FAQ | Acuhealthcentre

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years. Needles are inserted at specific acupoints located on fourteen different channels or meridians found throughout the body to help with a wide variety of ailments.

What conditions can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture may help with the following conditions:

Mental/Emotional: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
Neurological/Musculoskeletal Issues: Arthritis, Neck Pain, TMJ/Jaw Pain, Shoulder Pain, Elbow Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Foot Pain, Sciatica, Migraines, Headaches, Early-Stage Bell's Palsy (under six months of onset), Vertigo, Meniere's
Respiratory Issues: Allergies, Congestion, Asthma, COPD, Common Cold
Gastro-Intestinal Disorders: Acid Reflux, Hiccups, IBS, Diarrhoea, Constipation
Female Reproductive Health: Infertility, Painful Periods, Irregular Cycle, Endometriosis, Menopausal Symptoms, Hormonal Imbalances, Morning Sickness
Male Reproductive Health: Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction
And much more! Have a consult with an acupuncturist to see if acupuncture can help you!

How does Acupuncture work?

May help inhibit the body’s pain receptors.
May increase the body’s natural painkillers: opioids, endorphins, and enkephalins.
May decrease inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines.
Helps increase circulation, relaxes muscles and soft tissue, and brings more oxygen and nutrients to injured areas.
Helps remove energetic blockages in the meridians, allowing for the free flow of energy and blood.
May help release stored emotions and trauma within the body.

What are treatments like? Does it hurt?

Your acupuncturist will diagnose your condition by looking at your health history, lifestyle, diet, etc. Specifically, your acupuncturist will look at your tongue and feel the quality of your pulse. Yes, that’s right, we look at your tongue! It is the only muscle that is visible outside of the body and it gives us information regarding digestion and the functioning of the internal organs. The treatment will begin with your practitioner cleaning the appropriate acupoints with alcohol and then inserting the sterile, stainless-steel needles. These needles are thin and flexible and about as thick as human hair.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s going to feel like a shot at a doctor’s office. Medical hypodermic needles are thick, hollow, and stiff causing more damage to the surrounding tissue. The slender needles used in acupuncture produce little to no sensation at all. Most people are surprised at how relaxing the treatments are. When the needle makes contact with Qi (your body’s energy), most patients feel a tingling sensation or a slight heavy ache around the area. This is good! Your body is responding to acupuncture and is on its way to feeling better! After the needles are inserted, they are retained for about 30 minutes or depending on what your acupuncturist recommends. It is normal to feel relaxed and want to fall asleep during your treatment, in fact, most people do!

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Please read through and sign all documents prior to arrival.
Make sure to EAT before, do not arrive on an empty stomach.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up or wear/bring shorts and short sleeves.
Make sure to stay well hydrated before and after treatments.
Please use the restroom prior to the session (treatments last around an hour)
Do not drink alcohol before or immediately after treatments.

How should I expect to feel after a treatment?

Everyone experiences acupuncture differently. Some feel energized and refreshed. Others feel calm and sleepy, with a sense of euphoria. In general, you can expect to feel relaxed after your treatment. Acupuncture is a great stress reliever!

What should I do after my treatment?

Do not drink alcohol before or immediately after treatments.
Do not perform strenuous activities immediately after treatments.
Listen to your practitioner's recommendations.
Take it easy and enjoy your acupuncture bliss!

How many acupuncture treatments until I see results?

Every person responds differently to acupuncture, you would need to be evaluated by your acupuncturist to know your individual treatment plan. In general, for acute cases, you may see faster results. For more chronic or internal conditions, it may take around six to twelve treatments to start to see results. For more complex cases, it may take several months to notice changes. Think of acupuncture-like an exercise routine, the more consistent you are, the faster you start to see your body change. Consistency is key. You can never get too much acupuncture, but you can definitely go too long without it.

What is cupping?

Cupping is another modality used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cups are placed on the body creating a suction. They can either be left in place or moved along the muscles and meridians. Cupping is excellent at reinforcing your acupuncture treatment by improving circulation, moving lymph, pulling out stagnation, and relaxing tight muscles.

What is the aftercare for cupping?

After your cupping treatment, keep the areas covered for the rest of the day. Do not take a bath the first 24 hours after treatment. Showers are fine, just wait until a few hours after to do so. Drink plenty of water! Both modalities help the body rid itself of toxins. Like a deep tissue massage, you can expect some soreness the following day, more so if you aren't properly hydrated.

What is Tuina?

Tuina, also known as Tui Na, is a form of traditional Chinese manual therapy that involves various massage techniques and manipulations to promote healing and restore balance in the body. It is one of the many therapeutic modalities used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been practised for thousands of years.

Tuina therapy typically involves the application of rhythmic pressure, stretching, and joint mobilization techniques along specific meridians and acupoints of the body. Practitioners use their hands, fingers, elbows, and other tools to apply pressure and manipulate the soft tissues. The aim of Tuina is to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) and blood throughout the body, correct imbalances, and address various health conditions.

Tuina is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle tension, sprains, and strains. It can also be beneficial for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, improving circulation, and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, Tuina is sometimes combined with other TCM therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

What is Ear Seeding?

Ear seeds are temporary adhesive seeds or pellets that stimulate acupressure points. The whole body can be mapped out onto the ear. These seeds are helpful when you can’t get acupuncture, or you need that extra boost in between treatments. They can help with everything from low back pain to anxiety.

Cranial Nerve X, the Vagus Nerve, has branches that pass through the ear and continue down through the torso innervating almost all of your vital organs. Ear seeds stimulate this nerve!