• Acupuncture

All of our Acupuncturist are Registered and belong to the  College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia which is the regulatory body established for the health professions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture.

TCM has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since December 4, 2000. Acupuncture has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since April 1, 1996. The professions are regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists Regulation and the bylaws of the College.

Registered Acupuncturists have over 1900 hours of training over a 3-year period with a minimum of 450 clinical hours. Comparatively, the IMS/acupuncture training for western trained practitioners, such as physiotherapists, is usually completed over several weekends.

We currently have 3 Registered Acupuncturists working with us: Ian Dunsmuir, Chuck Park and Clark Kim.


What is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses needles to stimulate the balance and flow of Qi energy through the body. According to TCM, Qi energy flows along pathways (known as meridians) connected throughout the whole body. When the energy of flow is smooth, the body is in good health; when the flow of energy is deficient or obstructed, it indicates a susceptibility for illness and/or certain conditions.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative treatment. Practitioners may combine this technique with Western medicine, evidence-informed practice, to provide this as an alternative or adjunct treatment.

The registered acupuncture treatment involves using extremely thin, medical grade, sterile and disposable acupuncture needles. There is actually sometimes no perception of the needle, and most people describe a small, light pinch where the needle is inserted. Your Acupuncturist may also use a technique called “cupping” for specific circulatory reasons, and will give homecare advice ranging from exercise to lifestyle changes and recommendations.

Is Acupuncture recommended for me?

Individuals from all ages (children to seniors) can be treated with acupuncture. A recommended course of treatment can be made after a complete assessment by one of our Registered Acupuncturists. If you are not sure if this treatment is for you, Please give us a call and we will help you.

Our Registered Acupuncturist predominantly sees patients where pain persists (becomes chronic) for various reasons. This can also be a very effective form of treatment when other forms of therapy have failed.

 

 

 

Below is a list of conditions commonly treated with acupuncture:

• Pain (any area of the body)
• Muscle tension
• Chronic pain
• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Neuropathy/ neuralgia
• Muscle and joint dysfunctions
• Whiplash (i.e. motor vehicle accident)
• Headaches
• Concussion management and symptoms
• Sports related injury
• Bell’s palsy
• Arthritis

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a non-invasive technique, with limited or minor side effect, which can help with:

• Reduce pain, spasm, swelling and inflammation
• Promote faster natural healing process
• Increase circulation
• Improve function and mobility
• Enhance quality of life for individuals with chronic pain

FAQ

Who does Acupuncture?

We have Registered Acupuncturist and we have some Physiotherapists that can also preform Acupuncture within your physiotherapy appointment.

What is the difference between a Registered Acupuncturist and a Physiotherapist that can also do Acupuncture?

The difference between these two types of acupuncture is that a Physiotherapist does acupuncture to treat muscle, joints, tendons and other musculoskeletal injuries. Traditional Chinese Acupuncturists can also treat these areas, but additionally, can help with other areas of the body such as digestion, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, neurological, respiratory, and pregnancy symptoms.

Registered Acupuncturists have over 1900 hours of training over a 3-year period with a minimum of 450 clinical hours. Comparatively, the IMS/acupuncture training for western trained practitioners, such as physiotherapists, is usually completed over several weekends.

Should Acupuncture be combined with other treatments?

Acupuncture often works the best as stand alone modality. However it must be noted that in order to make sure that symptoms don’t come back, rehabilitation exercise program may be indicated.

How many treatments will I need?

We approach treatment in two stages.  The first is ‘acute or immediate care.’  In this stage, we address the immediate concerns of the individual such as muscle or joint pain, headaches, sleeping or digestive complaints.  Each person and condition is treated on an individual basis.  Most patients require between four (4) and ten (10) treatments.   Some patients require more and some less.Once the symptoms of the first stage have been minimized we move into stage two.
Stage two focuses on maintenance and prevention.  This is the proactive stage.  We like to call it the “re-set cycle” stage.  We work with you to establish an ongoing treatment cycle that optimizes the ongoing “re-setting”’ of the energy in your body and minimizes the reoccurrence of the original symptoms.  The “re-set” cycle usually occurs on a monthly basis.

 

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