Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated as a practice in traditional chinese medicine and is now one of the most widely used alternative medicines across the country and the world today. In acupuncture, an acupuncturists is essentially inserting ultra-fine needles into the body at specific points where discomfort or pain is felt. It’s believed that the needle stimulates certain nerve endings of the body and can relieve a wide variety of health conditions.

One of the main reasons people will seek out acupuncture is for pain relief, it’s one of the most common use for acupuncture today. Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of symptoms however, the primary focus for most patients is to treat chronic neck and back pain. Experiencing pain in this area can often be the root cause for other symptoms such as headaches, migraines, muscle tightness, stress related insomnia, joint pain, and other discomforts. Acupuncture can reduce pain by as much as 15% following a session. Other uses for acupuncture have included knee pain, arthritis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, as well as to treat past injuries that haven’t healed properly and are causing discomfort.

If you’re considering acupuncture for the first time, here’s what you can expect from a session. The session promotes relaxation and encourages you to feel a sense of calmness and healing. Most patients will receive treatment while laying down. The insertion of needles are relatively painless, it is not intended to cause major discomfort. After the needles are inserted in specific locations on your face or body depending on your treatment plan, you are usually left to rest for a period of 10 – 45 minutes. In some styles of acupuncture, the needles are inserted quickly and removed immediately and in others they are left in for a longer period of time. It all depends on the severity of your symptoms and the overall comfort level for each individual. Since acupuncture is a form of manual therapy, it can be adjusted to fit each patient and their unique needs.

There are many health benefits of acupuncture, especially for those who are looking for a drug-free alternative to treating various conditions such as:

• Acute and Chronic Pain
• Arthritis
• Headaches and Migraines
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Stress & Anxiety
• Stress related Insomnia
• Heartburn & Indigestion
• Tennis elbow
• Knee pain
• Neck & Back pain
• And many more

Alternatively, Cosmetic acupuncture is a facial rejuvenation technique that has been used for decades. It makes the skin appear younger, healthier, and is believed to slow down the progression of fine wrinkles. Consider it a gentle alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery and it has the same effect in the sense that it will stimulate collagen production and increases lymphatic fluid movement to rejuvenate the skin.

Conditions Treated

Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions

Acupuncture has long been used to treat painful conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including joints, connective tissues, and muscles. Some of the painful conditions it is used to treat include arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, Baker’s cysts, stenosis, disc herniation, autoimmune diseases, and more. When it comes to general pain, such as back pain, acupuncture is a well-recognized treatment. Its efficacy in managing chronic pain conditions and significantly reducing or eliminating pain makes it one of the most utilized alternative treatment methods.

Stress

Stress can emanate from work, family issues, studies, health problems, and relationships, among other factors. It affects many individuals in our modern world, and it’s the leading cause of numerous problems such as insomnia, indigestion, muscle tension, and more. Acupuncture can be used to relieve stress and its symptoms as it calms down the nervous system. If you’re feeling stressed due to anything in your life, reach out to our specialists to determine whether acupuncture can help.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other digestive problems are quite uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. Through acupuncture, these conditions and their symptoms can be managed, and the digestive system can be improved leading to a more comfortable lifestyle.

Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety and PTSD, just like stress, affect a large population in our modern world. The two are associated with panic attacks, insomnia, and an inability to focus on work or studies, among other symptoms. Acupuncture has shown large improvements in patients suffering from anxiety and PTSD, as it calms the nervous system through specific acupoints. If you’re experiencing anxiety or PTSD, or any related symptoms, get in touch with our specialists. They’ll assess your condition and determine whether acupuncture is a viable treatment.

Insomnia

If you’re having difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, you may have insomnia. This is usually an indicator of other underlying conditions, such as stress, anxiety, or menopause. If you have insomnia, our specialists can help you sleep better through acupuncture. It is also advised that you deal with the condition causing sleep deprivation. Therefore, if you’re suffering from stress, PTSD, anxiety, or other conditions, you should seek treatment from acupuncturists in Toronto.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the fibrous tissue. It’s characterized by widespread pain in the muscles and connective tissue, including tendons and ligaments, and fatigue. It’s one of the most uncomfortable conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. Through acupuncture, Push Pounds Sports Medicine specialists can help alleviate the pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, providing comfort and a sense of overall well-being.

Headaches and Migraines

Headaches can result from tension, dental problems, sinusitis, stress, arthritis, head injuries, as well as several other causes. Migraines are a severe type of headaches characterized by devastating pain, visual flashes, and nausea. Migraines, and other forms of headaches, can interfere with your life and normal functioning, especially when they keep occurring. Headaches are notoriously challenging to treat, and although most people turn to painkillers, they only get temporary relief. However, through acupuncture, our specialists can target specific acupoints and help alleviate the intensity and frequency of headaches, and in some cases, treat them.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), otherwise known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), is a condition characterized by intense fatigue, exhaustion, pain, sleep abnormalities, neurological problems, and reduced stamina, among other symptoms. These symptoms do not go away even after considerable rest, and they get worse with exertion. Through acupuncture, our specialists in Toronto can help people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Acupuncture FAQs

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, acupuncture does not hurt. During treatment, most patients experience a brief sensation at the needle insertion site, after which the needle cannot be felt. This is because the needles are hair-thin and sturdy. According to most patients, the treatment is very relaxing. However, improper insertion of acupuncture needles can result in pain. This is why it’s advisable to seek treatment from a trained, certified, and experienced acupuncturist, such as the specialists at Push Pounds Sports Medicine.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

The frequency and the total number of acupuncture treatments required vary from person to person, depending on the condition they’re looking to treat and its severity. In some cases, patients experience significant improvement with their first treatment. For chronic conditions, such as arthritis, one or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. To find out the frequency and the number of treatments you’ll need, contact our specialists for a consultation. They’ll assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan that suits your needs.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture targets various systems, including the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system, through specific anatomic points called acupuncture points or acupoints. It stimulates the targeted system triggering a natural self-healing process, which results in reduced pain, improved mood, better sleep, enhanced overall well-being, and a better functioning system.

How long does each acupuncture treatment take?

Generally, acupuncture treatments take between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how long the needles are left in place after insertion. The initial session may take more than 1 hour, including a discussion of your symptoms, a thorough examination, and the actual treatment.

How deep do acupuncture needles go in?

Acupuncture needles are typically inserted ¼ inch to 1 inch beneath the skin. The depth varies based on the patient’s size and condition being treated.