What is acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view the cells of our body as functioning like batteries where there is a negative electrical potential on the exterior and that multiple organs generate a positive electrical potential. The “Qi” is an energy that circulates through the body to protect, nourish, and stimulate the organ functions. Acupuncture needles are used to influence the electrical flow through the circulation network. Through this theory, acupuncture “meridians” were developed that constitute the major pathways of energy circulation through the body and include many internal organs. Acupuncture has been around for many years and because of this, there have been multiple techniques developed. As a chiropractor, a neurofunctional approach is utilized, which means the focus is on the nervous system to alter any abnormal activity.
What is neurofunctional acupuncture?
Neurofunctional acupuncture is a peripheral nerve stimulation technique using fine, solid needles with or without electricity used by health professionals to induce physiological changes on the activity of the nervous system and its effectors, for therapeutic purposes. Needle insertion sites are selected by the practitioner based on your diagnosis and/or functional criteria. This acupuncture technique is taught by Dr. Alejandro Elorriaga Claraco, a medical doctor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
What can neurofunctional acupuncture be used for?
Neurofunctional acupuncture can have many uses. As a chiropractor, acupuncture is used to target certain nerves, muscles or joints that may be causing you pain or are not functioning optimally. This includes neck pain, headaches, numbness or tingling into the arm or hand, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis and many more!
What are the benefits of neurofunctional acupuncture?
Inserting tiny needles into the tissue has shown to have many effects which include increasing blood flow to the area to help promote healing, decreasing pain, stimulating the central nervous system and alter nerve signaling and restoring muscle activity.
What does a neurofunctional acupuncture treatment plan look like?
Depending on what is being treated, it is very common to begin with six acupuncture treatments to establish a significant therapeutic benefit, but this varies with what is being treated. You will be re-assessed at each visit and the need for further treatment determined based on progress. The needles typically remain in place for approximately 10 minutes but varies depending on diagnosis.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are not like the needles used for drawing blood or administering medications. They are very thin and often you do not feel anything! However, since we may be working on some sore muscles, it is possible that you may feel a bit of discomfort when the needle is first inserted. This should disappear as the needle is left in place. Your acupuncture provider will always ask to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the treatment.
If you are interested in receiving Acupuncture treatment with Dr. Candace, please call 902-543-2131 to book an assessment!
