Contemporary Acupuncture takes an ancient therapy and re-defines its mechanisms and effects using present-day scientific understanding of human physiology. At first glance, Contemporary Acupuncture may look strikingly similar to traditional Chinese acupuncture. Small thin needles are inserted into various points in the body, including hands, feet and scalp (with or without electrical stimulation) and left in place for a period of time before removal.
However, considerable differences exist between Contemporary Acupuncture theory and the traditional Chinese approach. In contemporary acupuncture, your practitioner (physician, physiotherapist, chiropractor etc.) treats you only after a conventional medical/neuro-functional diagnosis has been made. The practitioner will use acupuncture as a treatment modality along with other therapeutic approaches, as needed. The contemporary acupuncture practitioner applies treatment following a conventional (scientific) view and regards the acupuncture as having certain local tissue effects as well as providing segmental analgesia, extra-segmental analgesia, as well as central regulatory effects on the nervous system.
Contemporary acupuncture is very safe and serious side-effects are very rare. The process aims to be painless and the comfort of our patients is our highest priority. The needles that acupuncture use are single use, sterile, disposable and many are no thicker then a human hair.
The World Health Organization has created an exhaustive list of syndromes that acupuncture has been documented to help. Among these syndromes include neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries, sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuritis and facial pain. How acupuncture works:
- Acupuncture helps to reduce pain locally where the needles are inserted and throughout the body.
- Acupuncture has a calming effect and produces well-being.
- Acupuncture inactivates myofascial trigger points.
- Acupuncture has effects on the brain.
- The effects of acupuncture accumulate when repeated.
For more information on Contemporary Acupuncture visit the Canadian Contemporary Acupuncture Association website at www.contemporaryacupuncture.ca.