How Does Acupuncture Work?

What is Acupuncture?

Photo by Alma Thai

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain, and improve the function of related areas of the body. Acupuncture is safe, effective, and often used successfully as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body.

What is Anatomical Acupuncture?

Anatomical Acupuncture combines the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to choose points that refer to the area of dysfunction, injury, and/or pain. Some of these points are charted from China dating back from 6000 - 200 BC.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. These help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in pain relief, general relaxation, and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Common questions regarding acupuncture

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes, only sterile, single-use needles are used to prevent any risk of infection. Please note: Some precautions should be taken if you have a bleeding disorder, severe skin conditions, are on heavy immo-suppressants, or if you are pregnant. Talk to an Acupuncturist at Beech Street if you suffer from any of these or are unsure.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

The needles are very thin in diameter - you barely notice them going in and once they are in place, there is often no significant discomfort.

How many treatments do I need?

The number of treatments will vary based on the tissue, acute or chronic conditions, and the response to the tissues.

Want to know if acupuncture is right for you? Book an appointment with physiotherapist Haley Flewwelling either online or call: (902 ) 406-7200