Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has been practised for over 2,500 years. TCM uses holistic medicine to treat and prevent diseases by encouraging the body’s natural healing response rather than simply killing the pathogen. It operates on the philosophy that health is the result of a harmonious balance of “yin” and “yang,” the complementary extremes of the life force or vital energy known as “qi.” Illness is the consequence of the abnormal movement of “qi” caused by the imbalance between “yin” and “yang.”

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture seeks to bring the flow of “qi” back into optimal balance by stimulating specific points along the energy pathways called meridians. Meridians are not anatomical structures but invisible channels for energy flow. Meridians spread over the whole body and are associated with specific organs. They connect to and interact with one another and thus form a network. Some people describe meridians as similar to wifi or airways. Modern science has not found visible evidence to support the existence of meridians up to now. However, scientific researchers have revealed that acupuncture causes the body to release endorphins – natural painkillers and may boost blood flow and change brain activity.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has proven to be effective in:

• pain and stress relief
• treating respiratory issues
• heart diseases
• mental health
• digestive disorders
• infertility
• menstrual irregularities
• skin problems.

Acupuncture also works as a non-surgical, non-injection anti-aging treatment for people looking for facial and body rejuvenation.

What to Expect

Acupuncture is a personalized health care approach based on the evaluation of the patient’s health condition at each visit. For the initial acupuncture visit, your acupuncturist will ask some questions relating to your current and past health issues, examine your tongue and check your pulse before he/she can make the accurate diagnosis. Based on your acupuncturist’s analysis, he/she will make an assessment including the type of TCM syndrome your symptoms fall under, the corresponding treatment plan, needle insertion points and depths, and what kind of manipulation is required.

Subsequent sessions will be similar with less time spent on inquiry since your acupuncturist already has an overall picture of your health history. Aside from using needles, the acupuncturist may practise other treatment methods such as cupping, acupressure, Tui Na massage and Gua Sha if necessary.

Although inserting needles into the skin may look scary, most people who have experienced acupuncture feel no pain or little sensation/pressure during treatment. People often feel energized and relaxed after treatment. Sterilized disposable needles are always required and proper clinical hygiene procedures are practised at all times.

Certifications and Training

Acupuncture is safe when practised by those professionals registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA). In BC, TCM and Acupuncture education programs are evaluated by CTCMA, an entity that oversees acupuncture training to protect the public and ensure the safety of patients. At a minimum, to be certified, entry level acupuncturists spend 1,900 hours of study over the course of 3 years with 225 hours of supervised practice. Dr. TCM (highest level of TCM practitioners in BC) programs consist of a minimum of 3,250 hours of study over 5 academic years, including a minimum of 1,050 hours of clinical instruction of which, at least 825 hours must be in a supervised practice.