Acupuncture at Pacific Physiotherapy in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton

Traditional Chinese Medicine serves as the foundation for modern acupuncture therapy practice. It has been used successfully for millennia, but it has received widespread acceptance in recent years.

In acupuncture, it is believed that everyone has an energy flow that has to be balanced properly – QI. When a person’s “QI” becomes stagnant due to illness or stress, acupuncture can help restore the flow of that energy and regulate it by inserting thin, single-use needles through the skin at certain points.

QI and Meridians in Acupuncture

QI stands for vital life force. On the other hand, in China, it is believed that everything in the universe is composed of, and held together by, a force known as ‘QI’ or ‘CHI’. There are various concepts related to QI in acupuncture –

Yuan QI: Inherited from parents and responsible for overall vitality
Wei QI: It protects the body against external pathogens
Ying QI: It circulates through the blood vessels, nourishing the organs and tissues
ZONG QI: Responsible for breathing and distributing QI throughout the body
GU QI: Obtained from food and digestion, providing energy for bodily functions.

In TCM, vital life force circulates through pathways called MERIDIANS. They’re like the circulatory system, except they’re not made of blood and tissue. There are 12 major meridians.

How is Acupuncture Therapy Done?

Acupuncture therapy involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. The acupuncturist carefully selects these points based on the individual’s condition. The needles are typically left in place for around 15 to 30 minutes. Stimulating these points is believed to restore the balance of energy flow in the body, promoting healing and relief from various conditions.

Acupuncture Therapy and Cancer

Reduced reliance on addictive pain medications for the treatment of chronic pain
Reduced sickness after medical procedures or chemotherapy
Benefits for coping with stress, sadness, and worry
Enhanced hunger
Reduced weary feeling after chemo and ray therapy
Reduced pain and other symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

At Pacific Physiotherapy Clinic in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton, our acupuncture therapists assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of health conditions, such as –

Pain management (e.g., chronic pain, migraines, arthritis)
Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back pain, neck pain, and joint pain)
Digestive issues (e.g., indigestion, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome)
Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, allergies, sinusitis)
Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, stroke rehabilitation)
Emotional and mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress)
Women’s health (e.g., menstrual irregularities, fertility support)
Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea)
Immune system support
Post-operative recovery and rehabilitation.

Before proceeding with acupuncture therapy, choose a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. Ensure the use of sterile, disposable needles. Inform the acupuncturist about your medical history, medications, and any existing conditions.

At Pacific Physiotherapy Clinic in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton, we take each measure to confirm patient safety.

If you wonder if acupuncture could help you, call Pacific Physiotherapy for a thorough assessment today!

FAQs Acupuncture

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat chronic pain (like back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis), migraines, and headaches. It is also used to help with anxiety, stress, insomnia, and some digestive disorders.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture treatments insert thin needles into specific points to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. The stimulation boosts natural painkillers and increases blood flow, promoting relaxation and speeding healing.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe when patients are assessed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Few side effects are usually minor, including soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising. Serious complications are rare.