Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic.
The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in treatment of a wide range of health problems including:
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to many treatments. Relief is often obtained when traditional therapies have failed. Acupuncture involves insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body. There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort.
“Classical” acupuncture was developed in China as a system of diagnosing and treating pain and disease. Although proven successful for hundreds of years without the benefit of modern medical knowledge, it is only in recent years that the scientific and medical communities in Europe and North America have begun to study acupuncture to understand and explain its effectiveness.
“Anatomical” acupuncture refers to a more modern approach taken by the Acupuncture Council of Ontario (ACO) and the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada (AFCC) and other medically trained acupuncture therapists. When combined with a knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, modern doctors can use acupuncture with greater understanding and effectiveness.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain-relieving chemical called “endorphins”. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Are There Any Adverse Effects or Risks to the Treatment?
One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort.
The ACO and the AFC recommend that only sterile disposable needles be used, preventing the risk of infection. Women in early pregnancy and hemophiliacs should be treated with caution.
Is Acupuncture Treatment Painful?
Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are made from stainless steel. Two or three acupuncture needles would fit inside the barrel of a regular needle used for injections.
How Many Treatments Will Be Required?
The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few treatments may be required. In some cases, one treatment will be sufficient.
For complex and long-standing conditions, two treatments a week for a few weeks may be recommended. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours, or after a few days.
In some conditions, several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed.
Acupuncture can be used successfully in combination with chiropractic treatment and other therapies.
In treating any condition, a correct diagnosis is important before any decisions are made regarding treatment. Once a diagnosis is established, a qualified practitioner can advise whether acupuncture is appropriate. Please note that Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed to diagnose.
Need More Information?
Please call our clinic. Dr. Crnec is a member of the Acupuncture Council of Ontario.
Please check your coverage. Acupuncture may be covered by your extended health plan.