Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture is an evidence-based approach to traditional Chinese medicine. It is a form of treatment that has been proven to improve pain, scar tissue organization, restore movement, and regain athletic performance.
Evidence also supports the use of medical acupuncture for depression. It works by assisting the nervous system (specifically the autonomic nervous system) to achieve balance, alleviate stress, and reduce anxiety symptoms by lowering the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system and increasing parasympathetic regulation.
The treatment is performed with acupuncture needles that are individually packaged, used once, and disposed of appropriately after each use. At our clinic, medical acupuncture is part of a multi-layered treatment plan and is used in combination with manual therapy, movement restoration, and other supporting modalities.
Our lead physiotherapist is rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario for performing the Controlled Act of Acupuncture including Dry Needling in her daily physiotherapy clinical practice.
Acupuncture practitioners choose specific points to place very fine needles based on your condition. Several points may be used during a typical session, depending on your symptoms.
The needles may be inserted just under the skin, or deeper so they reach muscle. This results in the body producing natural substances such as pain-relieving endorphins. Once the needles are in place, they may be left in position for a length of time lasting from a few minutes up to around 30 minutes.
It is safe to have acupuncture when you are pregnant. However, let your practitioner know as certain acupuncture points cannot be used during pregnancy. We recommend avoiding acupuncture in the first and last trimester.
