There are varied explanations for the positive benefits of acupuncture.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture perspective, acupuncture influences the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy in the body. If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced, or interrupted, Yin and Yang become unbalanced, which can result in illness and disease. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that, when balanced, work together. Acupuncture works to restore your Qi to a natural and healthy level of circulation.
There are several biomedical explanations for acupuncture. A major hypothesis is that acupuncture works by influencing the neuro-hormonal centres of the body, influencing the nervous system to relieve pain through natural endorphin release while improving mood and increasing relaxation.
Acupuncture for fertility increases blood flow to the pelvic organs, promotes hormonal balance which helps to regulate cycles, promotes ovulation and assists in building healthy uterine lining.
One strategy for pain would be to needle trigger points to relieve muscular tension. There is evidence that certain points can decrease inflammatory markers in blood tests and result in decreased pain and local inflammation.
I tend to take a combined approach combining my training, which is a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach, with current developments in modern acupuncture research.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be effective for many conditions, including:
- Infertility
- Hot Flashes
- Headaches/Migraines
- Urinary Frequency
- Insomnia
- Low Energy
- Recurrent Miscarriage
- Anxiety or Depression
- Sinus Problems/Allergies
- Stress Related Disorders
- PMS, Menstrual Cramps
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Recurrent bladder infections
- PCOS
- Sciatica
- Hip Pain
- Shoulder, Neck, Lower back Pain
- Arthritis and Arthritic Pain
- Sports Injuries
- Smoking Cessation
- Neuropathy
Acupuncture treatments vary case to case but typically I will do an assessment and then will see a patient for 6-8 weekly sessions to get started. After the 6-8 sessions, if the condition has resolved we will often spread out treatments to move toward maintenance or discontinuing acupuncture depending on the case and situation. If seeing patients for fertility or hormonal concerns, it will typically require more than 8 sessions.
To read more about acupuncture benefit coverage or to determine whether you should book as a Naturopathic New Patient or an Acupuncture New Patient, please read here.