EDMONTON ACUPUNCTURE SERVICES
Why Visit an Acupuncturist?
Perhaps you have tweaked your back which seems to be taking months to work itself out (with or without help), or maybe you have been dealing with stomach pain that you or a doctor cannot find the source of, or maybe stress has been at an all time high while sleep as been at an all time low.
With such a diverse and nearly endless amount of treatable conditions, Acupuncture is definitely something you should consider.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
From a mechanical point of view, when the acupuncture needle is inserted it breaks up knots and adhesions that have formed in the muscles and tissues due to injury/weakness/dysfunction which then allows them to “reset” and function properly as well as reducing overall pain.
Now from a more chemical standpoint, when the needle is inserted it causes: o An increase in blood flow to the area. As blood carries nutrients within, this in turn helps nourish and amplify the natural healing ability of the body in that location. o An increase in white blood cells which help to clean up the dead cells that have built up. o Natural pain killers are released, as well as an overall decrease of inflammation
How Long Will It Take To See Results?
The time it takes to see or feel results varies from individual to individual as everyone is unique and responds at different rates. A general rule of thumb is the more chronic the problem being addressed is, the longer it will take to help your body find it’s correct balance. This goes for internal disharmonies such as insomnia along with more external problems such as physical injuries.
A more acute problem could take between 2-4 treatments to see results, while a longer lasting issue could take between 5-10 treatments. (Although it is not uncommon for individuals to report feeling great after a single treatment!)
Common Conditions
- Dental pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpel Tunnel
- Labor pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Symptoms associate with menopause
- Cosmetic Acupuncture
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory disorders(eg: allergic rhinitis, asthma)
- Bell’s Palsey
- Post Stroke Recovery
- Smoking cessation
- Mood disoreders (eg: depression, anxiety)
- Insomnia
- Digestive causing stomach aches (acid reflux, ulcers, gastritis),
What To Expect During a Session?
The acupuncturist will ask about your medical history and symptoms and will perform a physical examination (relevant to your current aches and pains). Part of this examination also incudes looking at your tongue and taking your pulses to find any imbalances in order to get to and treat the root of the problem.
Based on the results of this examination process, an acupuncture point prescription unique to you will be formulated and needles will be inserted.
These acupuncture needles will help treat what’s bothering you along with underlying conditions that you may not be aware of but may be connected.
This shouldn’t hurt! There are certain areas of the body that may be a bit more sensitive than others, but if you are ever uncomfortable or feel pain make sure to tell your acupuncturist and they will adjust the needles or select other points.
Along with different needling techniques, the acupuncturist may also incorporate other modalities (such as moxibustion, cupping, guasha, and electro acupuncture) into the treatment in order to enhance and accelerate the outcome of the treatment.
A typical session ranges from 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of the treatment. After inserting the needles, the lights will be dimmed and you will be allowed to relax while the treatment takes effect. The Acupuncturist will come in and check on you throughout the session to make sure you are still comfortable.