Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a foundational treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uses your body's natural energy patterns to promote health.  In TCM, the human body is viewed as a series of energetic channels called meridians, which carry our fundamental energy or life force known as Qi.  Acupuncture works by activating points along the various channels (using acupuncture needles or acupressure) to bring the body back into a state of balance.  Depending on your overall TCM pattern (which is assessed during the initial consultation), specific points will be paired together and either stimulated or sedated.  Acupuncture needles differ from injection needles in that they are extremely thin and slide between muscle fibres, providing a gentle, non-invasive therapy.  Acupuncture is a wonderful tool for treating musculoskeletal complaints, mental/emotional disturbances and specific conditions.  Additional therapies may include:

• Moxibustion - compressed herbs used to warm the body and move Qi
• Cupping - glass, plastic or silicone cups which are suctioned to the skin, creating a local vasodilatory effect to increase circulation and support tissue healing
• Electroacupuncture - using an electrostimulation device, a pulsed or continuous electric pulse is delivered through the acupuncture needles to move Qi and relax muscle fibres