Clinical Acupuncture

The word acupuncture literally means to puncture with a needle.

Acupuncture originated many centuries ago in China. In Canada, there are two approaches to acupuncture. Those rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Contemporary Acupuncture (or Western Acupuncture). Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, metal needles into specific points of the body. These specific points are either acupuncture points rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine on specific meridians, or into muscle trigger points to relieve pain and tension, as in the case of dry needling. Once inserted, the needles are stimulated either by movement or by an electronic pulse device (electroacupuncture). Currently at Action Potential Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic, only manual movement of the needles is utilized.

Various studies have determined that acupuncture may elicit a neurohormonal response which in turn decreases pain and inflammation in the body. Some people may feel a heaviness, like a muscle ache, when the needles are causing stimulation, but the patient should not feel pain.  Everyone responds differently to treatment.

Acupuncture at Action Potential Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic is performed by a chiropractor utilizing acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy and is regulated by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario. They are not acupuncturists  nor are they regulated by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners or Acupuncturists. Acupuncture is utilized as an adjunct therapy to treat conditions that fall within the Chiropractic Scope of Practice only. If you have any questions as to whether or not acupuncture would be appropriate for your condition, or whether  your condition falls within the Chiropractic Scope of Practice, please do not hesitate to ask our practitioners.

Cupping

Cupping is utilized as an adjunctive therapy, and involves the suction of the skin and surface layer of muscle to be drawn and stretched into a cup. This increases circulation to the area being treated. Following treatment, some individuals may have red/purple marks where the cups were located. These marks may last up to approximately 10-14 days.