During an acupuncture session very fine, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are inserted into precise points on the body in order to re-direct the vital energy to maintain or restore balance. These points are located along energy channels of the body called meridians that run throughout the body. The combination of points selected is determined based on the patient’s condition and has an effect on the presenting symptom as well as the underlying body imbalance, with the goal being to bring the body back into balance.
How Can Acupuncture Help You?
Common Conditions treated by Silvia Vidas, Dr. TCM, Reg. Acupuncturist:
- Acute and chronic pain conditions: including back pain, sciatica, neck pain, jaw pain (TMJ), frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, joint pain
- Stress & anxiety
- Depression
- Gynecological: PMS, irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, hormone balancing
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Insomnia
- Sinusitis
- Headaches/migraines
- Immune system support
- Disease Prevention: acupuncture is very effective to enhance and maintain overall health in the absence of disease
Acupuncture can result in many non-specific effects including improved sense of wellbeing, relaxation and energy level.
The following techniques may be included in your acupuncture session:
Ear Acupuncture & ear seeds
There are over 200 acupuncture points located on the ear. Ear acupuncture involves placing acupuncture needles on these points to regulate internal organs and their functions. Ear acupuncture is used for many conditions including addiction treatment, anxiety, depression, pain, sleep difficulties, weight loss and other conditions. Ear acupuncture is often incorporated into the regular acupuncture treatment to enhance the overall treatment. Ear seeds may also be used to stimulate points for a longer time. Ear seeds are placed on specific acupoints on the ear and they are held in place with a small piece of adhesive tape. Ear seeds may be left in the ear for a few days to over a week.
Cupping
Cupping can be thought of as a reverse massage. Instead of applying pressure, the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the affected area. Cups can stay in one place over specific acupuncture points or an area of discomfort, or a sliding technique may be used with massage oil to move the cup around the back. The suction & negative pressure provided by cupping loosens muscles, encourages blood flow and sedates (relaxes) the nervous system. Cupping can help treat pain, muscle knots and to relieve tension. Cupping can also help to stimulate detoxification, help alleviate coughs, common colds and improve overall circulation. Cupping can sometimes result in temporary bruising which is associated with improved blood flow to the area and naturally dissipates within a few days. In this clinic plastic cups are used that make it possible to control the amount of suction by using a hand pump.
Gua sha
Gua sha is a massage technique that may be included in the acupuncture treatment. Gua sha involves lubricating the skin with massage oil and using a smooth edged instrument that is applied in short or long strokes along the area in question. Most common areas of treatment include the back, neck, shoulders & limbs. Gua sha is used to relieve pain and muscle tension. According to TCM, pain is often caused by stagnation of blood in the local are of discomfort. Gua sha can break up the stagnation to promote the smooth flow of qi & blood to the area therefore relieving pain. Gua sha can also be useful for common colds, fever reduction, and to detoxify the body. Like cupping, Gua sha may cause temporary redness or bruising on the skin that usually resolves in a few days.
Additional Treatments offered:
While Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture/acupressure) is at the core of Silvia’s services and is extremely effective, additional forms of Energetic/Intentional medicine may be introduced to accelerate and facilitate healing. For those who are interested, modalities may include and are not limited to the following:
- Neurolink/Neurological Integration System (NIS)
- Total Body Modification (TBM)
- Psych-K®
- Matrix Energetics®
- Reconnective Healing
- Celluma® LED Light Therapy
Silvia would be happy to discuss these options further with you.