Frequently asked Questions about Acupuncture

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a powerfully effective and naturally relaxing form of medicine. The oldest continuously practice medical system in the world, it is used by nearly one third of the planet’s people as a primary health care system and many more as an adjunctive therapy. The principle of acupuncture is to treat each person as an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit, and to remedy the root causes of illness and disease as well as the symptoms.

Acupuncture practitioners use thin, sterile needles inserted superficially into specific areas of the body in order to initiate healing and promote health. Over the three decades or so in which acupuncture has developed in North America, it has been proven in a growing number of scientific studies to be both exceptionally safe when performed by licensed professionals and statistically effective.

WHY EXPERIENCE ACUPUNCTURE?

Here are a few responses to a question that may have hundreds of answers:

to help you relax
to help you feel more energized
to help you avoid illness/injury
to help alleviate physical pain
to help you think more clearly
to help you stop thinking (especially around bedtime)
to help with digestive issues (including GERD and IBS)
to use alongside many conventional therapies/medications for the purpose of augmenting their effect and lowering doses
to add legitimate choices for your health care assistance

As acupuncture is part of a whole and logical medical system, there is almost always an approach for an acupuncturist to take that will help manage a health problem – or even better, help you to live with vitality. The World Health Organization published a short list of conditions seen as appropriate for treatment with acupuncture. (This is not a complete list of conditions but just some examples).

The list includes:

Adbominal pain, Addiction control, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Athletic performance
Back/neck pain, Blood pressure regulation, Bronchitis, Chronic fatigue
Common cold, Constipation, Depression, Diarrhea
Headaches, Hyperacidity, IBS, Immune system boost, Indigestion, Infertility, Insomnia
Menopausal symptoms, Migraines, Muscle cramping/pain, Nervousness
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Neurosis, Numbness, Parkinson’s disease
Poor vision, Postoperative pain, Premenstrual syndrome
Sciatica, Sinusitis, Stress reduction, Stroke, Tinnitis, Tonsillitis, Toothache.

There has been extensive practice and research that has evidenced that acupuncture is effective in helping patients with many of the conditions listed by WHO as well as many others. It does more than simply relieve the symptoms. The aim of acupuncture is to treat the whole patient and restore balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Many people also have acupuncture as a preventative treatment, which is the most important benefit of this medicine.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Usually not much at all. Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the width of two hairs. There are certain sensations associated with therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include heaviness, distention, tingling, slight cramping or electric, traveling sensations. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary. Most people are deeply relaxed and/or asleep once all points are placed.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME?

That depends on what condition(s) you’re experiencing, how long you have been managing the condition(s) and how your body responds to treatments. For example, a labour induction takes 3-5 consecutive visits, whereas a chronic situation usually needs regular treatments spread out over a couple of months.

In general, the body responds more quickly to frequent acupuncture treatments. Once your condition is stabilized, you won’t need to come in as frequently. When you come in for your first treatment, we will discuss a specific treatment plan for you.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK/WHAT IS IT REALLY DOING?

This is the million dollar question. The answer is… there is most likely no single answer. Whether seen as a result of particular chemical/hormonal processes; movement of bio-electricity; vascular excitement; regulation of the central nervous system; connective tissue communication; a placebo effect; or the manifestation of qi, acupuncture simply works.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TYPICAL ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE AND A COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE?

Most North American acupuncturists treat patients on tables in individual cubicles. This is not traditional in Asia, where acupuncture usually occurs in a community setting. In our clinic we use private treatment rooms for your comfort.

In some styles of acupuncture, the needles are removed after only a few minutes or after a half hour at most. The style of acupuncture we practice at allows patients to keep their needles in a minimum 15-20 minutes. The “right” amount of time varies from patient to patient.

Many people fall asleep and wake feeling refreshed.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

We can provide receipts that you can use to get reimbursed from your insurance company. We do not bill them directly.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept debit and cash.

Our Registered Acupuncturist at Myosense would be happy to answers any questions about how Acupuncture could help you. You can book in for a free consultation.

To book an appointment CLICK HERE

Located in the heart of Downtown Ottawa Myosense Wellness is always striving to fulfill your wellness needs in the pursuit of a health and active lifestyle.