Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient eastern medicinal technique for easing body pain that has become increasingly popular in western society. Labour, sciatic nerve, headaches and back pain are all areas people commonly seek acupuncture to relieve.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of solid filiform acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. No drug is injected. The needles alone create the beneficial effects of acupuncture.
In traditional Chinese thought, acupuncture is seen as a technique for balancing the flow of energy in the body. At the Centre for Natural Pain Solutions, we see the effects of acupuncture through the stimulation of nerves, muscles and connective tissues.
When should you seek acupuncture?
People use acupuncture for a multitude of reasons, mainly to relieve a form of body pain. By stimulating certain nerves, not always in the exact spot of the pain, our doctors are able to treat symptoms including:
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and migraines
- Labour pain
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Arthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Sciatic nerve pain
What to expect when you get acupuncture treatment
Acupuncture can stimulate every area of the body. Your doctor will go over the areas requiring acupuncture treatment before you begin. Sometimes the appropriate points are far from the area of pain. Your doctor will also go through the entire process with you before it begins to ensure you’re comfortable and know what to expect. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions before and throughout the procedure.
You may need to remove clothing for the treatment. In that case, your doctor will provide you with the appropriate attire. They will then give you some time to undress and prepare alone. Once you’ve gotten comfortable on the padded table, your doctor will come back in and begin the process:
- Needle insertion: acupuncture needles are inserted in the discussed areas of your body at various depths. The needles are extremely thin. Most people don’t feel the needle insertion at all, though some do experience a little discomfort. Let your doctor know if you experience any pain. Between five and 20 needles are typically inserted. You may feel a mild aching sensation when the needles are in place.
- Needle manipulation: the process may include gentle movements of the needle or the application of heat or mild electric pulses. Your doctor will discuss this with you ahead of time.
- Needle removal: a typical treatment lasts ten – 20 minutes. You’ll have most of the time to lay and relax while the needles do their work. There is usually no discomfort while the needles are removed.
Other related services
ORTHOTICS PHYSIOTHERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY CHIROPRACTIC
The Centre For Natural Pain Solutions is the most interdisciplinary clinic of its type in Winnipeg. In addition to all of the chiropractic services mentioned above, we also provide acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and even have naturopathic physicians on staff.
You may know the saying by Abraham Maslow “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” We don’t have one therapy that we apply to everyone, we look at each patient’s unique situation and find the best solution for them.
We truly have the well-rounded team you need to keep you and your family on the path to wellness. We look forward to meeting you soon.