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Anxiety Support with Acupuncture

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It’s no secret that anxiety affects many individuals worldwide. Symptoms of anxiety can be numerous, including restlessness, panic attacks, excessive worry, and more. While conventional treatments like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are typically the first line of defense against the condition, alternative and complementary therapies like acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have been found to offer significant benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ways that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help individuals suffering from anxiety. 

Acupuncture Helps to Alleviate Anxiety Symptoms 

Acupuncture has been found to be an effective complementary therapy for anxiety. The ancient Chinese practice involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps to balance the flow of energy, or qi, within the body, which can soothe symptoms of anxiety. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. For example, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture helped to decrease anxiety levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that acupuncture helped to reduce anxiety symptoms in cancer patients. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Offers a Holistic Approach 

Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic system of healing that includes various practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and more. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that anxiety results from an imbalance in the body, often involving the liver and spleen. Through various modalities, traditional Chinese medicine aims to treat the root cause of anxiety rather than just its symptoms. For example, Chinese herbal medicine can be used to support liver function and promote relaxation, while dietary therapy can help to address deficiencies that may be exacerbating anxiety. 

Both Modalities Can Be Used Together 

What’s interesting about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is that they often work best when used together. By using both modalities, individuals can benefit from acupuncture’s targeted approach to addressing anxiety symptoms while also addressing underlying imbalances through traditional Chinese medicine practices like herbal medicine and dietary therapy. 

Anxiety can be a challenging condition to live with, but acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine offer hope for individuals seeking alternative and complementary therapies. While it’s always important to consult with medical professionals and mental health experts regarding treatment options, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive anxiety management plan.

With their combined efforts, individuals suffering from anxiety can experience greater overall health and wellbeing. Give us a call @ 780-455-2112 to get started. Check out our office @ ocwc.ca. 

Scared of Acupuncture Needles?

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Acupuncture, an ancient healing art originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained significant popularity in recent years for its holistic approach to health and wellness. However, for individuals who are scared of needles, the mere thought of acupuncture can evoke feelings of anxiety and fear. Despite this apprehension, it’s essential to understand that acupuncture offers a plethora of benefits that can outweigh the fear of needles. Let’s explore how acupuncture can be a valuable therapy even for those with needle phobia.

Scared of Needles Hurting

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, about the diameter of a human hair. Unlike the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood draws, acupuncture needles are designed to be virtually painless when inserted correctly. Many people who are initially fearful of needles find that the sensation of acupuncture is far less uncomfortable than they anticipated.

One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to promote relaxation and stress relief. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, which correspond to channels of energy flow. This stimulation helps to rebalance the body’s energy, or qi, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. For individuals dealing with anxiety or stress, acupuncture can offer a natural and effective way to unwind and restore balance to both the body and mind.

Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate a wide range of physical ailments and conditions. From chronic pain and headaches to digestive issues and insomnia, acupuncture can provide relief for numerous health concerns. By targeting specific acupoints related to the individual’s symptoms, acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Overcoming being Scared of Needles

For individuals with needle phobia, it’s essential to communicate openly with an acupuncturist about your concerns. A skilled practitioner will take the time to address your fears and ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the treatment process. Many acupuncturists are trained in techniques to help ease anxiety, such as gentle insertion methods and providing a calming environment.

In addition to its physical benefits, acupuncture can also have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that acupuncture can help to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in mood regulation. By promoting a healthy balance of these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving overall mental health and emotional resilience.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Another advantage of acupuncture is its minimal side effects compared to conventional medications or treatments. While pharmaceutical drugs often come with a laundry list of potential side effects, acupuncture is a safe and natural therapy with minimal risk. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who may be wary of the potential risks associated with medications or invasive procedures.

Moreover, acupuncture is a highly customizable treatment that can be tailored to suit each individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from a specific health issue or simply looking to maintain overall wellness, an experienced acupuncturist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals.

