Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves penetration of the skin with sterilized, fine gauge needles. The needles are inserted into specific points on the body to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function. These needles may also be manipulated manually or with electricity to augment the effects of the needles.
Acupuncture exerts its influence by triggering a complex set of responses that are naturally occurring in the body. Needles affect pain control by stimulating the release of pain-blocking substances both locally and in the central nervous system. Acupuncture also results in the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals locally and in the stimulation of inflammation control centres in other parts of the body. Treatments also improve blood and lymphatic flow throughout the body which allows for removal of injury debris and delivery of the elements and compounds needed for healing.
Common conditions treated by acupuncture professionals include muscle and joint pain, movement disorders, sports injuries, headaches, stress related disorders, repetitive strain injuries (ie. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis or golfer’s elbow, etc.), chronic pain, arthritic conditions, sciatic pain and more.
