Total Acupuncture Clinic

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the medicine that has been practiced in China for 5000 years. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na (a therapeutic method that combines acupressure, massage and adjustment of the joints, spine, ligament and tendon), diet therapy, life style counseling. It also includes Qi Gong (exercise of Qi/energy) and exercise such as Tai Chi.

As one of the most important part of TCM, acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve function. This is done by inserting needles at very precise acupuncture points.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine’s theory, our body is supported by Qi (vital energy). The channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others, which creates pain or other physical and emotional problems.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, which creates pain or other physical and emotional problems, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. 

It depends on the patient's condition. For most cases it takes about 40-60 minutes.

The typical process is that our registered acupuncturists will do a consultation in the begining. After that is the needling which will take about 10 minutes to finish the selected acupuncture points. Then we will let the needles stay in the points for about 15-30 minutes which allows the energy to do it's job. This is a very important healing process. The effectiveness reaches it's peak in about 15-30 minutes.  The last step is to take all the needles out. This will take about 5 minutes. 

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for a few months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

To get the best result, it is recommended to have two treatments per week for the first 3 weeks, one treatment per week for the following 4 weeks. After 0ne treatment course (10 treatments) it is recommended to have regular treatment once to twice per month to maintain the good energy flow and health.   

Please talk to your registered acupuncturist to find out what is the best treatment plan for you.

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, these should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

acupuncture for a baby

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Some patients feel only minimal pain(like a mosquito bite) as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. 

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Don't overeat or be hungry before the treatment. A small meal or a snack is recommended.
• Don't over-exercise right before or after the treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
• Please go to washroom before the treatment because some acupuncture points in the lower abdomen area might need to be used. An empty bladder is safe for needling.
  
• Please wear an outfit you are able to relax in when you are coming for a treatment. You might need to remove your clothes for certain treatment. We have disposable table paper and tissue drape for your convenience and comfortableness.