Using specific acupuncture needles to encourage natural healing, Acupuncture reduces and/or relieves pain as well as enhances certain body function.

We offer  Intra-muscular Stimulation (IMS) & Dry Needling Acupuncture.

(Each sterile disposable needle is opened in front of you and only used once then discarded safely).

ACUPUNCTURE IN GUELPH, ONTARIO

TCM Acupuncture includes the stimulation of specific points on the body using a variety of ancient techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with solid, thin metal needles that are manipulated by hand and/or electrical stimulation.

IMS or Dry Needling can also refer to Tendinomuscular Acupuncture, Myofascial Acupuncture, and other versions of Sports Acupuncture, Anatomical or Medical Acupuncture.  While TCM mainly utilizes specific acupuncture points and ‘Meridians’, IMS mainly utilizes anatomical, muscular or trigger points.  The main purpose of IMS is to relax a tight muscle causing pain or imbalances in posture or function.

Acupuncture Facts:

Patients experience acupuncture differently, very rarely is it described as “painful”.

The tip of an acupuncture needle comes smoothly to a point, rather than a sharp edge like a regular injection needle.  Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, approximately 20 times thinner than a typical hypodermic needle. The hypodermic needle is hollow and removes tissue whereas the acupuncture needles are solid and do not remove tissue therefore making them safer.

We use only sterile, one-time use needles (that are sealed prior to use) to ensure proper hygiene.  The acupuncture needles are disposed of in a proper hazardous waste receptacle after each use.

How does Acupuncture work?

The application of acupuncture needles causes specific chemicals to be released into the body resulting in a reduction of pain on both a physical and psychological level.

• Opioid peptides release. Opioids are chemicals in the brain that naturally have analgesic (“numbing”) effects. When released, they significantly help to reduce pain. There is considerable evidence indicating acupuncture causes the release of Opioid peptides by stimulating the central nervous system.
• Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones.  Acupuncture can activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands thereby altering secretion of these chemicals. These chemicals play a direct role in pain sensation as well as organ function.  Acupuncture alters this secretion which can decrease pain.
• Stimulation of electromagnetic points on the body.   Acupuncture focuses on 2,000 points on the body that are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals.  Acupuncture treatments stimulates these areas thus assisting in the flow of endorphins-the body’s natural painkillers.