Acupuncture

Acupuncture is thousands of years old. In its infancy, acupuncture involved the use of sharp-edged stones to puncture the skin at points of pain after battles or to drain abscesses. Modern acupuncture practice now involves the insertion of sterile, hair-fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and relieve symptoms of disease and discomfort.

When someone finds out I am an acupuncturist, I am usually asked these four things:

“Do you feel it?” - Yes.

“Does it hurt?” - No. It feels different, and unlike any other feeling you’ve had before. Personally, I am someone that is sensitive to the feelings of acupuncture, so I know others may be too. I communicate and check in with you throughout the needling process to ensure your comfort.

“Does it work?” - For most people, yes. The World Health Organization even has a list of symptoms, diseases and conditions that have been repeatedly shown to be effectively treated by acupuncture. Keep scrolling to see below.

“How does it work?” - Ah, the million dollar question. Through study, research, and clinical experience, I have currently come to the conclusion that acupuncture works through a variety of mechanisms, that can be explained by biochemistry, mechanical manipulation of the body’s tissues, and likely some explanation that falls in the realm of quantum physics. When I first experienced acupuncture, it felt like magic. And if it suits you, I would like you to hold onto that bit of mystery about it too. You don’t have to believe in acupuncture for it to effect change in your body. Acupuncture has been repeatedly proven effective in animals like dogs and horses, and none of these animals claim to believe in it or hold any bias. So whether you want to talk about qi and energy or biochemistry and physics, I’m happy to chat to help you understand how acupuncture may work for you.

Here is an abbreviated list of symptoms, diseases and conditions recognized by the World Health Organization as being treated effectively by acupuncture:

Musculoskeletal & Neurological Conditions

  • Arthritis

  • Back & Neck Pain

  • Headache and Migraine

  • Muscle Pain

  • Sciatica

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Knee Pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Trigeminal Neuralgias

  • Peripheral Neuropathies

  • Sports Injuries and Pains

Reproductive & Gynecological

  • PMS

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Menopausal Symptoms

  • Infertility

  • Spotting and Excessive Bleeding

  • Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)

Emotional

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Insomnia

  • Stress

Digestive

  • Abdominal Pain

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Indigestion

Respiratory

  • Asthma, Bronchitis

  • Common Cold, Sinusitis

Miscellaneous

  • Addiction Control

  • Smoking Cessation

  • Athletic Performance

  • Blood Pressure Regulation

  • Immune System Strengthening

  • Stress Reduction 

…. and more …