Acupuncture

As a Naturopathic Doctor I have found that acupuncture is one of the most powerful tools for affecting the body on all levels, from the physical to the emotional.

I use two systems of acupuncture:

1. Acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is based on the concept that a type of life force or energy known as qi (pronounced as “chee”) flows through energy pathways in our body.  These energy pathways are called meridians and each meridian corresponds to an organ in the body.  TCM diagnoses all illnesses based on an imbalance of qi within our organs and along the meridians.

When an imbalance of qi occurs, acupuncture is used to correct the imbalance by inserting very fine needles along points of the meridians.   These acupuncture points are places where the qi is close to the surface of the skin.  TCM acupuncture can help a wide range of conditions including, pain, infertility, sleeping problems, digestive conditions, PMS, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, and many, many other conditions.

Acupuncture should not be painful.  You may find it slightly uncomfortable as the needle is inserted but after this you should not feel the needle.  Acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin and muscles only; never into an organ or opening of the body.  The majority of my patients find their acupuncture sessions very relaxing.

2. Acupuncture based soley on anatomy (medical acupuncture)

This style of acupunture, often termed medical acupuncture is used mainly for relieving pain.  It can be used to release tight muscles, shoulder pain, sciatica, headaches, low back pain, osteo arthritis, and fibroymalgia.

Please see my article of the report by the World Health Organization listing conditions effectivly treated by acupuncture.

Contact Shannon to learn how acupuncture can be used as part of treatment plan to help your condition.