Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment technique used within the Traditional Chinese Medical system for over 2,000 years.  Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points along the meridians to stimulate, disperse and balance the flow or energy.  Acupuncture has been credited with relieving pain, and treating a variety of chronic, acute and degenerative conditions.  It is thought that an interruption or blockage to the flow of "chi" or vital energy along one's meridians can result in imbalances in organ systems and may lead to ill health.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, Chinese medical doctors have been using acupuncture to restore and balance health and relieve individuals of symptoms that were caused by such imbalances.

Recent studies have found acupuncture to be effective in reducing postoperative pain, reducing symptoms of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting and in relieving postoperative dental pain. The National Institutes of Health in the US recognizes that acupuncture may also be useful for treating addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.

Indications:

• Pain (fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines etc)
• Drug Addiction
• Asthma
• Compromised immune system
• Infertility

Acupressure, also called acumassage is similar to acupuncture although does not use acupuncture needles but rather a specific type of pressure or massage to the acupuncture points to balance the body’s vital energy.

Auriculotherapy, also known as ear puncture is similar to acupuncture except that only specific reflex points on the external ear are targeted as opposed to acupuncture points on the whole body.  

Electro-Acupuncture is an acupuncture technique that uses either electrodes alone or electrodes attached to acupuncture needles to stimulate the flow of energy or qi within the body. Electro-acupuncture can be used to enhance the effectiveness of the acupuncture.

Laser puncture is where a low intensity laser light is applied to acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s energy flow. This technique is offered for patients who want to avoid needles.

Questions?
If you have any questions about Acupuncture or would like more information on our programs or services, you can contact IMI at 403.233.0917 or by email at info@i-medi.org