• General Acupuncture Information
• How Does It Work?
• What Can Acupuncture Treat?
• Are there any risks to treatment?
• Does it Hurt?
• How many treatments are required and how long is each session?
• What must I do before a treatment?
• What about after treatment?

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General Acupuncture Information

• A therapeutic approach to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body.
• Safe and effective alternative to medications or surgery.
• Involves the insertion  of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points related to anatomical structures involved in your problem.
• Treatment itself causes minimal discomfort.
• Originated in China for treating pain and disease by claiming to balance energy and blood in the body to keep it functional and healthy.
• Over recent years western trained therapists utilize their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and patho-physiology to effectively apply acupuncture.

How Does It Work?

• Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce a chemical known as “endorphins”
• Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killing chemical and imitate morphine providing pain relief, general relaxation, and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.
• Improved energy and biochemical balance as a result from acupuncture stimulates the body’s healing abilities, reduces inflammation, and promotes physical and emotional well being.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

• Acupuncture can treat both acute and chronic conditions effectively.
• The World Health Organization has acknowledged the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of multiple medical problems including:
  • Digestive disorders: gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic bowel, constipation, diarrhea
  • Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma
  • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis
  • Urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders
  • Addiction, insomnia
• It is important that an assessment and correct diagnosis is made by a qualified health care professional before any decisions are made regarding the course of therapy and whether or not acupuncture is appropriate for you.

Are there any risks to treatment?

• There are very minimal adverse effects and complications from the use of acupuncture.
• People with pacemakers should avoid acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation unless approved by their cardiologist.
• Women in early pregnancy and haemophiliacs should be treated with caution.
• The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) recommends that only sterile disposable needles be used, preventing risk of infection.

Does it Hurt?

• The acupuncture experience differs between individuals.
• Majority of patients experience only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted, others feel no discomfort at all.
• No significant discomfort should be experienced once the needles are in place.
• The needles used are extremely fine (2-3 can fit inside the barrel of a regular hollow needle used for injections) and are made from stainless steel.

How many treatments are required and how long is each session?

• This depends on the condition being treated and the individual.
• For acute problems, only a few treatments may be necessary.
• For complex or chronic conditions, 1-2 treatments per week for several weeks may be recommended with decreasing frequency of treatments as the condition improves.
• A treatment session involving acupuncture usually lasts between 15-30 minutes.
• Some people may experience worsening of symptoms at first but relief can be immediate, occur within a few hours, or even after a few days.
• Sometimes, several sessions are required before improvement is noted.
• As reported by AFCI, approximately 80% - 90% of patients respond to acupuncture with significant results.
• Acupuncture can be used solely or in combination with forms of medical and or physical therapies.

Do I have to believe in it for acupuncture to work?

• NO
• Acupuncture is reportedly used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals.
• Obviously, these simulated patients can not understand the process that helps their condition improve.
• Positive attitudes towards any treatment may reinforce the effects, but a neutral or negative attitude will not hamper the effects of acupuncture.

What must I do before a treatment?

• Acupuncture treatment may occur at any time during the day.
• It is ideal if you do not consume large meals before or after treatment.
• It is recommended that you avoid alcohol or sedatives for four hours prior to treatment.
• Pain medications may be taken as required.

What about after treatment?

• Rest after treatment is ideal but not required.
• Some patients feel excessively relaxed afterwards so you may want to plan your activities for the day accordingly.
• Strong exercise is not recommended immediately after treatment.
• Avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours after treatment is best for painful conditions.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes for at least two hours.
• Medications may be taken as required.

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The above is based on a brochure provided by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and is available for patients interested in acupuncture.