- What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique used in Chinese Medicine that has been used for 5000 years. It involves inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points to stimulate the body/mind/spirit to balance and heal. It is based on the concept of “Qi” – energy that flows through energy pathways called meridians or channels. These pathways run throughout the body, head, arms and legs. - Does it hurt?
Typically acupuncture is not painful. It generally feels like a mosquito bite/pin prick feels which settles quickly. There are some people who are more sensitive in which case the area of skin to be needled is gently massaged to make needle insertion comfortable. The needles are left in generally for 20 minutes. People who are afraid of needles can have laser used to stimulate the acupuncture points. - What is acupuncture good for?
In the west, we typically think of acupuncture just for pain management of any musculoskeletal issues of the spine or joints like strains, sprains, arthritic pain, and headaches. It has a much wider use.
Examples are:- menstrual issues
- PMS
- migraines
- digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, IBS
- insomnia
- sleep talking/sleep walking
- nightmares/night terrors
- asthma
- depression
- anxiety
- other mental/emotional issues
- spiritual issues
- just to name a few!
- Acupuncture is described as “holistic” , What’s that about?
The body, mind, and spirit are viewed as an integrated unit in Acupuncture/ Chinese Medicine. The body, mind, and spirit each influence and affects the other. They need to be balanced and aligned so a person feels well physically, mentally/emotionally, and spiritually providing a general sense of well being on all levels. Acupuncture doesn’t treat one area in isolation – everything is interrelated and influences each other. - What does the Chinese character on your website and business card mean?
It means “harmony”. I chose this Chinese character because we want to:- achieve harmony within
- live in harmony with our friends, family and neighbours
- live in harmony with the environment.
This is when we feel balanced in body, mind and spirit!