Acupuncture

The insertion of special acupuncture needles into acupuncture points on the body stimulates the corresponding flow of Qi to rebalance the flow of energy throughout the body and restore health. Research indicates that it restores balance to both nervous and hormonal systems in the body.

We are committed to seeking best outcomes for all our clients. To achieve this, our acupuncturists will recommend cross-referral to physiotherapy, massage therapy and/or laser therapy, if they identify clinical signs that are beyond their capability to remedy. Examples of these clinical signs may include severe pain, acute inflammation and muscle weakness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: (TCM) is the traditional medical approach that goes back over 5000 years. It’s based on the balanced flow of Qi, the vital life energy that exists within all living organisms. Qi circulates along major energy pathways called “meridians”, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. There are 12 standard meridians and 8 extraordinary meridians. Just as blood flows through the veins in our bodies, energy flows through meridians.

Key results of acupuncture:

• Pain relief
• Promotes relaxation
• Balances nervous system firing and hormonal communication
• Immune boosting

In addition to being a powerful adjunct to manage the pain and swelling of muscle and joint injuries and conditions, TCM Acupuncture provides for natural, complementary and sometimes alternative treatment option for many conditions, including:

• Post stroke recovery
• Post concussion syndrome
• Whiplash related symptom
• Arthritis
• Stress management
• Anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Digestive issues: Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, etc
• GERD, heartburn & Acid Reflux
• Crohn's Disease
• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Tinnitus and Hearing loss
• Urinary tract infections
• Menstrual cramps, fibroids, endometriosis
• Infertility
• Allergies
• Sinusitis
• Dry mouth
• Cancer Support
• Tempero-mandibular joint pain and headaches
• And so, so many more conditions

Are you confused by the differences in nomenclature for acupuncture?

Modern Acupuncture, Medical Acupuncture, Western Acupuncture and dry-needling, all refer to adapted traditional Chinese acupuncture philosophy and practice. Acupuncturists who subscribe to these practices, base treatment decisions and choice of needle insertion sites on established medical diagnosis and their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and the principles of evidence based medicine. Acupuncture training is normally acquired as post graduate certifications for licensed physicians, dentists, physiotherapists and chiropractors, nurses, occupational therapists, and naturopathic doctors. Training time is variable, but a level one dry-needling certification can be achieved with 27 hours of training from Acupuncture Canada. Certified health care providers are approved to perform acupuncture under their scope of practice. They are not members of the regulated TCM Acupuncture college, unless they successfully challenge the licensing exam.

Chinese medicine acupuncture and TCM Acupuncture center both philosophy and practice on the ancient belief that the flow of the life force or energy “qi” through meridians or channels determines health status. Needles are inserted into points along the meridian lines which represent the organs of the body. Blockages or restricted flow associates with disease and normal flow with good health. Acupuncture, moxibustion, tui na massage, cupping/scraping, Chinese herbs and TCM nutrition are all components of Chinese medicine.

There are differences in training between acupuncturists who graduate from Chinese Medicine Programs and those who acquire Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture education in Canada. One major difference is the length of training, being much longer in Chinese universities. In Canada, TCM Acupuncture is a 2 or 3 year diploma program. It is Canadian educators who are the driving force between standardizing and regulating the practice of Acupuncture in Canada. They make provision for acupuncturists trained outside their system to acquire licensure through standardized exams. TCM Acupuncture is regulated in NL; and all acupuncture practitioners must be licensed with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists in Newfoundland and Labrador (CTCMPANL)

Given such diversity in philosophy, training and practice, it is likely there are also broad differences in client experience and treatment outcomes. For all that, acupuncture offers viable alternative treatment options for many lifestyle diseases and pain conditions. It is suggested that an individual interested in acupuncture or TCM acupuncture treatment do their own research, and query the qualifications of the provider from whom they seek treatment.

What to Expect

At Avalon Laser Health Physiotherapy and Wellness, an initial consultation will include a case history which involves your medical history, information about your lifestyle, diet, sleep habits and digestion. Our registered acupuncturist will ask you about your current condition, check your tongue and pulse, form an initial diagnosis and a program of treatment will be prescribed. Our acupuncturist will provide some guidelines for treatment and you will have an idea of how many treatments will be required to resolve your condition and changes in diet and lifestyle may also be discussed.

Book Acupuncture Treatment

We regularly observe that many of our clients are well informed about their injury or pain condition by the time they seek care. This engagement serves to pre-educate and prepare our clients to actively participate in the design and conduct of their treatment plans. In the true spirit of ‘team’, we share some of our favorite sources of on-line information including:

• PhysioCheck - a physio specific database which can help match your symptoms to a diagnosis, provide injury specific info and sometimes exercise
• OrthoInfo from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• MelioGuide for Osteoporosis Prevention
• Long Covid Info & Support Group
• Gla:d Support for Arthritic Hips and Knees

Your Interest in the injury & care process combined with participation in the treatment plan design and then compliance with the treatment plan will set you up for success. Best outcomes are achieved when we work together, client and therapist(s), with a keen eye on what you want to achieve from your rehab efforts.