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Edmonton Acupuncture Center
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Acupuncture and Insomnia

If you have insomnia, you know how debilitating it can be. When you are not getting enough sleep, you are not able to function properly. It will affect your ability to work, your relationships, and your sense of wellbeing. Lack of sleep can also cause you to gain or lose weight, affecting your physical health.

You can take sleeping pills for insomnia, but this is not a healthy option. Many people find that the following results occur when they take sleeping pills:

  • The pills are ineffective, or only work some of the time.
  • They find that they are unable to get to sleep without the pill's assistance, resulting in dependence on the pill.
  • They experience problems with drowsiness for several hours in the morning because of the pill's effects.

There are many more side effects that are the result of sleeping pills, and it is generally agreed that it is healthier to not take them.

How can acupuncture help?

  • Acupuncture is able to boost melatonin levels in the body, causing an increased sense of wellbeing (and the ability to sleep). Frequently in cases of insomnia, it's a case of the chicken and the egg - do you feel anxious and depressed because you are not sleeping, or are you not sleeping because you are depressed and anxious? At the end of the day, it doesn't matter - removing anxiety and depression is the main thing.
  • Acupuncture helps with chronic pain, so if it is a physical condition that is causing you to toss and turn, acupuncture can help.
  • There have been several studies that show that acupuncture helps with sleep time and quality. Acupuncture is about holistic healing and a balanced nervous system. Many sleeping disorders result from mental and physical health disturbances that might not seem important or which are not noticeable. Because of the holistic mental and physical health benefits, acupuncture is a very effective cure for insomnia.

    Call us today for an appointment and get a good night's sleep!

    Your First Visit to the Acupuncturist: What Should You Expect?

    As a first-time patient, you might be a little nervous. After all, most people have a healthy suspicion of needles, and you are about to encounter more than one! However, you know that acupuncture is a trusted and effective type of medical treatment, and you've committed yourself to trying it out.

    Here is some advice to help you relax and get the most out of your first session.

    Clothing

    Wear loose clothing with undergarments underneath. This will ensure that you are able to remain partially clothed while our acupuncturists treat or examine you. Clothing that is too tight will restrict body movement and make you uncomfortable during the process.

    Physical Touch

    Be prepared to be touched. Unlike most Western style medicine, acupuncturists rely on feeling the body and taking your pulse to obtain information about your health and well-being. He or she may also check out your tongue, and the color of your face.

    Pain?

    You may be afraid of pain when the needles enter. At most, you will feel an aching sensation, or a feeling similar to a small hair being plucked. Acupuncture is not painful, and you may find the process quite soothing once you have adapted to the process. Once the needles have been inserted, you are usually left alone for 20-30 minutes. This part of the process is rather pleasant. You can take a nap or just meditate.

    I like to have a cup of tea before my session. This allows my body to warm up and relax, and puts me into a soothed mood that is conducive to healing. (Don't drink too much though, or you'll have to visit the bathroom while you have needles in you!) I also try to avoid anything tense or stressful before and after a session, as this allows me to keep the mood and mental benefits of healing the process.

    Acupuncture and Menopause

    Menopause happens when a woman's body stops releasing eggs (as happens during a woman's regular monthly cycle), and the transition can take anywhere from several months to a few years. As you stop producing the same levels of estrogen, your body goes through significant changes and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Such signs as hot flashes, fatigue, memory loss, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, joint pain and headaches are common.

    One possible treatment course for menopause involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which generally begins when the patient first reports symptoms. The purpose of HRT is to keep the body from developing osteoporosis or to keep hot flashes from happening as frequently, but it also increases the possibility of cancer in the ovaries, uterus or breasts and can also have other side effects. However, HRT is not the only available solution. Acupuncture can also take care of many of these symptoms without bringing chemical changes to the body.

    Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine, which does not view menopause as a distinct condition. Instead, Chinese medicine focuses on treating an individual's particular symptoms. Because different menopause sufferers develop different symptoms, practitioners do not recommend one course for all people who have menopause.

    The purpose of acupuncture is to treat the physical and emotional effects of menopause as they occur all over the body. The treatment involves inserting tiny needles into different places in the body, from the shoulders and arms all the way down to the toes, depending on the specific symptoms. This insertion does not cause pain or discomfort, as the needles are quite thin.

    Generally, acupuncture treatments last between five minutes and half an hour, and patients generally get one or two treatments weekly. Some patients see their symptoms go away after the initial treatment, while others require a course of multiple sessions.

    Many menopause sufferers have experienced significant relief after menopause. For more information, contact the Acupuncture Care Holistic Centre in Edmonton today.

    How Acupuncture Can Improve Fertility

    When used in combination with Western fertility treatments, acupuncture increases conception rates by 26%, according to a recent study completed at Tel Aviv University. For the increasing number of Canadian couples struggling with infertility, acupuncture treatments such as those performed at Acupuncture Care Holistic Center may be very beneficial. Here's a quick look at how acupuncture can improve fertility.

    A number of studies have shown that stress can affect ovulation by changing signals sent to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates many of the hormones that trigger ovulation each month, and altering pituitary balance. Not only can acupuncture effectively reduce stress levels, but it can also balance chemicals in the endocrine system and enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs.

    In addition, the improved energy and blood flow, along with the chemical balance that acupuncture produces, enhances the body's own innate healing abilities, as well as their emotional and physical well-being. It can also help calm the nervous system down.

    A traditional Chinese medical practice, acupuncture involves placing thin, stainless steel needles along certain parts of the body that are known as channels of energy. The needle placement determines what changes occur in the body, including an increase in chemicals that are crucial for fertility, such as progesterone, and enhancing flood flow to the pelvic area, which improves the odds of a fertilized egg implanting.

    When a woman is going though fertility treatments, she often experiences fatigue, moodiness, and nausea, which can inadvertently make it more difficult for her to carry an egg to term. Undergoing acupuncture can drastically, if not completely, eliminate these side effects, which improves the chances of a happy outcome.

    In women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acupuncture has been shown to help improve and regulate the ovulation cycle. This makes getting pregnant considerably less difficult.

    When choosing an acupuncturist it is important to understand that not all practitioners are trained specifically in infertility. At Acupuncture Care Holistic Center, we are experienced in this field and have a long standing reputation for providing high quality services.

    Acupuncture and Anxiety: Why Treating the Body Can Help Treat the Mind

    Today's world is filled with many points of worry and stress. Anxiety affects us all on one way or another, and medication does not always work for everybody. Medication can even have side effects worse than the anxiety it is trying to cure! Since our bodies are often already equipped with what we need to heal ourselves, acupuncture and other forms of holistic medicine focus on what is already housed within your body in order to help your body and mind heal together. Our energy and our nervous system span throughout our bodies, interconnected with the anxiety symptoms we experience. Acupuncture uses these connections of the body to treat the symptoms of the mind.

    Anxiety's Effect on the Body

    Anxiety does not just live in the mind - their power extends past the mind into the entire body. Heightened levels of anxiety are directly linked to:

    • Skin breakouts
    • Weight Gain
    • Increase or Decrease in Appetite
    • Weakened immune system
    • Issues with digestion

    Since the reasons for anxiety differ from person to person, holistic medicine including acupuncture can be uniquely tailored to your needs. Whether through the precise needle technique of acupuncture, warming moxibustion treatment, or cupping therapy to increase blood flow around energy points of the body, holistic medicine can tease out the root of where your anxiety is occurring and wreaking the most havoc on your body.

    The troubles heaped on to an already weary mind by a body in pain can only increase the severity of your anxiety. By treating the anxiety symptoms occurring in your body, you can only help the well-being of your mind and speed your way to recovery and back to a place of mental and physical balance.


