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Writer's pictureLaurel Stuart Dr. Ac

10 FACTS TO KNOW BEFORE BEGINNING ACUPUNCTURE OR ACU-MASSAGE


Acupuncture and Acu-massage (Acupuncture and massage combined treatments) can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. If you are contemplating trying either acupuncture or acu-massage here are a few facts you should know:


1. ACUPUNCTURE IS NOT ALWAYS PAINFUL

The needles used in acupuncture today are quite small. Depending on the region of the body being treated needle insertion can be and quite commonly is painless. In acupuncture the needles usually remain in the body for a specific amount of time. Pain if experienced, is normally only felt on needle insertion. For most folks pain from needling feels like a sharp pinch or like a mosquito bite. The remainder of your acupuncture or acu-massage treatment is normally quite pain free and relaxing.


2. MULTIPLE SESSIONS ARE USUALLY NECESSARY

To experience the full benefits of acupuncture or acu-massage clients should plan for regular sessions rather than just one. Yes some conditions can be fixed in one acupuncture or acu-massage treatment. Most conditions however greatly benefit from 2 or 3 sessions. Discuss your needs with your acupuncturist and ask them how many sessions they think is best for you.


3. ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES ARE USED ONLY ONCE

In Canada it is law that acupuncture needles be single used. This means your acupuncture needles came straight out of sterilized packaging and they are disposed of after use. You don’t have to worry about acupuncture needles being reused on anyone in Canada.


4. ACUPUNCTURISTS DIAGNOSE CONDITIONS DIFFERENTLY COMPARED TO WESTERN TRAINED DOCTORS

In Traditional Chinese Medicine many acupuncturists look at your tongue and feel your pulse to diagnose your condition. Your acupuncturist will also diagnose your complaints using Chinese Medicine nomenclature. It is always a good idea to tell your acupuncturist the western diagnosis for your complaints if you know them. Your acupuncturist however will diagnose using phrases from Traditional Chinese Medicine such as qi deficiency, blood stagnation and qi stagnation. You can always ask your acupuncturist to explain what these phrases mean in regard to your health.


5. ACUPUNCTURE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RELIGION

Acupuncture is one method of treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine developed in ancient Chinese culture and philosophy. Traditional Chinese Medicine has nothing to do with worshiping a deity. Acupuncture is not a system of faith or worship. Needles are inserted into the skin in acupuncture to promote well-being, better health and to stop pain.


6. OTHER TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FORMS OF CARE MAY BE RECOMMENDED

It is not uncommon for acupuncturists to perform Chinese massage, cupping or other Chinese healthcare modalities in addition to acupuncture when treating their clients. Acu- massage is very popular treatment choice among our clients. Acu-massage is a combination of therapeutic massage and acupuncture. Cupping is another form of treatment commonly used in combination with acupuncture.


7. EXPECT QUESTIONS FROM YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST THAT MAY SEEM UNRELATED TO YOUR REASONS FOR VISITING

You may visit an acupuncturist for help with depression and they may ask about your vision; alternatively you may visit your acupuncturist for relief from lower back pain and they may ask if you have any difficulties hearing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the health of the body is deeply interrelated. By asking seemingly unrelated questions the acupuncturist is able to better address your specific concerns because they have a better understanding of your overall health.


8. YOUR SESSIONS ARE HIGHLY INDIVIDUALIZED AND PATIENT CENTERED

In Traditional Chinese Medicine each client is unique. Your unique needs are of primary importance during either an acupuncture or acu-massage session at North West Vibrational Acupuncture and Massage. There is ‘no size fits all’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each session is specifically geared towards your particular wants and needs on that particular day.


9. POSITIVE SIDE AFFECTS MAY OCCUR

Clients normally report feeling relaxed and calm after their treatments. They also sleep better and may experience more energy. Some of the common negative side effects that may happen after an acupuncture or acu-massage treatment include bruising, soreness, light-headedness and emotional release. Most folks are fine to return to regular activities after either acupuncture or acu-massage. Some folks prefer to take a few hours off from their regular activities to relax and rest.


10. ACUPUNCTURE IS A GREAT FORM OF PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE

You don’t have to be in pain or stressed out to come in for an acupuncture treatment. Regular acupuncture treatments promote well-being, strengthen the body and can help prevent dis-ease. Most clients who come in for preventative healthcare see acupuncture as an investment in their future health.


At North West Vibrational Acupuncture and Massage we provide traditional and vibrational acupuncture, acu-massage and massage. If you would like to know more please use the following link- https://www.calgaryacupunctureandmassage.com/services to learn more about our services.


We look forward to helping you to better health naturally!

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