Acupuncture and TCM

Our Edmonton Naturopaths are formally trained in acupuncture and TCM. In TCM the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state”; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians.

From a western medical perspective, the insertion of hair-fine sterile and disposable needles into the subcutaneous layers of the skin can have profound influences on several regulatory systems.

When used correctly, acupuncture has neurophysiological effects that can release pain-reducing endorphins; affect the metabolism of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that affects both pain perception and mood; and improve circulation and immune function. Acupuncture specifically works to relieve nausea by releasing chemicals that control the vomiting centre in the brain as well as decreasing acid secretion and inhibiting abnormal gastric contractions.

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body.

In Canada, where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

The term “acupuncture” describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years . . .

. . . Acupuncture is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine.

Our naturopathic doctors perform acupuncture treatments at the Optimum Wellness Integrated Clinic. During your first office visit, they may ask you at length about your health condition, symptoms, lifestyle, and behaviour. The will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviours that may contribute to your condition. The Naturopathic doctor will also ask you about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Placement and movement of the patient can cause soreness and pain during treatment.

This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more. All New Patients are Welcome. We operate a full Naturopathic medical practice where patients benefit from the use of Naturopathic therapies that create a healthy environment in which the body can heal itself. Prevention, detoxification, education and self responsibility are the cornerstones of our Naturopathic philosophy. Please be aware that individual responses to treatments may vary and results are not guaranteed. Speak with your naturopathic doctor about the appropriate treatment plan for your case and whether acupuncture may be a benefit to you.

Fee Schedules vary somewhat depending on the province, as well as on the Naturopathic doctor’s practice focus and the length of visit. Currently in Canada, the fees charged by Naturopathic doctors are not covered by any of the provincial medical plans. However, many private health plans cover a portion of Naturopathic treatments. Patients are encouraged to check whether their policy includes coverage of all Naturopathic services.

From a western medical perspective, the insertion of hair-fine sterile and disposable needles into the subcutaneous layers of the skin can have profound influences on several regulatory systems.

When used correctly, acupuncture has neurophysiological affects that can release pain-reducing endorphins; affect the metabolism of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that affects both pain perception and mood; and improve circulation and immune function. Acupuncture specifically works to relieve nausea by releasing chemicals that control the vomiting centre in the brain as well as decreasing acid secretion and inhibiting abnormal gastric contractions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.

Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. At the Optimum Wellness Naturopathic Clinic we use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and we swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. Also, needling is carefully done, to avoid any adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.

Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:

• Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders:
  Toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
• Respiratory Disorders:
  Colds & flus, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
• Gastrointestinal Disorder:
  Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis
• Circulatory Disorders:
  Hypertension, angina pectoris, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis
• Urogenital Disorders:
  Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
• Gynecological Disorders:
  Menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
• Muscoskeletal Disorders:
  Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
• Psychoemotional / Neurogenic Disorders:
  Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus