Rediscovering an old Approach
What is Acupuncture?
Currently practiced worldwide, acupuncture has existed for 5000 years. It is
an energy medicine that takes the entire individual into account, including both
their strengths and their weaknesses. Acupuncture assumes the existence of a
vital energy that circulates throughout the body. This energy is called
“Qi.”
A disturbance in the circulation of “Qi” can cause pain or organ dysfunction
that eventually leads to illness.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reestablish normal energy circulation by
inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. The acupuncturist
considers not only the symptoms but also the initial cause of the energy
imbalance and treats the problem at the source.
What Kinds of Problems Respond Well to Acupuncture?*
* If your condition does not appear on this list, please consult your
acupuncturist for further information.
-
General Problems: Fatigue, stress, anxiety, headaches, migraines,
insomnia, jet lag, etc.
-
Digestive Problems: Lack of appetite, slow digestions, bloating, colic,
diarrheaa, constipation, nausea, vomiting, Crohn’s disease, etc.
-
Respiratory Problems: Asthma, sinusitis, allergies, cold, rhinitis,
bronchitis, laryngitis, cough, etc
-
Endocrinal Problems: Menopause, hot flashes, profuse or nocturnal,
sweating, etc.
-
Circulatory Problems: Hemorrhoids, frilosity, oedema, palpitations, etc.
-
Gynecological Problems: Sterility, menstrual problems, pre-menstrual
syndrome, endometriosis, cysts, etc.
-
Skin Problems: Eczema, shingles, hives, psoriasis, etc.
-
Locomotive Problems: Spasms, some paralysis, palsy, etc.
-
Auditory Problems: earache, buzzing, Meniere’s syndrome, vertigo,
labrynthitis, etc.
-
Pain: rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, stiff neck, neuralgia, back and neck
pain tendonitis, bursitis, carpel tunnel, sprain, etc.
-
Pregnancy: nausea, vomiting, back pain, lactation problems, lack of energy,
etc.
Preventative Medicine
Acupuncture is not only a curative treatment but a preventative one as well.
In terms of prevention, acupuncture reinforces the immune system as well as
proper energy circulation. This is why some people have treatments periodically
as well as when the seasons change. Preventative treatments are particularly
recommended for seasonal allergies. Acupuncture can strengthen the body in
preparation for allergy season.
How Many Treatments is Necessary?
The number and the frequency of treatments vary depending on the nature and
the history of the problem, as well at the condition of the patient.
Is Treatment Painful?
Acupuncture needles are as fine as three strands of hair. Patients who
receive treatment describe a diverse range of sensations when the needle is
inserted including the following:
- no pain, or;
- similar to a mosquito bite, or;
- a slight pinch.
Can Acupuncture Needles Transmit Disease?
The risk of transmitting disease through acupuncture is zero since
acupuncture needles are sterilized and disposed of after every session. In
addition, they are made of stainless steel do not transfer liquid like syringes.
Acupuncture needles do not inject any substance into the body.
Are There Side Effects?
Acupuncture treatment does not produce any side effects and patients cannot
become addicted to it. No chemical substances are used.
Is it Necessary to Believe in it for Acupuncture to Work?
It is not necessary to believe in acupuncture for it to work. The proof lies
in the success of acupuncture on both children and animals!
Are Acupuncture Treatments Covered by Health Insurance?
Acupuncture treatments are not covered by the Regie d’assurance maladie du
Québec. Various private insurance companies, C.S.S.T. and S.A.A.Q. do reimburse
part of the cost of treatment.
Acupuncture Officially Recognized
Acupuncture was legalized in Quebec in 1985. Since 1995, the “Ordre des
acupunctueurs du Québec” have included the regulation of acupuncture as well as
protecting the public with regards to the practice of acupuncture in their
mandate.
The goal of acupuncture is to reestablish harmony and the natural balance of
the body. Its ability to prevent and treat certain illnesses is becoming more
and more recognized. Acupuncture is increasingly called upon to treat various
conditions.
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