What is Acupuncture?

You’re likely here because you’re looking for acupuncture in Edmonton, AB. First, let’s talk about what it is, though.

Acupuncture is one of the principal branches of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is a complete, holistic and non-invasive medical system that has evolved over 3000 years to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. Acupuncture is a procedure that promotes health and alleviates pain.

Tuina massage therapy, on the other hand, involves the use of various manual techniques, such as pressing, rubbing, and kneading, to manipulate the body’s soft tissues and energy channels. The practitioner will also conduct an assessment of the patient’s condition and then develop a treatment plan based on their diagnosis. The patient may be asked to lie down on a massage table or sit in a chair, depending on the type of Tuina massage being performed. The practitioner will use their hands, fingers, and other tools to apply pressure to specific points in the body and work on the muscles and soft tissues.

People often use acupuncture and Tuina massage therapy together in a complementary manner to promote optimal health and wellness for themselves.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (pronounced chee) and blood through energetic pathways in the body referred to as meridians. Qi is the animating force that gives us our capacity to move, think, and feel, in other words, our “vital force”. Meridians circulate life-giving nourishment in the form of Qi and blood to every part of the body.

In acupuncture, certain points on the body act as gateways to access and regulate the Qi in the meridians via the insertion of very fine needles. Qi regulates the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harmony of the body by keeping the energetic flows in balance. Imbalances and blockages of the body’s Qi are the root of disease processes.Physical and emotional trauma, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and chronic stress can cause these imbalances.Acupuncture works by rebalancing the energetic system of the body and supporting the body’s capacity to heal itself. By alleviating symptoms and treating the underlying cause of disease, acupuncture returns the body, mind and spirit to a balanced state.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA MASSAGE THERAPY TREAT?

People can use Acupuncture and Tuina massage therapy to treat a wide range of conditions, both physical and emotional. Here are some examples:

Conditions treated with acupuncture:

• Pain: Acupuncture can be used to treat various types of pain, such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and headaches.
• Stress and anxiety: Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing the levels of stress hormones in the body.
• Digestive issues: Acupuncture can be used to treat digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Insomnia: Acupuncture can be used to improve sleep quality and treat insomnia.
• Women’s health: Acupuncture can be used to treat menstrual issues, infertility, and menopause symptoms.

Conditions treated with Tuina massage therapy:

• Musculoskeletal conditions: People can use Tuina massage to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and joint pain.
• Headaches and migraines: Tuina massage can help alleviate headaches and migraines by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the muscles.
• Stress and anxiety: Tuina massage can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing the levels of stress hormones in the body.
• Digestive issues: : You can use Tuina massage to treat digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. For insomnia, Tuina massage can be used to improve sleep quality and provide relief.