What can be treated using acupuncture?
So many things! Acupuncture is endorsed by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for many conditions, including:
- low back pain
- neck pain
- sciatica
- tennis elbow
- sprains
- headache
- facial pain
- TMJ dysfunction
- rheumatoid arthritis
- labour preparation
- correction of breech presentation of fetus
- morning sickness
- primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- essential hypertension
- primary hypotension
- depression
- allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
- acute and chronic gastritis
- peptic ulcer
Perhaps the most important thing acupuncture can help with is stress. Acupuncture is surprisingly relaxing. Treating stress will help your body heal and improve many symptoms. Clients report entering a meditative or semi-sleeping state while receiving acupuncture, and leave feeling refreshed. Most people enjoy an especially good sleep the night of their treatment. Regular maintenance treatments are recommended to optimize energy and well-being.
I’m pregnant. Can I have acupuncture?
Yes! Many pregnant people are excited to discover an effective, safe and drug-free way of treating their pregnancy-related symptoms, or any other new or continuing issues they may be having. Acupuncture can provide relief from sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, symphysis pubis pain, nausea, fatigue, low back pain and hip pain. There’s an excellent labour preparation protocol for the last 4 – 5 weeks of pregnancy to encourage cervical ripening and promote an efficient labour. It’s also a lovely time to incorporate some restful self-care to prepare body and mind for the big event.
Do you offer fertility treatments?
No. I believe that fertility support should be provided by a practitioner passionate about fertility, with a real focus in that area, and whose business hours and availability are compatible with fertility clinic procedures. I am happy to provide a referral if this is your reason for seeking acupuncture.
Do the needles hurt?
Not usually, and often people don’t feel them at all. Occasionally, there is a brief, surprising sensation that lasts less than a second. If, at any time, a needle doesn’t feel totally comfortable, it can be adjusted. Even clients who were very nervous at first quickly learn to look forward to the needles, knowing that soon they will drift into a zone of peaceful relaxation.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Acupuncture has been used for centuries, and so detailed rules and guidelines have been developed to ensure correct needle placement and depth. All needles are single use and sterile. As a Registered Acupuncturist, I have had hundreds of hours of supervised training, so you are definitely in good hands.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Many health insurance plans cover acupuncture, and if your complaint is musculoskeletal, I can provide acupuncture under my scope of practice as a massage therapist, and provide a massage therapy receipt for your treatments.