Acupuncture

Acupuncture

This is a physical form of treatment in which small solid needles are inserted into the skin at specific points, at varying depths, and left in place or manipulated.

Originally acupuncture was part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) an empirically established medical system with more than 2,500 years of documented existence. In Western medicine acupuncture has been adopted and successfully incorporated into medical or allied health practices as medical acupuncture, combining traditional clinical information with knowledge from the biomedical sciences. Medical acupuncture is especially good at relaxing tight musculature, decreasing pain and increasing nerve function.

Electro Acupuncture

The doctors at Active Healthcare Centre are trained in electro-acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture is a form of acupuncture in which acupuncture needles are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses, generating a small electric current that flows between pairs of needles. Another term is Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS). This practice augments the use of regular acupuncture, can restore health and well-being, and is particularly good for treating pain. Many patients who have had acupuncture in the past and have had minimal success have experienced significant reduction in pain and injury with electro-acupuncture.

Where are the Needles inserted?

Needles can be inserted into a variety of locations.

One method is into what are called “Trigger Points” These are places in muscle tissue that are tender when pressed and may give rise to referred pain and other remote effects. The existence of trigger points has been medically proven, and may result from the misuse or over-exertion of a muscle. Acupuncture is often useful to neutralize these points.

Another method is to target the specific nerves that supply a certain painful muscle or joint. Your Healthcare Practitioner may insert needles directly into the painful muscle or joint, into locations on your body where a particular nerve travels on route to the painful structure or at the spine where the nerve originates.

Needles may also be inserted into areas which have been proven to illicit calming or other emotional effects. These points may be in your hands, feet, head and even your ears.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I don’t like needles. Will acupuncture hurt?

A: While you may feel a quick sensation of pressure or muscle aching, we strive for painless needle insertion to maximize your comfort.

Q: Are the acupuncture needles sterilized?

A: We only use sterilized disposable acupuncture needles that are never re-used on a client.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: The number of treatments will vary depending on the condition and individual. Our goal at Active Healthcare Centre is to optimize your health in the shortest amount of time, which is part of the reason that we integrate a variety of treatment therapies. There are no lengthy treatment contracts at our health center, and you are under no obligation to continue treatment.