By: Samira Amini
Qubecore Acupuncturist
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What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form treatment in which sterile, disposable and thin acupuncture needles are inserted through a person’s skin at certain points on the body to various depths. This can help alleviate pain, treat many conditions, and reduce symptoms of many illnesses by harmonizing and balancing the energy, increasing the blood flow, release of endorphins, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones. This can in turn decrease pain and inflammation and boost the body’s immune response.
What conditions can acupuncture help treat?
Acupuncture is widely used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and systemic conditions. These include the following.
• Pain management
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Back and neck pain
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Tennis elbow
• Frozen shoulder
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sleep disorders
• Fertility issues
• Women health such as menstrual cycle disorders
• Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome
• Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure
What is an acupuncture treatment like? What can you expect?
During an acupuncture treatment an acupuncturist will examine the patient and asses their conditions. After the treatment plan has been established and the procedure has been discussed with the patient, the patient will be asked to lie down on their back, front, or one side depending on where the needles are to be inserted. The acupuncturist will use disposable acupuncture needles to insert through the patient’s skin at specific acupuncture points according to the treatment plan. The patient may feel a very brief stinging or tingling sensation at the base of the needle that then subsides. The needles will stay inserted for between 15-30 minutes.
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture is usually relatively painless. Small bleeding, soreness, and bruising may occur at the site of insertion.
How many treatments are usually needed?
The number of treatments needed depends on the individual and the condition of the illness. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For chronic long lasting or complex conditions, one or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. Acupuncture is cumulative and each treatment builds on the last.
It is advised to drink plenty of water and minimize physical activity for few hours after acupuncture treatment to avoid some side effects such as dizziness and heavy body sensation.
QubeCore Sports & Rehab offers acupuncture services in North Vancouver for a wide range of injures and conditions. To book your appointment with our experienced acupuncturist, call 604.210.2274 or simply BOOK ONLINE.