While the fear of needles may initially deter some individuals from trying acupuncture, the potential benefits of this ancient healing art are vast. From pain relief and stress reduction to improved mental and emotional well-being, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. 

By working with a skilled and compassionate acupuncturist, even those with needle phobia can experience the transformative effects of acupuncture and embark on a journey towards greater health and vitality.

To learn more about our clinic click here. To book an appointment, give us a call @ 780-455-2112.

Improve Stomach Aches with Acupuncture

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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine benefits can be far reaching. Improving digestive disorders in order to improve stomach aches is one of acupuncture and TCM’s many benfits. But how? How can your acupunturist improve stomach aches? Your acupuncturist understands your bodies many meridian points. Today we are going to focus on just one of those points, ST25- Stomach 25 (Tianshu).

Where is ST25- Stomach 25?

This acupuncture point is found on the abdomen, two finger breadths lateral (and directly in line) to the belly button. It is often nicknamed the “Pepto Bismol point” since it is said to be the single most important point for the treatment of the widest variety of intestinal disorders.

Importance of ST25- Stomach 25 (Tianshu)

This point is where “the Qi (or energy) of the large intestines gathers and concentrates on the anterior surface of the body.” In other words, by accessing this point or any acupoint, we can communicate with the organs and body’s processes. We use this point for stomach aches caused by bloating, nausea & vomiting, undigested food in the stool, poor appetite, abdominal pain, and even abdominal masses such as intestinal abscess or uterine masses.

When ST25- Stomach 25 is stimulated, the effects are so fast acting that often a few minutes after needle insertion patients report feeling changes in their digestive tract motility.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112. To learn more about our office check out our office @ ocwc.ca.
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Improve Your Digestion with Acupuncture

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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a wide range of benefits, including improving digestion and managing digestive disorders. But how does it work? How can your acupuncturist help enhance digestion? The key lies in understanding the body’s meridian points. Today, we’ll explore one powerful point: ST36, also known as Stomach 36.

What is ST36 – Stomach 36?
ST36, or Zusanli, is one of the most versatile acupuncture points. It’s commonly included in treatment plans due to its ability to support overall health and longevity. This point is especially effective for improving digestion and addressing digestive issues like IBS, Crohn’s disease, nausea, vomiting, and general GI discomfort. In addition, ST36 helps boost energy levels and combat fatigue, making it an excellent option for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Where is ST36 Located?
You can find ST36 one hand-width below the kneecap, on the outer side of the leg, and one finger-width from the shinbone. Because of its location near the knee, this point is also frequently used to treat knee injuries or pain.

Ready to Improve Your Digestion?
Curious about how acupuncture can help with digestion or other health concerns? Contact us at info@ocwc.ca or call 780-455-2112. We are currently accepting new patients! Visit our website at www.ocwc.ca for more information.

Pericardium 7

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How does acupuncture work? It’s really quite fascinating.

Point Feature: PC7- Pericardium 7 (Daling)

This point is a dual action point in that it’s great for treating both mental and physical concerns. Firstly, it is the key point to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The location of the needle is on the palmar side of the wrist directly at the wrist crease. When needling for carpal tunnel issues, you needle directly into the carpal sheath (towards the palm of the hand) which is the source of pain and inflammation in carpal tunnel syndrome. The relief with carpal tunnel is so significant that many patients who had previously been scheduled for surgery to cut the sheath have fully recovered after a series of acupuncture treatments! In terms of addressing mental health concerns with PC7, this point is used in combination with other points to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. It is especially helpful if you have palpitations and tightness in the chest triggered by stress/anxiety.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112

Pericardium 6 and Acupuncture for Fertility/Pregnancy

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Pericardium 6 (PC-6) is an incredibly useful point on the inside of the wrist and is known as the anti-nausea point. Whether the nausea is caused by morning sickness, indigestion or motion sickness, PC-6 is your point! This point is also a command point of the chest, which means it is great at treating palpitations, chest tightness and acid reflux. It is also used in combination with other points in most anxiety treatments. This acu point is found on the inside of the wrist, two thumb breadths below the wrist line and between the two tendons. Many people may have seen “anti-nausea” wristbands which actually just use acupressure on PC-6 to resolve symptoms!

