Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an amazing treatment modality with roots in ancient philosophy and empirical evidence that has blossomed with the benefits of modern science and research. There are many clinical conditions that acupuncture can help resolve, and it is also an integral part of any wellness or health regimen.

Here is an abridged list from the World Health Organisation recommending acupuncture for these diseases or conditions, because acupuncture has been ‘proven through controlled trials to be an effective treatment’:

Traditional Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture is based on the traditional East Asian philosophical framework. Traditional acupuncture is said to course Qi and balance the Five Elements (an analogy for the physiological systems) to restore health, or harmonize Yin and Yang for instance by regulating the autonomic nervous system: parasympathetic (Rest & Digest) & sympathetic (Fight or Flight). It can down-regulate the stress response, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and soothe pain, amongst other beneficial effects.

Modern Neuroscience Acupuncture

Current research has not only been confirming the effects of acupuncture, but also improving specificity, repeatability, and overall outcomes with treatment. Both manual needle stimulation and/or electric stimulation are applied with modern acupuncture. The modern neuroscience-based approach uses current understanding of anatomy and physiology to provide unparalleled treatment strategies ranging from orthopedics and pain management, internal medicine, stress and sleep disorders, neurological conditions and much more.

Three evidence-based ways acupuncture works:

1. Local Tissue
• Anywhere a needle is placed there are physiological effects that reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and restructure the surrounding tissues.
2. Nerve Pathways and Segmental Effects
• The needle stimulates the local neuroanatomy which sends signals along it’s pathway and into the spinal cord. All tissues (muscles, bones, organs, etc.) that are innervated by the nerve and spinal segmental level will be affected.
3. Brain Regions and Neuropeptide Release
• As the needle stimulates the peripheral nervous system, the signal eventually reaches the brain. Depending on the nature of that stimulation various areas of the brain are activated. One of the major effects is the release of endogenous opioids, the body’s natural pain killers.

Trigger Point Acupuncture/Dry Needling

Trigger Point Acupuncture, also known as dry needling, is a useful technique for stubborn, chronic pain conditions and to improve sports performance. Note that soreness post treatment with Trigger Point Acupuncture is common. Application of heat is one way to help alleviate the soreness.

Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture needles are made of surgical steel which are thin, sterilized, and single use only. They are solid and have rounded tips, quite different from a hypodermic needle which is hollow and has a sharp, bevelled edge that cuts tissue.

The length and thickness of acupuncture needles will vary. They are quite thin overall and some even approach the thickness of a human hair. The most commonly used length is 1-1.5 inches and typical target tissues are skin or muscle.

Adjunct Therapies

There are many methods to enhance the efficacy of treatment during an acupuncture session. Additional tools and techniques that range from ancient to modern.

Other modalities that may be employed:

• Cupping
• Guasha/Scraping
• Tuina/Soft Tissue Work
• Myofascial Release
• Gentle Stretching
• Infrared Heat
• Topical Herbal Medicine Products

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