acupuncture

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.

Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. Relief is often obtained with acupuncture when traditional medicine has failed.

Acupuncture points (or ‘acupoints’) are places on the skin that have a lower resistance to the passage of electricity than the surrounding skin and are part of a network of points that were mapped centuries ago by the Chinese. Most are found along ‘meridians’ or ‘channels’ that are believed to be the pathways by which energy or Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) flows through the body. Acupoints are located either by identifying anatomical landmarks or by the classical method (for example: “the point where the middle finger touches the thigh when standing at attention”). A dull, heavy, or aching feeling often occurs when the needle is correctly placed. This is referred to as ‘de Qi’ and is considered by some traditional acupuncturists to be necessary for acupuncture to be effective.

What should I expect when seeing an acupuncturist? 

During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behaviour.  The needles used are very fine, flexible and rounded but sharp at the tip. They are ‘atraumatic’, meaning that they do not have a cutting edge like a hypodermic needle, which slices through tissue. Their design allows acupuncture needles to slide smoothly through tissues and makes them unlikely to cause bleeding, pain, or damage to underlying structures.

The needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes, and the practitioner may manipulate the needles to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi. Lifting, twisting, and rotating are some of the needling techniques a practitioner may use. Treatment may take place in one session or over a period of several weeks or more.

Acupuncture at OCR

At OCR, many of our practitioners use acupuncture as part of an effective treatment plan. Acupuncture can be included as part of our chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment or can be done by one of our registered acupuncturists. Please speak to our Patient Experience team at the front desk and they can assist you with choosing the right practitioner to address your individual needs.

Ke (River) Fa, RAc, RMT is a registered acupuncturist College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) and is also a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). He uses acupuncture as well as cupping, Gua Sha, and tuina as part of his treatment practice.

Dr. Glenn Uy, RAc, DC  is a registered acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) and can also provide acupuncture as part of his chiropractic treatment plans.

Cesar Toledo, Physiotherapist  can provide medical acupuncture as part of his physiotherapy treatment plans.

Dr. Benjamin DeVillena, DC can provide medical acupuncture as part of his chiropractic treatment plans.

For more information about acupuncture visit : http://www.afcinstitute.com