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Acupuncture &
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is a common therapeutic intervention derived from traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common therapeutic intervention derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Treatment involves the use of small, sterile, non-reusable needles placed on precise locations on the body to stimulate a healing response.

Acupuncture is often used as part of a more comprehensive program or for acute or chronic conditions. All of our naturopathic doctors have completed hundreds of hours of training in acupuncture as part of their naturopathic medicine degrees.

Acupuncture dolls marked with meridian lines and points.

Above, a statue is marked with the energetically sensitive points and lines, called meridians, that are stimulated by various means to provoke a healing response.

Acupuncture is a common therapeutic intervention derived from traditional Chinese medicine.

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture vs. Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture

This form of acupuncture takes the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach and modifies it to be contextualized towards a modern paradigm of physiological knowledge. At first glance this form of acupuncture looks similar to TCM acupuncture, as they both require the placement of small, thin needles into specific points along determined meridians for an extended period of time.

In contemporary medical acupuncture, treatment is rendered after a medical/neuro-functional diagnosis has been made and the practitioner will often use acupuncture in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as soft tissue therapy, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization or manipulation, and rehabilitation protocols.

The points used are chosen in relation to the joints, muscles, nerves or ligaments, which correspond to the diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the presenting symptoms, medical history and physical examination findings.

At our clinic, this form of acupuncture is provided by our chiropractor, Dr. Livia Chiarelli and can be billed separately under the acupuncture account with most extended health plans.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which include naturopathic doctors, utilize acupuncture as a treatment after a TCM diagnosis has been made. A TCM diagnosis is made through observed symptom patterns in the body as well as objective physical findings. The acupuncture points are selected in an attempt to moderate the movement of the body’s qi (chi). Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, unlike medical acupuncture, can be used to treat infertility, overdue pregnancies, smoking cessation, digestive concerns, anxiety, etc'

At our clinic this form of acupuncture is provided by Drs. Meghan Walker ND, Erin Wiley ND, and Marc Bubbs ND, and can be billed under naturopathic medicine with most extended health plans.

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Cupping

Particularly effective for addressing muscle or chest congestion, cupping involves the use of glass or plastic cups that are placed on the body to help increase circulation.

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Auricular Medicine

Auricular medicine is a diagnostic and treatment system in which energetically sensitive points are detected on the ear through the use of pressure or electrical stimulation. These points are used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions through manual stimulation or with treatment using an acupuncture needle.

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Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Facial rejuvenation is the effect one receives when acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used on the body and the face. "Facial rejuvenation acupuncture" is also known as "cosmetic acupuncture", "acupuncture facial rejuvenation", or an "acupuncture facelift". It is effective in treating loose sagging skin, wrinkles, scars, oily acne skin and dark circles under the eyes. It provides an alternative to Botox or surgery, enhances one's appearance and additionally addresses your overall well-being.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture helps to improve muscle tone and dermal contraction especially in the face and neck. Additionally, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has been shown to increase collagen production, which aids in helping to firm the skin and fill out wrinkles. While the results may not be perceived as quickly as with one day of surgery, the effects can be long-lasting and without side-effects.

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Last Modified 22 November, 2011 10:41 PM