    Conditions That Acupuncture Can Treat

    Acupuncture is an ancient practice that is known to offer many benefits ranging from pain relief to mental stability. Those who have gotten treatments swear by its effectiveness, and more and more people are beginning to embrace its powers. Although many are aware of the benefits, few are aware of which conditions that acupuncture can treat. Just a few of the most well-known ones are:

    Asthma

    This widespread breathing condition affects millions of people across the world. An inflammatory disease of the airways, those who have it usually have difficulties breathing and attacks can be terrifying and even life-threatening. Regular treatments of acupuncture have been shown to sooth some of the symptoms by releasing endorphins and helping your body function better. Many have seen improvement in breathing after receiving a treatment.

    Gastritis

    Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and is marked by moderate to severe pain when it acts up. Episodes vary in length depending on severity. The abdominal pain is nearly unbearable for some people. It is not uncommon to have bleeding, ulcers, or other severe tumors as a results. Acupuncture can help reduce stress, ease pain, and improve digestive function, in turn easing the symptoms of this condition.

    Depression

    One of societies harshest, most-misunderstood conditions, depression officially affects millions across the world, and millions more who are unaware or too afraid to say so. The way that you can help ease depression using acupuncture is by getting your energy back to balanced. On top of that, it will help make you more relaxed, reduce stress, and make your body function better. After a few treatments, many have reported their symptoms going away.

    Our holistic medicine center specializes in helping people be healthier and happier. Many of our treatments can help reduce stress, balance your energy, and treat certain issues that plague us. These are just a few of the conditions that acupuncture treats. For more information, visit our blog and find out how it can help you.


    Acupuncture and how it's related to fertility and well-maintained menstrual cycle

    If you are a woman with some health complaints, a combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help get you ready for conception by optimizing your health. Because your menstrual cycle is supposed to go through stages, there is a need to relieve stress, balance the working of your body and do everything else that's needed to prepare your body for conception.

    Acupuncture simply prepares your body for a very important task -- that of raising a human being! If you are a woman with a specific health problem, a focused treatment can be used to reverse the problem. Nevertheless, acupuncture and Chinese medicine may still be used as primary treatment methods.

    Where to start

    You will only conceive when your menstrual cycle is healthy. Your hormones must be well-balanced, with evidence being the regular 28-30 days cycle, painless ovulation, good quality mucus, and painless period/bleeding which is characterized by not so heavy or scanty bleeding. The bleeding must also resolve naturally in 3-5 days.

    If these conditions are not met, then getting pregnant will be a challenge, especially after 30 years of age. That's when you may need to seek acupuncture treatment to solve the issue and make you pregnant as fast as possible. For more information about acupuncture and infertility, contact the Edmonton Acupuncture Care Holistic Center today.


    How acupuncture treats reproductive issues like infertility

    Is acupuncture effective in treating infertility? The short resounding answer to this question is Yes, it can be! But how?

    Some statistics depict that 1 in every 5 couples who are over the age of 30 will experience some difficulty when trying to conceive. Many of these couples end up turning to acupuncture and Chinese medicine for a safe, natural and effective treatment.

    Chinese medicine has a long history involved with enhancing fertility in both men and women. In fact, acupuncture and herbal medicine has been documented with evidence to suggest that they are effective in reversing infertility problems, and these records date back to 3 AD.

    Fast-forward to the modern times: the Chinese practitioner has over 2000 years of refined knowledge to treat issues involving all aspects of people's reproductive health.

    Today, modern studies are also catching up, and they are suggesting that indeed acupuncture can substantially increase the likelihood of couples getting a baby. The most recent studies suggest that the following things may happen when people seek acupuncture services:

    In women

    - Improved blood supply to the uterus as well as the ovaries

    - The health of the ovaries is improved

    - It increases the thickness of the uterus lining, thus increasing chances of implantation

    - It regulates the hormones that are responsible for implantation and follicle development

    In men

    In men, acupuncture will improve sperm mobility and also eliminate the presence of unhealthy sperm.

    In IVF treatments

    Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the deadly side effects of IVF/IUI treatments. It also improves the quality of semen in men, thus reproduction is able to take place faster.

    If you are having problems with fertility or your reproductive system, acupuncture can help. Contact the Edmonton Acupuncture Care Holistic Center today and find out how we can help.


    Studies Show that Acupuncture Can Treat Asthma

    Asthma is a respiratory problem that affects millions of people around the world. Not only can it make breathing difficult at times, it can take away from your life experience because you won't be able to participate in a lot of activities that could trigger attacks. Needless to say that anything that helps reduce the symptoms of this condition is a big help, and luckily studies show that acupuncture can help treat asthma.

    What are some symptoms of asthma?

    In general, people who have this condition are going to have a few common symptoms such as tightness in the chest, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. Genes can play a factor in having it, as well as the environment that you are brought up in if it highly polluted or people around you smoke.

    How does acupuncture help?

    The key to this ancient Chinese practice is that when pressure is applied to certain points on the body it causes your brain to release endorphins, which in turn can improve your body's function and help to relieve pain. The endorphins released by our treatments will bring on a calming effect that will help your breathing. When the pain is relieved and your body is calmer, it can help you breathe more smoothly, calmly, and effectively so that you don't begin to wheeze or panic.

    Has it been tested?

    Yes. You don't have to take our word for it. Studies from medical institutions such as the University of Maryland have shown, at least in their preliminary stages, that acupuncture sessions are a great complimentary treatment for this condition. While they cannot be relied on to relieve symptoms or provide long term treatment, they can certainly help people who suffer to lead a better life.

    Nobody should have to live with a condition that makes it difficult to breathe, and trying to live your life every day with a condition like this can be very trying. That is why we offer treatments to help lessen the effects of your symptoms. Studies have shown that acupuncture can treat asthma, and if you come in to our holistic center then we can help make life easier for you.


    How Our Acupuncture Treatments Help Lower Back Pain

    The human back is responsible for carrying a lot of weight, sustaining a lot of pressure, and helping us keep good posture. This means that it is no surprise that lower back pain is a condition that affects nearly 80% of people throughout their lives. Some even have chronic pain that prevents them from living a normal life. According to most surveys, it is the number one reason that people seek out acupuncture treatment. When you come to our holistic center, you will be given the very best in treatment for your ailments. Here is a quick overview of how our acupuncture treatments help lower back pain.

    First, we apply pressure to certain trigger points

    Stimulating the points on your back that control your flow of energy is the key to relieving this painful condition. Doing so will correct the imbalance currently in your body, and help the energy to flow better. This in turn relieves pain, and makes for a more stable state of mind.

    What makes the pain go away?

    There are several different things that our acupuncture treatments can do for your lower back pain. The most commonly accepted explanations are:

    • The extra pressure releases endorphins. The improved flow of energy means that they can reach the different points of your body much more easily.

    • The improved flow of energy, and relaxed feeling that acupuncture brings on helps release more natural chemicals that dull pain called opioids. Not only does it make you feel less pain, but it helps you relax you by promoting sleep.

    • The extra pressure, and feeling of relief from pain make your brain release more hormones. This dampens the nerves, and makes you feel less pain.

    Are there any risks?

    The great thing about our treatments is they are all-natural and completely safe. Any kind of major side effects are almost unheard of. You won't feel anything but relief. We can make you feel relaxed, and pain-free, all without having to give you medication or anything non-natural.

    Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments on the planet, especially in Western nations where the bulk of people work while sitting in a chair all day. Everything from genetics to bad posture can help cause it. Our acupuncture treatments can help relieve lower back pain, and help you feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world.


