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Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

 What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient therapeutic method used to
encourage natural healing, relieve pain and improve
function of affected areas of the body. Special points
on the body are stimulated by sterile, disposable
needles, direct finger pressure or electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is safe and effective and is often
successfully used as an alternative to medications or
even surgery. Relief is often obtained when traditional
medical therapy has failed. At Vitality Wellness Centre
we use either a traditional or medical approach to
acupuncture depending on your condition.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture stimulates special points on the body to improve energy and biochemical balance by using the natural healing abilities of the body.

Traditional Explanation:

Twelve main energy channels related to our organs such as the
lungs and kidney exist. Dampness, heat, cold etc.. lead Energy to
become out of balance or stagnate blood. Stimulating acupuncture
points helps restore blocked Energy channels and increase blood
flow. When energy and blood are in balance the body is in balance
thus relieving our symptom and usually the cause of our ailments.

Western Explanation:

Stimulation of acupuncture points causes nerves to conduct signals
to the brain, which releases endorphins. Endorphins are like
morphine except stronger and help decrease the sensation of pain.
The endorphins later break-up into other chemicals some of which
are anti-inflammaties. Basically you are using your body‘s own
pharmacy, which is far superior to taking medicines. The reason is
these are chemicals produced by your own body, and so have no
side effects.

 What Can Acupuncture Help?

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 the treatment of a wide range of problems including:

Digestive Disorders	Respiratory Problems	Neurological and Muscular
Gastritis/ Hyperacidity	Sinusitis	Headache
Spastic Bowel	Bronchitis	Neck and back pain
Diarrhea	Asthma	Arthritis

 

Urinary Disorders	Menstrual Disorders	Miscellaneous
Urinary incontinence	Period Pains	Addiction
	Menopause Symptoms	Insomnia

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Most striking is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. At Vitality Wellness Centre we use sterile, disposable needles, electrical stimulation or finger pressure. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

At Vitality Wellness Centre you can choose the method of acupuncture stimulation. When needles are used most people feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. Some people feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place there should be no significant discomfort.

With finger and electrical stimulation there is little to no discomfort.