, they feel a post-treatment “zing” that gives them more energy in the hours, days and even weeks following treatment.
- Acupuncture Helps You Sleep – If you suffer from insomnia, either chronic or sporadic, acupuncture can help! Regular treatments have been reported to be very effective for some who have not been able to find relief with medications and other western solutions.
- Acupuncture Builds Self-Awareness – Everything is connected. If one part of you hurts, it may be as a result of something else going on in the body. Acupuncture helps you broaden your awareness of those connections and how they affect you and your general well-being.
- Acupuncture Boosts the Immune System – Acupuncture strengthens your immune system and helps prevent illness and injury by helping to build resistance to disease. Through regular visits, acupuncture helps strengthen the reserves of your immune system preventing the need for reactive treatments after illness and injuries happen.
- Acupuncture Increases Patience – Human beings are impatient. Society’s pressures and the instant gratification mentality breeds impatience in our day to day lives. Because acupuncture is not an overnight, instant solution, it requires an investment of time and willingness to let go of our “I want it now” attitude. Through this process, patience grows.
- Acupuncture Helps Relieve Headaches – Acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines and tension headaches. Treatment dilates blood vessels to help increase blood flow in the body. Tension in the neck and upper back is common in people who suffer from migraines; acupuncture is used to help decrease this muscle tension to help prevent chronic migraines.
Proudly serving Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and surrounding areas with the best chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and massage therapy. You and your family deserve the best in health.