    Surprising statistics about acupuncture

    Acupuncture is an ancient art form that dates back thousands of years, and has survived the test of time to still be one of the world's most popular forms of alternative medicine, and relaxation. Still, people persist in attempting to cast shadows upon the profession, and many do not think it is as popular as it really is these days. You'd be surprised to know that many people have tried it that you might think haven't, and that many more believe in its abilities. Here are some surprising statistics about acupuncture, and its popularity in today's world.

    Almost 20 million Americans have seen an acupuncturist

    Believe it or not, in a survey conducted in 2007, the NHIS found that nearly 20 million Americans, or roughly 6.5% of the population had reported using acupuncture, and of these, several million had done so in the previous year. Most reported seeking treatment for pain like arthritis, headaches, or chronic fibromyalgia. No doubt that this number has increased in the years since due to the proliferation of clinics and wider acceptance. People around the world have embraced alternative therapies and supportive medicine.

    3,000 U.S physicians have integrated acupuncture into their treatments

    Yes, you heard that right. 3,000 physicians use acupuncture now to help treat their patients in the USA. Many have incorporated it to help treat back pain. One author who is also an MD was quoted as saying "It is increasingly accepted as part of mainstream medicine." This is great news for those of us who have touted the benefits for decades. We are thankful for the recognition.

    200 hours

    In Canada, Chiropractors who practice acupuncture are required to receive no less than 200 hours of instruction in order to practice it in a clinic. This is true in the provinces that regulate the art. This means that you can rest assured that the person who is treating you is more than well-trained, they are an expert. It shows just how far acupuncture has come as a science.

    Treating pains with acupuncture has been a technique used around the world for millennia. In the modern world it is an alternative and supportive medical practice that helps millions of patients across many cultures and countries. These surprising statistics about acupuncture should prove that our form of medicine is not only accepted, but it is flourishing. If you want to join the ranks of people reaping the benefits of it, then contact us today to see how we can help with professional acupuncture services.


    3 Things You Might Not Know About Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is an ancient art that has remained with us to this very day. It is safe to say that most people have never had a treatment, and even those that have had one aren't really aware of much about the art. There are plenty of myths about it, and due its status as more of an alternative medicine, it can often be grossly misunderstood. So here are three things that you might not know about acupuncture.

    1) It isn't just for pain relief

    Most people typically think of acupuncture treatment as something that is all about pain relief. While it is certainly true that pain is one of the major reasons a person would pursue a treatment, it isn't the only one. Treatments have been shown to reduce everything from asthma to allergies, and even help with digestive problems. There are far more benefits to this ancient art than just getting rid of that annoying back pain that's been bothering you.

    2) It isn't just physical

    All of the physical benefits of getting acupuncture are great, but many people would be surprised to find out that it can also help your mind and spirit. Many patients come to get treatment as a way to reduce stress, and quell their anxiety. The day in and day out grind of the world of work can really put people on edge, so finding a safe and beneficial way to relieve those issues that weigh down our minds is wonderful for modern people. A full session can really leave a person feeling relaxed and stress-free.

    3) It's an ancient art

    Most people are aware that acupuncture comes from the Far East, and is a well-known art in Asian culture. However, most are not aware that it is thousands of years old. The oldest written documentation goes all the way back almost 2,500 years, and it is sure to have existed before being written down. Evidence has even been found that people were practicing primitive form of acupuncture thousands of years before that. Something that has lasted that long has to provide amazing benefits to our bodies and minds.

    Acupuncture is one of world's oldest and most widespread forms of healing. From its ancient beginnings in China, to the modern art that is across the entire globe, this form of treatment offers many benefits that a lot of people are not aware of. Besides pain relief, acupuncture has been shown to treat digestive problems, allergies, spiritual issues, and more. If you want to try it for yourself, then try the Edmonton Acupuncture Center experience, and see for yourself.


    Acupuncture and the Treatment of Endometriosis

    More than ever before, people today are searching for ways to manage their health on a more natural non-invasive level. Many recognize the benefits of alternative forms of healing and have experienced success in managing their pain.

