Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture and moxibustion is based on the theory of meridians. According to this theory, qi (vital energy) and blood circulates in the body through a system of channels called meridians, connecting internal organs with external organs or tissues. By stimulating certain points of the body surface reached by meridians through needling or moxibustion, the flow of qi and blood can be regulated, and diseases are thus treated. These stimulation points are called acupuncture points, or acupoints. Very fine and thin needles are inserted into the prescription acupoints. After insertion the patient may experience a feeling of soreness, heaviness, numbness and distention. Needles are left in for 20 minutes or longer depending on the condition.

Specialized Treatment Areas

Esoteric acupuncture is a holistic healing modality that combines traditional acupuncture principles with spiritual and energetic concepts from various ancient wisdom traditions. Developed by Dr. Mikio Sankey, esoteric acupuncture aims to facilitate spiritual growth, emotional balance, and physical well-being by harmonizing the body’s subtle energy systems and promoting alignment with higher states of consciousness.

Components of esoteric Acupuncture:

  • Traditional Acupuncture
  • Sacred Geometry and Patterns
  • Higher Chakra Centers
  • Balancing Yin and Yang
  • Multi-Dimensional Healing
  • Consciousness Expansion and Awakenings

Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to female health, addressing both physical and emotional aspects.  Women find acupuncture to be a gentle and effective therapy that complements naturopathic and medical therapies. Acupuncture aims to restore balance and harmony within the body’s energy pathways, thus improving symptoms and conditions.

Acupuncture can assist with issues in the menstrual cycle such as:

  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
  • Irregular or short cycles
  • Uterine bleeding
  • Heavy or prolonged flow
  • Scant flow
  • No menstruation
  • PMS

Conditions that acupuncture can help with include:

  • Endometriosis and Adenomyosis 
  • Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS
  • Infertility 
  • Perimenopause
  • Menopause 
  • Other hormone imbalances

Acupuncture and Fertility

Acupuncture can assist in fertility, aiding to bring your hormones back into balance to improve fertility rates.  Acupuncture is often used with erratic or no ovulation, luteal phase defects (LH), hormone imbalances (high FSH levels, low progesterone levels, high prolactin levels) and general IVF support. 

Fertility Acupuncture offers a safe, natural and effective approach to enhancing fertility and supporting reproductive health via:

  • Balancing hormone levels such as estrogen, progesterone, and FSH
  • Restoring ovulation
  • Increasing blood flow to the ovaries
  • Improving follicular development

Overall acupuncture has been an effective treatment in balancing or correcting hormone function, promoting blood circulation, improving ovarian and follicle production, thickening uterine lining and improving uterine blood flow. 

Acupuncture is an effective therapy for the management of pain, offering relief from various pain conditions.

A few ways that acupuncture can help in pain management:

  • Pain Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system triggering the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers. By modulating pain perception and reducing inflammation, acupuncture can alleviate chronic pain symptoms.
  • Improving Blood Circulation: Acupuncture has been shown to enhance blood circulation to injured or affected areas, which can accelerate tissue repair and reduce discomfort associated with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy.
  • Reducing Muscle Tension: Chronic pain often involves muscle tension and stiffness, which can exacerbate discomfort. Acupuncture helps relax tense muscles and release trigger points, allowing for improved flexibility and range of motion 

Overall, acupuncture offers a holistic and natural approach to managing chronic pain, focusing on restoring balance to the body’s energy systems and promoting self-healing mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained professional. However, certain health conditions may make acupuncture inadvisable. Your practitioner will review your health history to ensure it is a safe option for you and discuss any potential risks if necessary.

To prevent feeling faint, it is recommended that you eat something within two hours before your acupuncture session.

Acupuncture is generally not painful, as the needles used are very thin—about the thickness of a human hair. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are solid and designed to gently part the skin rather than cut tissue.

Most patients report little to no pain during treatment. If any discomfort is felt, it is usually a brief sensation at the moment of insertion that quickly subsides. The needles typically remain in place for 20 minutes or longer, depending on the condition being treated. After the removal of the needles, minor tenderness, bruising, or slight bleeding may occasionally occur.

Yes, acupuncture is generally safe during pregnancy, but certain acupoints should be avoided. Due to this, it is essential to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or suspect you might be, as this ensures a safe and appropriate treatment plan for you and your baby.

If you are seeking acupuncture to induce labour, a written referral from a Midwife or a doctor is required. Please contact our front desk before your appointment if you need to provide this.

If you have a pacemaker, please note that Yasmin Devji, RAc cannot provide treatment.

Acupuncture is generally well tolerated, but some patients may experience mild side effects. These can include minor bruising which typically resolves quickly, swelling, or temporary tenderness at the treatment site. Due to acupuncture’s systemic effects, some individuals may also temporarily experience fatigue, headaches, body aches, increased urination, or diarrhea as part of a detoxification response. 

Your practitioner will review all potential side effects with you before your treatment to ensure a safe and informed experience. If you experience any post-treatment discomfort, we encourage you to contact the clinic. One of our practitioners will speak with you directly and help address any concerns, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Yes, acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable. Each needle is used once and then safely discarded to ensure the highest level of hygiene and patient safety.

Book an Appointment with one of our Acupuncturists

Yasmin Devji, RAc – Registered Acupuncturist

Dr. Alexa Rauscher, ND – Esoteric Acupuncture

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