Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese Medical modality which has been used in China for over 5,000 years making it the oldest form of medicine known to man. Medical acupuncture can be used to treat all types of health conditions. It is based on the theory that health depends upon the delicate balance, and the normal flow of qi (pronounced chi, meaning “energy”). When there is a disturbance or blockage of this vital flow of qi along any given meridian it results in illness and/or pain conditions. Medical Acupuncture is always accompanied by a tongue and pulse diagnosis in order to determine the best treatment plan for the patient.
By inserting a few very thin needles into specific acupuncture points at various locations along the affected meridians on the body, acupuncturists seek to restore the body’s healthy balance by removing blockages throughout the entire body.
Micro-current Acupuncture
This involves the use of small pulsating currents of electricity, which facilitate tissue renewal by working at a deep cellular level. These electrical currents are more biologically compatible than any other electrical stimulation device, and have the ability to penetrate the cells rather than simply passing over them as most electrical stimulation devices. This gentle current increases the cell’s production of ATP, protein synthesis, and oxygenation, thereby speeding up recovery of damaged tissue. This technique is effective for treating many different conditions due to its ability to enhance the body’s own healing potential, and greatly reduces recovery time. It is very successful in treating chronic and acute pain conditions; injured muscles, tendons, and other connective tissue; sports injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and many other inflammatory conditions; edema; carpal tunnel; pre and post op recovery; neuropathies; whiplash and other trauma related injuries.
This electrical stimulation also results in improved circulation resulting in pain reduction, improved neuromuscular responsiveness, reduction of inflammatory responses, increased range of motion and reduction or tension in the affected muscle tissue, as well as reduced recuperation time.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is one of the more widely used microsystems within eastern medicine. Microsystems use one aspect of the body – for example, the ears, hands or feet – to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. Auricular acupuncture may be used as a primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture, bodywork or herbal medicine. Examples of other microsystems include reflexology which uses pressure points in the hands and feet to treat whole body conditions, and Korean hand acupuncture which treats the whole body by using acupoints on the hands.
NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association)
The NADA 5-point ear acupuncture protocol has been carefully developed and extensively tested, and is used in over 1500 clinical sites in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean. Although the NADA technique is adapted to Western attitudes and conditions, it is derived from Chinese medicine theory.
NADA encourages community wellness through the use of a standardized auricular acupuncture protocol for behavioral health, including addictions, mental health, and emotional trauma. NADA treatment is often combined with other Western behavioral health modalities.
Treatable Conditions
- Acute or chronic pain affecting any part of the body
- Asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems
- Hair loss, premature greying, and thinning hair
- Digestive problems, bloating, and acid reflux
- Stress and its detrimental effects on the nervous system
- Menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and other disorders related to the menstrual cycle
- Gynaecological disorders
- Infertility, or preparing the body for a healthy pregnancy
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, excessive worry, irritability
- Obesity and eating disorders
- Allergies and food and environmental sensitivities
- ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioural problems
- Acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin problems
- Headaches – tension, migraine, cluster, etc.
- Tinnitus and other hearing problems
- Wrinkles, fine lines, sallow complexion, sagging skin, dark circles, and other complexion problems
- Cellulite, scar tissue, and age spots
- Menopause, hot flashes, poor concentration and memory
- Constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac
- Dizziness, nausea, and balance problems
- Blurred vision, red eyes and other vision problems
- Numbness of the limbs, fingers, toes, etc.
- Inducing birth or promoting an easier delivery especially for a breeched baby
- Halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral health problems
- Weakened immune system
- Colds, flus,and other viruses
- Sinus congestion or infections of the ears, nose and throat