How Does Acupuncture work?
According to Chinese Medicine philosophy:
Based on the Chinese philosophy that there are energy pathways (meridians) in the body carrying vital life force energy (qi), Acupuncture is used to stimulate or redirect qi flow, therefore balancing the body's system. This in turn promotes natural healing and improves the overall function of the body, preventing disease. This must also be supported by a healthy lifestyle and mindset. Carlyn will offer lifestyle recommendations to support clients between acupuncture visits.
According to science:
How does acupuncture work according to science? There is growing research to support acupuncture's effectiveness as more clinical studies are being conducted. Research shows that when acu-points are stimulated with acupuncture needles, nerves, muscles and connective tissue are stimulated too, and this excites biochemical responses in the body which has a regulatory effect on the neurohormonal systems. Acupuncture can also inhibit pro inflammatory markers in the body to help reduce inflammation and pain. The stimulation of points also increases blood flow to tissues and glands, and with better circulation, the body can regulate and heal more quickly.
Other Modalities
Cupping, Electro stimulation, Guasha, Acupressure Massage, Moxibustion and Dietary and Lifestyle Consultation are modalities all within the scope of practice of an acupuncturist. Carlyn will assess what might be of help during your treatment and may use one or some of these in conjunction to needles.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia, and became more popular in the West around the 1970s. The World Health Organization has a fairly extensive list on health conditions and disorders that acupuncture has proven to be effective for, including but not exclusive to depression, stress and anxiety, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma, gastritis and hyperacidity of the stomach, IBD and IBS, headaches and migraines and TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, frozen shoulder and tendonitis. Other common reasons people see an acupuncturist is for infertility, labour induction and addiction, and for overall well being. Over the years in Carlyn's acupuncture practice, she has had much success treating headaches and migraines, neck pain, TMJ, bell's palsy, tennis and golfer's elbow, low back pain, dysmennorhea and other menstrual issues, hot flashes and night sweats, anxiety, smoking cessation and much more.
