Acupuncture, a 2500 year old Traditional Chinese Medicine technique, stimulates meridians (energy channels) by placing fine needles along the skin’s surface. Acupuncture centres on Qi, a vital force that flows through the body, between skin surfaces and internal organs. Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical harmony of the body by keeping yin (negative) and yang (positive) balanced. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles or the application of heat or electrical stimulation at acupuncture points to encourage the body to heal itself and to improve functioning. These acupuncture points are located along channels of energy, called meridians, which run in regular patterns through the body.Acupuncture restores health by removing energy imbalances from the body. It is known to assist with breathing difficulties, migraines, arthritis, chronic or acute pain, musculoskeletal disorders, substance abuse, asthma, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, chronic fatigue syndrome and more. We now also provides three month acupuncture programs for weight loss and smoking session. Our weight loss program consists of acupuncture treatments coupled with nutrition education to sustain a healthy body weight. Acupuncture is also used for detoxification of the body using the principles of (TCM). Traditional Chinese Medicine uses your body’s natural ability to heal itself in order to bring the body and mind into balance. Other symptoms/conditions acupuncture treats include:

• back pain & foot pain & headache
• Acne ( face & body)
• Allergies
• Diabetic syndrome
• Overweight
• Sciatica
• Tendinitis
• insomnia
• Stress & anxiety & depression
• menstrual issues
• sports injuries
• arthritis
• headaches
• gastrointestinal concerns, and much more

No, Acupuncture does not hurt. It is normal when a patient sometimes feels heaviness, aching or tingling around the site of the needle insertion. The Acupuncture needles used are very fine and thin, and are unlikely to cause any discomfort. In general, most patients describe acupuncture as very relaxing.

Once the needles are inserted, they are left in place for around 30 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition. During this time, the patient should remain still, relaxed and in a comfortable position.

The number of treatments you’ll need is very individualized. It differs from person to person. For acute problems, often a few treatments may be sufficient.  However, for complex or chronic problems, frequent visits over the course of months may be necessary.

Yes. The majority of Canadian workers have partial or full coverage for Acupuncture services in their workplace health care plans. OHIP does not cover these services. The Acupuncture patient is provided with a detailed itemized receipt listing the services provided, the credentials of the treating Acupuncture Provider, as well as payment details for reimbursement.

Evidence points to using acupuncture for a broad range of illnesses, to mitigate pain and to treat health conditions, including the following:

• Migraine and headache pain
• Rheumatological conditions like lower back pain, osteoarthritis and tennis elbow pain.
• Allergies and allergic rhinitis
• Cancer related conditions in conjunction with traditional treatment for nausea and fatigue
• Post-operative nausea and vomiting
• Rehabilitation after a stroke
• Menstrual cramps
• Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes
• Carpal tunnel syndrome where pressure on a wrist nerve results in numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand
• Asthma, an inflammatory condition in the tubes carrying air to the lungs which causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties

The practice of massage therapy involves the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of physical dysfunction and pain. A variety of techniques are used to attain these goals such as, the manipulation of soft tissues muscles, tendons and ligaments, mobilization of joints, local and systemic circulation increase, lymphatic drainage, and stretching and strengthening programs. Although massage therapy can be helpful in dealing with an isolated problem, it is most effective when used as part of an ongoing health maintenance program. Regular massage treatments help maintain overall good tissue health by dealing with existing problems and preventing new ones from forming.

Western Swedish Massage is most popular first-time massage. The technique was pioneered in 1812 by Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling. Light pressure is applied to relax soft body tissue, improve circulation and enhance range of motion. Massage motions include a system of long graceful strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and vibration on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. Swedish Massage is regularly recommended by physicians to assist with insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Trigger Point release is also known as Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy. Pioneered in the 1940s by Dr. Janet Travell, the technique alleviates pain by applying pressure to tender muscle tissue. Trigger points are positioned in hypersensitive clusters of muscle fiber. Trigger points also cause referred pain to neighbouring tissues. Therapists target these specific points to relieve sensitivity. Massage motions include trigger point compression which diminishes inflammation, tension, stiffness, and pain while increasing motion range, flexibility and circulation.

Deep Muscle Massage is a variation of Swedish Massage but with greater pressure. The technique focuses on deep layers of muscle tissue and fascia, also known as connective tissue. Deep Muscle Massage releases chronic patterns of muscle tension and knots, also referred to as adhesions. Stressed muscles prevent oxygen and nutrient flow, causing toxin buildup in muscle tissues. Deep muscle massage loosens the muscle tissues, releases toxin buildup and breaks down scar tissue allowing oxygen and nutrients to circulate properly again.

Warm basalt stones are applied to specific regions of the body for a relaxing and comforting massage. Direct heat relaxes muscle tissues and allows for manipulation during deep massage. The heat expands blood vessels, pushing blood and waste through the nervous system. The stones are believed to join the body’s flow of energy to reunite the body, mind and spirit as one. Hot Stone Massage is prescribed to heal: muscle aches, pains, strains, poor circulation, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression and fibromyalgia.

Shiatsu, meaning finger-pressure is an Eastern-based massage which treats particular points along meridians (energy channels) and restores the body’s flow of energy. Shiatsu techniques release blocked energy along meridians which may be causing physical discomfort. There are two energy forces (Yin and Yang) and five elements that direct through the meridians and internal organs. Massage motions include pressure applied by fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet. Shiatsu is known to ease muscles cramps, headaches, chronic pain and digestive problems. It stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic flow and is also believed to improve resistance to disease.