How can acupuncture help with fertility?

Acupuncture is an excellent tool for couples who are trying to conceive (TTC). Whether you are actively TTC or are just starting the journey and want to learn more about your cycle, your acupuncturist can help. Acupuncture improves fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle/hormones, increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, promoting ovulation, and supporting a healthy luteal phase for successful implantation. It also works to increase libido, reduce stress and anxiety surrounding the TTC process, and can increase sperm count and motility.

Acupuncture can support patients who are trying to conceive naturally, as well as those going through the IUI or IVF process. A recent study found that when used in conjunction with Western fertility treatments, acupuncture increases conception rates by 26% (Tel Aviv University, 2016).

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

The short answer is YES! Acupuncture is completely safe for the entire duration of pregnancy. However it is important you inform your practitioner if you are pregnant as they will need to tailor the treatment to suit your needs. Acupuncture is extremely beneficial in treating any symptoms you may experience during pregnancy. Most women find it especially helpful during the first trimester when symptoms of fatigue, nausea and vomiting tend to be most severe. This is where the point Pericardium 6 is most useful.

As pregnancy progresses, your acupuncturist will be able to address any symptoms that may arise such as insomnia, body pain, and acid reflux. If the baby is breech presentation, your acupuncturist can utilize a technique called moxabustion to turn the baby. At around 36 weeks, you can begin having labour prep treatments which aim to ripen the uterus and prepare the body for delivery. At 38 weeks gestation you can start doing labour induction treatments which promote a downward movement in the body and can help induce labour. Even after delivery acupuncture can help the body to recover more quickly, and can increase milk supply or resolve mastitis.

Whatever stage of conception or pregnancy you are at, your acupuncturist will be able to create a customized plan to support your needs.

For more information on how acupuncture can help you or to schedule an initial consult contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112

Yintang And Acupuncture For Stress An Anxiety

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Yintang is an acupuncture point that is located on the forehead midway between the eyebrows.  It is a wonderful point that calms the mind, reduces stress, and helps relax the sympathetic nervous system.  As such, it is a point that is excellent in treating anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and headaches.  In combination with other points it can also treat hypertension, sinusitis, allergies and dizziness.  While the location may seem intimidating, having this point needled usually puts patients right to sleep! 

How does acupuncture actually work to reduce stress/anxiety?

In the most basic terms, acupuncture regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight response”, and the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” phase.  Most people with high stress levels or who deal with anxiety have an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which means their body gets stuck in the fight or flight response.  This results in symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, mind racing, and palpitations to name a few.  If left untreated, there can be more severe long term effects such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.  Acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) regulates your body’s hormones and forces it out of the fight or flight phase, into the more calm rest/digest phase. A study done at Georgetown University Medical Center found that “acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway” (Eshkevari et al, 2013).  The acupuncture point Yintang is a cornerstone point for treating stress and anxiety, and will be used in almost all point prescriptions for those (and similar) conditions.

 

How quickly can acupuncture help me?

While acupuncture is not an immediate fix, most patients feel at least some mild relief after their first treatment.  The treatment plan, including frequency and number of visits, is customized to each patient.  Generally, for conditions which are acute (occurring for 6 weeks or less), it takes fewer treatments to see full resolution of symptoms.  For chronic conditions (occurring for 6 or more weeks), it will likely take between 3-5 treatments to see significant, lasting change in symptoms.   A full course of treatment could be between 8-10 treatments depending on the severity of the case.  For each patient, your acupuncturist will create a specially tailored plan based on your medical history and wellness goals.  