    Women who suffer with endometriosis have found relief through acupuncture treatment sessions. Endometriosis occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus grow in other areas of the female body. Painful bowel movements, sciatica, frequent urination, backache, painful vomiting as well as abdominal swelling can all be symptoms of endometriosis.

    Endometriosis, if left untreated, could result in infertility. Some studies view endometriosis as an auto-immune disorder in the body. Acupuncture treatments can improve your immune system and liver function and stimulate the nervous system to release hormones. Acupuncture treatments also help increase energy and blood flow. This helps keep blood from stagnating in the body. This energy flow reduces pain, allowing the body to function normally.

    Acupuncture therapy consists of inserting, manipulating and retaining fine disposable sterile needles in certain points on the body to generate a response in the neurological, endocrine and immune systems. These treatments release endorphins and different healing chemicals in the body. The release of such chemicals can help assist in pain management. Many women experience a complete recovery or significant improvement in endometriosis.

    Acupuncture is increasingly being viewed as an effective treatment of pain related to endometriosis. Acupuncture's healing therapy improves the body's function to promote natural self-healing through needle insertion for better flow and stimulation. Most treatments are pain-free or produce just a mild discomfort as fine needles are placed. Sessions last between five to 30 minutes ending with the client feeling very relaxed.


    The Benefits Of Custom Orthotics

    A pair of custom orthotics can provide much more than comfort, and go beyond what traditional insole shoe supports can do. They can help to enhance the overall biomechanics of a person's body.

    Your feet, including their comfort and care, directly impact the rest of your body. They are what provide you support and stability with every step that you take. When they're not working properly or when they're in pain, your whole body suffers and becomes unbalanced.

    Custom fit orthotics will help reduce pain and discomfort, increase balance and stability, and help contribute to your body's overall sense of wellbeing.

    While cookie-cutter supports can be found in stores many of them don't provide the proper balance and support that you need. However custom orthotics help to stabilize the foundation of the spine and pelvis by addressing issues with your feet.

    In addition to aiding with balance and gait, orthotics help to control excessive and unwanted pronation (walking on the inner arch of each foot) and supination (walking on the outer edge of your foot). When you correct these types of walking it also helps to reduce arthritic symptoms. It can even help to reduce back pain as orthotics help improve your stance, which aids in rectifying your overall posture.

    Custom orthotics work similarly to the way a shim does under a wobbly table. They stabilize you and help make you sturdy, while also working to keep your body pain-free.

    If you think you could greatly benefit from a set of custom orthotics then be sure to contact the experts here at the Edmonton Acupuncture Center for more information, or to book an appointment, at: (780)-416-2828.


    The Benefits of Cupping

    Cupping is a technique in which glass cups are naturally suctioned to one's skin as part of a homeopathic treatment.

    There are different methods that can create suction in the cups. One method involves swabbing alcohol onto the rim of the glass, lighting it, and immediately placing it against the skin. Another method involves putting the inverted cup over a fire, or by lighting a cotton pad that's been drenched in alcohol and using the empty glass to extinguish it.

    However flames are not used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping. They're simply used to create the heat needed for suction.

    Cupping is mostly used to treat asthma, coughs and common cold. It can also be used to relieve muscle aches and pain, especially ones found in the lower back. Cupping leaves your muscles relaxed, allowing for both greater and improved movement.

    Cupping is a relaxing procedure, and many people find it to be a comfortable and an effective treatment for their colds and sore backs. Cupping is also a great way to relieve stress, lower blood pressure and relieve tension.

    If you're suffering from aches and pains, or are looking to de-stress, come book an appointment for a cupping session by calling us at 780-416-2828.


    How Acupuncture Helps with Lower Back Pain

    Back pain is one of the primary reasons people see their health care provider. It is estimated that up to 80% of people in the world will experience some level of back pain at some point during their lives. The most common area that is affected in cases of back pain is the lower back.

