Why have acupuncture treatment?
There are many possible reasons for considering acupuncture treatment and everyone has their own motivations. A few of these reasons are:
- Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of medicine.
- Acupuncture is holistic and aims to regulate the energy of the body and bring it back into balance.
- Acupuncture treats symptoms that may not have a clear Western medical diagnosis.
- Lastly, acupuncture may be an alternative after trying everything else!
What do the acupuncture needles feel like? Do they hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid. They are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not painful like injection or blood sampling. About 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of a standard hypodermic needle. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. People experience acupuncture needles differently. Needles at this clinic are tapped gently and quickly into the skin. Some people do not feel the needles at all and others might feel a poke as a needle is inserted. The feet, hands, and face tend to be more sensitive. By the time all of the needles are in, you generally don't feel them. You will then most likely feel relaxed and calm.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments necessary depends of the condition being treated. Recent injuries and conditions seen at an early stage will often improve quickly. Those symptoms that have been present for longer periods may require more treatment, and serious conditions of structure or metabolism will require extensive therapy. Usually, an acupuncturist will suggest a course of treatment consisting of eight one hour sessions. However, a lesser or greater number of sessions may be needed. You may have treatments once or twice per week.
Do you treat children?
Absolutely! Needle free treatments are a great option for children.
How should I prepare for treatment sessions?
The best general advice is to come in a calm state.
You should not have recently eaten a large meal, nor should you be fasting for more than a few hours before your appointment. It is best to have something light to eat about an hour beforehand. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is also not recommended prior to or just following your appointment.
Comfortable and loose clothing should be worn.
Please also avoid to use of perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented cosmetics.
What happens during the treatment?
During your treatment you will usually relax on a massage table. During some sessions, the AcuGraph will be used to chart the energy balance of your meridians. I will gently start tapping the acupuncture needles into the points chosen to treat your condition. Massage techniques, laser therapy, ear seeds, and electroacupuncture may also be used. There will be soothing music and dim lighting. Usually, there is a pleasant state of calm, which develops during the treatment and may last for some time. You may even fall asleep during the session for a refreshing power nap. I usually like to do some massage at the end of the appointment to promote healing and relaxation. In areas that have been treated, a sensation of heaviness or energy movement may persist for a while after treatment. You may later experience an excellent sleep, higher energy, less stress, and a reduction in pain.
What should I do after the treatment?
It is often helpful to sit quietly following a treatment and to relax. A gentle walk can also be helpful. Large meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol, or excessive aggravation should be avoided.
Will I need to get undressed during treatment?
A lot of the acupuncture points are located between the elbow and hand, and the knee and foot. Therefore, for a lot of conditions, it is only necessary to roll up trousers and sleeves - provided the clothes are loose enough!
There are occasions when it is necessary to remove clothing down to underwear, such as when treating back and legpain. There will be sheets and blankets available to make you comfortable.
Are you a Registered Acupuncturist?
Yes. I am a registered acupuncturist with the Nova Scotia Association of Acupuncturists. My registration number is 9236. I completed a full time Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Victoria, BC.
Source: Nova Scotia Association of Acupuncturists
