Acupuncturists have to undergo extensive training in order to thoroughly understand the concept and principles of acupuncture. Practitioners must have a very thorough understanding of the 14 main meridians, multiple organ classifications, as well as the relationships between all things in the body. For each human, there are over 700 acupuncture points. Each acupoint, like each herb, has a different purpose and acupuncturists never use only one acupoint for each treatment.
Acupuncture itself can be used for many purposes including the relief of pain, stimulation, and treating specific illnesses. The World Health Organization has officially recognized acupuncture as a valid cure for Bell Palsy and shingles (i.e. herpes zoster). In addition, acupuncture has been found to help patients with weight loss, depression, and stress relief. For smokers, acupuncture has also been found to increase the chances of successfully quitting.
The needles used are very thin and nowadays, are most often made of stainless steel. All needles are disposed of after being used once.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in China 5000 years ago, and it is only more recently that TCM has been practiced in Europe, North America and beyond. In China and other Asian countries, TCM is not only practiced by trained practitioners, but some techniques are used as self-care and home remedies. The main philosophy of TCM is to maintain balance and promote health and prevent disease.
TCM includes treatments such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and food/dietary therapy, Chinese massage (acupressure, Tui na, and Shiatsu), cupping, moxa, and exercises such as Qigong and Tai Chi, meditation, etc.
Many people are hesitant when it comes to acupuncture, but it is an incredibly safe, painless and effective way to improve overall health. It has proven effective in clinical trials to treat and prevent a number of medical conditions.
The benefits of acupuncture are widespread. Many of our patients report feeling of relaxation and improved energy. Acupuncture can also help you feel and look younger, decrease wrinkles, improve circulation, and boost your immune system.
There are more than 5700 types of herbs used in Chinese medicine and each has its own specific purpose. Herbs may be the bark off of a tree, a root of a grass, leaves from a plant, or even animal parts. They are usually brewed in teas. Different combinations of herbs will yield different results and each combination is designed specifically for the patient's individual needs by their TCMD.
Most TCMDs will recommend a course of treatment involving both acupuncture and herbs for most conditions. However, on their own, herbs are very effective for illnesses such as a cold or flu. In addition, herbologists and TCMDs often use herbs to help patients prevent illness as well as tonify and strengthen the patient. Teas are especially useful for situations where the condition is due to external pathogens such as when one is sick with a cold or has a bacterial infection.
In situations where the patient prefers to not drink the tea prescribed by their herbologists or TCMD, they may consider taking the medicine through a pill, powder, or liquid extract form, as many of the most common formulas are available in these forms. While not as potent as a fresh-brewed tea, the flavour of the pills and extracts are not as pungent as the teas.
Acupuncture enhances recuperative power and immunity to promote natural healing. It also improves physical and emotional health and overall well-being. Our experienced practitioners can help relieve a wide variety of ailments, including:
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
Hypertension
Stroke
Acne
Allergies
Stress
Fibromyalgia
Sinusitis and Asthma
Common Cold Symptoms
Sciatica
Tennis/Golf Elbow
Carpal Tunnel
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Arthritis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Migraine and Headaches
Sports and MVA injuries
Weight Loss
First we will meet with you to determine your particular needs. We will review your medical history and discuss what you want to achieve with each treatment. Treatment frequency is determined on an individual basis, as each patient has different needs. We recommend discussing this with your practitioner on your first visit.
The procedure is painless. Tiny, hair thin needles are placed on the body to balance your natural energy. Depending on your treatment, the needles are left on the body from as few as 10 seconds to 30 minutes.
Please feel free to contact us today. We would be happy to assist you in improving your state of mind and health.
Suite 270, 5255 Richmond Rd SW, Calgary, AB
info@richmondchiropractic.ca
403-246-6770