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Arthritis
Asthma
Anxiety
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Indigestion
Facial palsy/tics
Infertility
Fibromyalgia
Headache
Irritable bowel syndrome
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Low back pain
Menopausal syndrome
Menstrual irregularities
Nausea
PMS
Rhinitis
Sciatica
Sleep disturbances
Smoking cessation
Stress
Tennis elbow
Trigeminal neuralgia
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Practiced continuously for 3000 years, Acupuncture was first
discussed in the ancient medical text “Huang Di Nei Jing” (The
Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), which originated
in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.– 220 A.D.)
The board of Medical Examiners of California began regulating
Acupuncture in 1972. At present, 40 states license acupuncture.
In Canada British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta now regulate
acupuncture under the Regulated Health Practitioners Act (RHPA).
Is Acupuncture Licenced in Ontario?
Yes, licencing for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine came
into affect on December 20, 2006 with the passing of Bill 50. The new
licencing body is the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
As with all regulated health professions, a regulatory body will be
established with a mandate to protect the public by enforcing rules and
regulations for competence through training, scope of practice and a
standard of ethics.
Acupuncture has become increasingly accessible to more Canadians,
with many Doctors recommending it for effective relief of various
medical conditions.
Insurance coverage for Acupuncture treatment is included in many
extended health care plans, reflecting acupuncture’s acceptance into
the mainstream as it’s success grows.
What is Acupuncture?
Health promotion, disease prevention and alleviation of pain and
suffering is the hallmark of acupuncture.
Centuries of meticulous observation has revealed an element
common to all functions of the human body. This ‘vital energy’ is
called ‘Qi’ (chee).
An acupuncturist assess the body’s energetic balance, according to
the flow and distribution of Qi within pathways, known as meridians
and channels.
Various factors may negatively effect the balance and harmony
between the Qi, Blood and organs, such as, the seven emotional
factors, seasonal inadaptability, trauma and diet.
Signs and symptoms may manifest as pain and dysfunction or a
general loss of well-being.
How does Acupuncture work?
Following an ‘Acupuncture diagnosis’, the acupuncturist is able to
rebalance the quality and integration of Qi and Blood with the organs
by stimulating specific acupuncture points on the meridians.
A person’s individual pattern of disharmony is then balanced with
a tailored prescription of acupuncture points.
When Qi returns to it’s natural free flow, symptoms subside and
abundance of health and vitality is permitted to accumulate. This
results in harmony of body, mind and spirit.
Scientific studies
According to the National Institutes of Health, researchers are
studying at least three possible explanations for how acupuncture
works:
- Opioid release. During acupuncture, endorphins that are
part of your body's natural pain-control system may be
released into your central nervous system — your brain and
spinal cord. This reduces pain much like taking a pain
medication.
- Spinal cord stimulation. Acupuncture may stimulate the
nerves in your spinal cord to release pain-suppressing
neurotransmitters. This has sometimes been called the
"gate theory."
- Blood flow changes. Acupuncture needles may increase the
amount of blood flow in the area around the needle. The
increased blood flow may supply additional nutrients or
remove toxic substances, or both,
What can I expect from a treatment?
Does it hurt?
Because acupuncture needles are so thin (slightly thicker than a
hair) their insertion is practically painless.
The ideal therapeutic effect occurs when sensations such as warmth,
tingling, heaviness, or a feeling of Qi moving along the channels is
perceived. This indicates that the Qi has “arrived” and the potent
innate healing mechanisms are now engaged.
The majority of people find acupuncture relaxing, and many fall
asleep during treatment.
Most patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than
when they walked in. In some cases the effects are too subtle to
perceive until the fifth to tenth session.
Is Acupuncture safe?
A provincially licensed acupuncturist is competent and accountable
to the public. Regulation requires the use of sterile individually
packaged single use acupuncture needles.
According to the National Centre for Complimentary and Alternative
Medicine (NCCAM), “Relatively few complications from the use of
acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions
of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles
used”.
What conditions may Acupuncture help?
The World Health Organization recognizes the effectiveness of
acupuncture for over 40 conditions, including:
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