 

If you would like to know more about this point or acupuncture in general, contact us today at 780-455-2112 or info@ocwc.ca

Visit our website to learn more about our registered acupuncturist! www.ocwc.ca

References:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/gumc-sos031113.php

Acupuncture Benefits Edmonton

Everything You Need To Know About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is the art of healing which was used in the ancient times. Acupuncture has been around for more than thousands of years and practiced throughout the world. Although it has treated many people successfully, there is a misconception when it comes to acupuncture. It is not understood properly in the western countries causing it to be seen as a painful retreat.

Acupuncture has many benefits, but since there is lack of awareness regarding it, there are millions of people that are missing out on this therapy.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical practice that does not use any medication to treat the disease. The acupuncturist inserts thin needles in the pressure points of your body. These points can be on your back, leg, head, and other parts of your body.

The needles are often inserted in the areas where there will be no pain experienced. However, what an individual should keep in mind is that the pain is experienced depending on the person’s pain endurance levels.

Acupuncture is the most popular Chinese medical practices. Over the years, acupuncture has evolved. It has become a much safer treatment and more beneficial.

People often think that acupuncture helps with pain but the truth is that I can help relieve stress and treat diseases.

Does it hurt?

Having needles inserted in your body can arouse this question. Similar to the blood test prick, acupuncture can be painful for some and some might not even feel it.

The truth about this treatment is that it does not hurt. The needles do not go deep enough into your body to encounter the nerves. The needles are so fine that one might not even feel them. Some people find the needle insertion relaxing.

The pain reason that people go for acupuncture is to finish chronic pain. The needle pressure promotes blood flow and decreases inflammation.

Is it safe?

There are no risks with acupuncture. However, it needs to be followed with guidelines. When going for acupuncture, you need to make sure you are going to practiced acupuncturists. Do not make compromises on your health. Be sure you choose the right person. Go to a place that is reputable and hygienic.

What are the Benefits?

Acupuncture has many benefits. Here are the most common ones:

• Acupuncture reduce headaches and migraines. Studies have proven that acupuncture gives long-term relief from headaches and migraines. The patients undergoing acupuncture did not need to take medication to cure their pain.
• Acupuncture decreases chronic pain that is present in your body.
• It is a great way to decrease cognitive decline that could be a result of the Parkinson’s disease.
• This therapy reduces stress levels and anxiety by balancing the hormones in your body.
• It helps fix postpartum health. Pregnant women are usually recommended to meet an acupuncturist because it helps during birth.

Would You Go For It?
After finding out the benefits of acupuncture, would you opt for it? It comes with long-term benefits and allows you to live a healthy, future life.

Give us a call at (780)455-2112 or visit www.ocwc.ca to schedule an appointment with our Registered Acupuncturist!

nerve acupuncture

The Connection between Nerve Repair and Acupuncture

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Nerve damage is an inconsistent and highly common problem that is present when there is long-term numbness, pain, lack of movement and similar conditions, depending on which nerves got affected. The most common method to fix nerve damage is through physiotherapy, electrical stimulation, surgery, and mostly medication. The downside to these treatments is that they do not have guaranteed results. Therefore, more and more doctors are using acupuncture as the cure to all types of nerve damage.

Classification of Nerve Damage

East Asian Medicine identifies nerve damaged based on the symptoms. The names of the classifications are given in accordance to what we see in nature. The most common kind of nerve damaged are:

1.    Phlegm

This is when the damage leads to numbness and growth.

2.    Cold

This is when the damage occurs seasonally. It comes with throbbing pain when the contraction between the muscle and sinew takes place.

3.    Damp

This is when the damage results in severe and sharp pain, tingling sensations, quick exhaustion, and swelling.

4.    Wind

The damage that occurs in muscles causes spasms, twitching, stiffness, and uncontrolled movement.

Types of Acupuncture Used

1.    Electro-acupuncture

This is when there are electrodes placed on the needles. This therapy is used to cure lack of movement, stubborn pains, and severe pain sensation. This heavy treatment motivates nerve growth and helps stimulate nerves.

2.    Moxabustion

This is heat-based therapy with the involvement of burning herbs. This is used to treat exhaustion, spasm, and inflammatory tingling sensations.

