Acupunture in Edmonton, AB
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
With 5,000 years of history, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest, continually practiced health disciplines in the world.
TCM practitioners view diseases and health disorders as an imbalance in the body’s energy, which flows along well-defined pathways called meridians. As long as energy flows freely along the meridians, health is maintained. Once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted causing physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
TCM aims to remove the blockages and restore the normal flow of energy, thus promoting natural healing.
The fundamental principles of acupuncture are to treat the person as an integrated whole and to remedy the ‘root’ cause of illness and disease as well as treating the ‘branches’.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a component of TCM and has been practiced for over 2500 years. It is the insertion of fine needles into specific anatomical points of the body that lie on or near a meridian / energy pathway.
It is a therapeutic treatment that stimulates the body’s ability to heal. It can reduce or eliminate pain and improve overall body function by promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (body’s natural painkillers), and activates the immune and endocrine systems. It also increases circulation and decreases inflammation, which results to less pain, swelling, and muscle tightness.
Benefits of Acupuncture include:
In addition to treating their primary concerns, people often report additional benefits such as increased energy and vitality, restorative sleep, healthier appetite, greater enjoyment of life, better handling of stressful situations, and an overall sense of well-being.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncturists use only the finest quality solid stainless steel, pre-sterilized, single-use, disposable needles.
There are minimal (if any) adverse effects or risks associated with acupuncture. Slight bleeding or bruising may occur in those taking aspirin.
* It is important to notify the acupuncturist if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant or could be pregnant
In Alberta, those who are registered to practice acupuncture (R.Ac) are graduates of comprehensive programs and have passed the Registration Exams administered by the Acupuncture Board of Alberta.
The Acupuncture Board of Alberta is governed provincially by Alberta Health and Wellness and is regulated under the Health Disciplines ct.
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO)
What to know:
- Make sure that you have eaten a light meal or snack prior to having acupuncture.
- Avoid exercise, caffeine, nicotine 90min prior to and following an acupuncture treatment.
What conditions can be helped with acupuncture?
Evidence indicates that acupuncture has the highest effect on: low back pain, acute vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting after operation, disorders of the neck and headaches.
Others include:
| Pain | EENT | Gastrointestinal | Gynecological / Genitourinary | Neurological | Respiratory |
| Sciatica | Sore throat | IBS | PMS | MS | Asthma |
| Sprain | Sinusitis | Constipation | Menstrual problems | Neuralgia | Cough |
| Strain | Dizziness | Diarrhea | Prostatitis | Cerebral palsy | Wheezing |
| Whiplash | Tinnitus | Bloating | Incontinence | Stroke | Colds / Flu |
| Etc. | Etc. | Etc. | Etc. | Etc. | Etc. |
How Does Acupuncture Feel?
- Needle sensation varies – you may feel nothing, a quick pinch, a dull ache or tingle, warmth, or heaviness.
- These sensations can occur at the site of insertion or they may be felt a distance from the insertion site.
- These sensations indicate the movement of energy. Most patients feel relaxed and comfortable during treatments.
How Many Treatments Are Recommended?
Depending on the condition, significant improvement is often seen after just the first one or two sessions. However, three to ten treatments are commonly required in total, but chronic conditions may benefit from a longer course or periodic “tune-up” sessions.
A subsequent course of treatments may be recommended to extend and stabilize the improvement.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
On your first visit, you are invited to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history and life situation. All factors in your health are evaluated, including lifestyle, diet, and stresses as well as specific symptoms.
In addition to the questionnaire, an R.AC also conducts an in depth assessment that includes looking at the tongue and feeling the pulse to help determine an accurate diagnosis and systematic treatment plan.
A treatment is created that is tailored to your unique situation. On subsequent visits, the treatments are optimized based on your response to previous sessions and to address any changes that have happened.
Treatments are thorough and take between 45 and 60 minutes in a non-rushed environment.
Typically, between four and 10 points are needled during an acupuncture session. The needles may be left in for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the ailment.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Ask your employer if you have any medical insurance coverage for acupuncture. Although it is currently not covered by Alberta Health Care, many private insurance companies do cover acupuncture. For instance, most employees of the University of Alberta are covered for 10 treatments, up to $600