What is acupuncture?
*Paul McIntyre Physiotherapist Corporation What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese therapy that is used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function to affected areas of the body. Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that involves the insertion of solid filiform needles into the skin at specific points of the body. Acupuncture aims to balance energy and blood in the body in order to keep it functional and healthy. How does it work? Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. Endorphins have an effect of regulating or balancing your body’s systems. They do so by blocking the 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, which stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities. What can acupuncture treat? -acute pain -chronic pain -stress, anxiety and/or depression -respiratory disorders -neurological and muscular disorders such as, headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis, sciatica or arthritis. Acupuncture can be used to complement other physiotherapy treatments including manual and exercise therapy. Before treatment.. No referral is required to book an acupuncture appointment. It is best to come to your appointment well rested. No alcohol, barbiturates, or tranquilizers for four hours prior to your treatment, however, continue any medication as prescribed by your doctor. As well, ensure you have had a light meal. ....treatment... Your therapist will first conduct a thorough evaluation and determine whether acupuncture is the right fit for you. The number of treatments will be dependent on the severity of the condition being treated. Acupuncture will be combined with physiotherapy and the appointments will be between thirty to forty five minutes. Acupuncture patients experience different sensations and the needles themselves may cause minimal discomfort. ....after treatment Minimize physical activity for two hours after treatment. Avoid strenuous activity for two days. Do not consume alcohol, caffeine or smoke for two hours after treatment. Some people experience relief immediately, some notice improvements after a few hours, some after a few days. Everyone responds differently to the treatment. “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” - Buddha For more information you can visit our website www.broadmeadphysiotherapy.com or call Broadmead Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic (250)881-1199 Information and illustration is taken from: Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute, http://www.afcinstitute.com/AboutAcupuncture/WhatisAcupuncture/tabid/73/Default.aspx http://www.barbicanacupuncture.com/?page_id=17 World Health Organization, http://www.wpro.who.int/publications/PUB_9789290613831.htm
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