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ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body. There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort. One of the most attractive aspects of acupuncture is that there are very few side effects associated with the treatment.
How does it work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found through the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems. As in treating any illness or affliction, a correct diagnosis is important before any decisions are made regarding therapy. Once the diagnosis is established, a qualified practitioner can advise whether acupuncture is appropriate.
Will it hurt?
People experience different sensations with acupuncture. Most feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted: some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there should be no significant discomfort. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are made from stainless steel. Eight acupuncture needles would fit inside the barrel of a regular hollow needle used for injections! Risk of Infection is minimized by cleaning the skin over the acupuncture points with CHG and using pre-packaged, sterilized needles. After a single use the needles are deposited into a sharps container for safe disposal.
© The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute
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