Traditional Chinese Medical Acupuncture

Lynn Dowdall | Feb 08, 2017

There must be something to it since it has been around for 5,000 years!

Traditional Chinese medicine is main stream medicine.  It is both an art and a science.  Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese art of healing and one of the oldest medical studies in the world.  The science of acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine.  For thousands of years the Chinese have appreciated it for its non-pharmaceutical treatment, simple application, wide range of use, low cost, and good curative effect.  It works on the energy of the body by inserting extremely fine needles into acupuncture points; this in turn disperses blockages, increases the function of specific organs and balances the overall energy of the body.  It reduces cholesterol, cleans blood vessels, delays the aging process, has no side effects and prolongs life.

Needling helps with Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, Insomnia, A.D.D., & Stress.  It is useful in pain relief, both for acute and chronic pain.  As well as a pain relieving effect, acupuncture has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, an immune enhancing effect, a regulatory or balancing effect and a motor recovery effect (for an injury or stroke).

Acupuncture is not just for sore backs and addictions.  It is a natural therapy that treats a wide range of conditions from Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel, Headaches and Fertility to Insomnia,  Bellys Palsy, Nose bleeds and strengthens internal organs (just to name a few).

People often ask if the needles hurt, but since they are very fine, they are practically painless
The needles do not have anything added to them. They are powerful by themselves.

There is also no set number of treatments required. The process and response to therapy depends a great deal on the condition being treated, the state of health of the individual and the duration of the illness.  It also depends on whether it is a chronic or actute illness  The average number of treatments is 7 to 10.  For example nose bleeds usually only require 1 treatment= whereas for seasonal allergies 7 to 10 would be needed.

Acupuncture therapy is also useful as an aid to quitting smoking. It helps release cravings, facilitates detoxification, relieves anxiety, and supports the immune system. Acupuncture is now available for cosmetic uses as well, as an alternative to face lifts and other more invasive treatments.

Children also respond really well to acupuncture. Less needles are used and they respond to treatment much quicker than adults.  Children can be treated for a fever, digestive disorders, insomnia, bowel problems, coughs, asthma, bedwetting, seasonal allergies, acute pain such as from an injury and some skin conditions.

As of April 1, 2013, acupuncture became regulated in the province of Ontario.  Other practitioners may do acupuncture under the scope of their profession, however, it may not be traditional Chinese medical acupuncture and they may only treat for pain.   A Registered Acupuncturist must provide a TCM diagnosis assessment.   Acupuncture by a Registered Acupuncturist is covered through extended health insurance.

The needles are pre-packaged for single use only.  Malpractice insurance is only available to acupuncturists who use disposable needles.  Once the needles are used, they are disposed of in a bio-hazard container.

Lynn Dowdall is a Registered Acupuncturist. She operates the Perth Acupuncture Clinic, which is located located on Highway 7 between Wemyss and Brooke. She can be reached by phone at 613-267-1119.