3.    Plum Blossom Treatment

In this treatment, there is a promotion of sensory nerve re-growth in smaller areas of the body. It reduces pain that is caused because of febrile conditions or inflammations.

Proof that Acupuncture Helps Repair Nerves

Acupuncture is known as an effective method of repairing damaged nerves. Studies in the Neural Regeneration Research proved that acupuncture helped upper and lower limb motor nerves to mend. A test was done on patients who had electromyographic nerve damages to check if acupuncture would be effective on them. There was a positive response with 80% of the patients participating in the study.

Electromyography gives people the confirmation that acupuncture shows significant improvements in motor nerve conduction and promotes nerve repair all over the body.

The researchers of the study made a discovery. They found out that there is set of acupuncture points that resulted in good responses at a high rate. When local points where used, there was a 35% effective response. In addition, when the Du meridian points where added, there was an 80% effective response.

What is the Du meridian?

The Du meridian is a pathway that is made of 28 acupoints plus a few more. These points are located in the midline of the back under the spine where the vertebral functions occur. When acupuncture needles are inserted in the Du meridian points, conditions such are tremors, numbness, brain ailments, infertility and febrile diseases are cured.

Acupuncture is becoming more and more popular as many people are finding effective and long-term benefits with it.

Give us a call at (780)455-2112 to schedule your initial appointment. Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our registered acupuncturist.

acupuncture therapy benefits

Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy

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Acupuncture therapy is one of the oldest practices in Chinese medicine. It is an ancient form of medicine that was practice in the oldest times and it is used to this day. Nations around the world are practicing acupuncture, as it is an effective and trusted way of treating those who are suffering from stress or some illness.

Acupuncture is done by identifying the points of your body that trigger the bodily functions. Improper body functions can lead to elevated body temperature, lack of defense against pathogens, less bodily fluids and the inability of transforming those fluids into energy. The purpose of acupuncture is to fix these functions to improve the health and wellbeing of an individual.

Here are the top 5 health benefits of acupuncture:

1.    Decreases Back Pain

Acupuncture therapy eases and diminishes back pain. It promotes the release of chemicals into the spinal cord and brain. The chemicals that are released relieve the pain and improve the bodily functions.

A study was done by the Archives of Internal Medicine and they revealed that needle stimulation, which is the primary technique used in acupuncture offered quicker relief from pain than medications. In acupuncture, pressure is given on certain points with the use of small needles. This helps a patient get rid of the pain and discomfort they are experiencing.

2.    Makes Medications Effective

A study showed that adding acupuncture while on medication improves impact of the medicine. This also helps lower the dose and avoid the side effects commonly associated with pain-alleviating medicines, such as weight gain and nausea.

3.    Minimizes the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Cancer patients can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy if they add acupuncture therapy to their regime. A study showed that people who were getting chemotherapy had lesser negative side effects when they were getting acupuncture alongside. One cancer patient claimed that they felt less nauseous as compared to before when they began acupuncture therapy. It does not transform the life of those getting this treatment, but it does make the quality of life after chemo much better.

4.    Helps Put a Stop to Long Term Headaches

Doctors have started recommending acupuncture as a treatment to help patients get rid of headaches and migraines rather than prescribing medicines. It has proved to be effective in preventing chronic tension-related headaches and decreasing the chances of suffering from a headache in the future as well.

5.    Put an End to Obesity

Although there is no conclusive evidence regarding the effects of acupuncture on obesity, there are studies that show that it can be an effective weight loss treatment. Korean researchers analyzed a large group of people and concluded that acupuncture therapy led to more weight loss than extreme lifestyle changes. For those who are trying to lose weight, adding acupuncture could help them make accelerated progress towards their weight loss target.

Along with these benefits, acupuncture has proven to be the cure to many chronic body pains. The insertion of fine needles has been found to be an effective treatment and is therefore being increasingly used all around the world.

Give us a call at (780)455-2112 or head online at www.ocwc.ca to book your appointment with our Registered Acupuncturist.