Toronto Naturopathic Acupuncture Services
Is chronic pain or fatigue holding you back from fully enjoying life?
Have the stresses of everyday life become too much to bear?
Are you dealing with anxiety, high or low blood pressure, fibromyalgia, allergies, or a difficult pregnancy?
If so, these are just some of the ailments for which acupuncture can help.
If you’ve never experienced acupuncture before, you may be worried about the process, and have some misconceptions about it.
Read on to find out more about acupuncture, and whether it’s right for you.
Or, book your FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Sheila.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
This is one of the first questions people often have when they hear about acupuncture. It’s a natural assumption, since most people don’t enjoy hypodermic needles.
However, acupuncture needles don’t pierce all the way through your skin like a hypodermic needle does. It just goes deep enough to remain in place.
Most people who experience acupuncture report no pain at all. Those that do comment on a minor dull ache.
In general, though, acupuncture isn’t considered painful.
Is Acupuncture Scientific?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods of healing still in use today. And because its basis is on energy flow, some wonder if it’s based on modern scientific medicine.
However, there have been many studies that prove acupuncture’s effectiveness beyond a placebo.
In particular, studies show its effectiveness as a treatment for chronic pain, headaches, to ease the side effects of cancer treatment, nausea, and much more.
Research is still ongoing into other areas of acupuncture’s effectiveness as well.
How Do They Test Whether Acupuncture Works?
Each clinical trial is different, but often what they do is split their trial into three groups.
The first group will have no acupuncture. The second will have acupuncture done. The third will also have acupuncture done, but incorrectly.
This is called sham acupuncture. From there, researchers will measure the differences in each group.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, absolutely, so long as the individual performing your acupuncture treatment is properly trained.
There are occasional side effects from an acupuncture treatment, but they tend to be limited to minor bleeding, bruising, or soreness.
In general, acupuncture is considered a safe treatment.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
There are a number of different health issues acupuncture can help with.
Here are just a few of them.
Acupuncture Treatments For Stress
Recipients of acupuncture treatment often describe the experience as relaxing. This in itself may serve as a form of stress relief. However, there’s more to it than that.
A 2014 study by Wang Et. Al . found acupuncture can help regulate one’s heart rate. Your heart often beats at a faster rate when in an anxious state.
Acupuncture also helps improve the flow of energy in the body. This can have an energizing effect, leaving you better able to handle your life stress.
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America itself supports the use of acupuncture, stating that the evidence for its benefit is “growing stronger ”.
As a registered nurse, Dr. Sheila is well versed in the anxiety and burnout that can come as a result of a highly stressful work environment. And as a naturopathic doctor, she’s convinced of acupuncture’s benefit as a treatment for these issues. To find out more about how acupuncture can help you with your stress and anxiety concerns, call now to book your FREE 15-minute consultation.
Acupuncture Treatments For Fibromyalgia And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fibromyalgia can be a particularly frustrating disorder, since it often comes with chronic, debilitating pain. However, acupuncture may offer a solution.
Because acupuncture has been shown to help with chronic pain, patients with fibromyalgia often describe a sense of relief after an acupuncture treatment.
The same is true for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is generally understood as a disease of old age, rheumatoid arthritis can strike as young as your 30’s.
Acupuncture seems to be effective in improving the quality of life for those who deal with this disorder.
So if you’re struggling with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, consider acupuncture. The scientific research shows it may be effective.
Acupuncture Treatment For Headaches
Because acupuncture has been shown to be effective for chronic pain, it can also be effective for certain types of headaches.
In particular, those who suffer from tension, cluster, and migraine headaches can often experience relief.
The course of treatment varies from person to person. However, it’s worth considering acupuncture for headache relief.
Acupuncture Treatment For Other Disorders
Research is ongoing into the different aspects of acupuncture treatment.
Research has shown acupuncture to be effective as treatment for a number of other disorders as well, including:
- Sleep problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Weight loss
- Drug addiction
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Low and high blood pressure
- Peptic ulcer
- Menstrual irregularities
- Dysentery
- Allergies
- Tourette syndrome
- Whooping cough
- Sciatica
- Dental pain
- Tennis elbow
If you’re struggling with any of the disorders you see above, acupuncture may be just the treatment you need to start feeling better.
Contact Dr. Sheila today to find out more.
Can acupuncture help you find relief?
As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Sheila has been trained in the safe use of acupuncture for a variety of ailments.
But if you’re nervous, it’s understandable. Acupuncture isn’t as scary as it looks, but it can be scary for some.
That’s why Dr. Sheila offers a FREE 15-minute introductory session to all first-time patients.
During that session, you’ll get a chance to talk with Dr. Sheila one on one, in the informal, relaxed environment of her Yorkville office.
You’ll be able to ask all the questions you have about the process, and Dr. Sheila will answer them for you. She’ll allay your concerns, and give you the information you need to understand whether acupuncture is right for you.
Contact Dr. Sheila to book your appointment today.