    More and more people are turning to acupuncture treatment for lower back pain. This process involves the insertion of extremely thin needles at various depths at specific points on the body. These points then stimulate the central nervous system - essentially the spinal cord and brain. This causes the muscles in the area to relax, which can help to relieve lower back pain.

    During this treatment between 1 and 20 needles can be placed into the body, some in the lower back region, and others in different locations. It is essential that you find an experienced acupuncturist to provide this treatment since it does require some skill and know-how.

    The stimulation of the nervous system is what is thought to relieve pain in various areas of the body. There are hundreds of thousands of people who swear this treatment works and if you suffer from lower back pain, you may want to try it out for yourself.

    Trust the experts at Edmonton Acupuncture Center for help with your lower back pain. Call us now at 780-416-2828.


    Acupuncture, Headaches and Migraines

    If you haven't yet been to an acupuncture session for fear that it is painful or that you simply don't understand the procedure, fear not. The fact of the matter is that it is a painless procedure that can be effective in the treatment of a variety of ailments.

    How Is Acupuncture Done?

    Acupuncture is done through the careful and precise insertions of the fine needles into specific points on one's body. After the puncture, a gentle manual stimulation of the needles is administered. Through this, the blood flow is increased in your tissues when small vessels around the area of the needle are dilated. This type of treatment can be a highly effective treatment of headaches or migraines.

    The Treatment of Headaches and Migraines with Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is often used to treat acute migraines attacks or even chronic migraines. In this type of procedure, the treatment is often performed with the patient in a reclining position rather than in a horizontal position. Acupuncture essentially helps prevent headaches and migraines by activating what is called the parasympathetic nervous system and decreasing muscle tension.

    For more information on how acupuncture can help with your headaches or migraines, contact the Edmonton Acupuncture Center today at: 780-416-2828.


    Acupuncture and Arthritis Pain

    Acupuncture is an ancient method of treating and managing pain, especially chronic pain. One of its major applications in today's medicine is for treating arthritic pain.

    The effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for arthritis

    Acupuncture heals pain by causing the release of endorphins, which, being produced naturally, have no side effects like those produced by drugs. It can also improve the circulation. Cleveland Clinic acupuncturist Tim Rhudy states that when the treatment is applied, the body gives the "micro-trauma" special attention, causing it to emit healing factors.

    Various randomized studies have been done to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for arthritis. In 2014, such studies were directed towards osteoarthritis of the knee, one of which concluded that the pain relief is significantly greater than that produced by the analgesic Diclofenac - and besides, this and other medications can often cause side effects that acupuncture does not.

    There have been many lengthy trials that have found the decrease in pain and increase in mobility to be around forty percent. Finally, arthritis patients treated with acupuncture also sleep better and are less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression.

    Despite the tremendous strides that medicine has made since 1900, the oldest methods are often the best. After all, if they didn't work, they would've been abandoned long ago.

    For more information about how acupuncture can help treat your arthritis pain, contact us today: 780-416-2828.

    Acupuncture and Infertility

    In the medical community, the ancient practice of acupuncture is gaining wide acclaim as a genuine and viable alternative treatment option, especially when used in addition to traditional western style medical treatments. It is also being recognized for its positive impact in promoting fertility. In fact, a recent study reported by Tel Aviv University indicates that acupuncture can be instrumental in helping to increase conception rates by up to 26%.

    How can acupuncture help as a fertility treatment? As a practice, it involves the gentle insertion of thin needles under the skin at numerous points on the body. The places where the needles are applied are strategic in that they connect with over a dozen major energy pathways between the body's surface and its internal organs. Acupuncture opens the flow of energy that in many cases has been blocked, leading to poor health conditions. The increased flow of energy also helps to promote and regulate balance between the mental, emotional, and physical systems of the body.

    In terms of helping with infertility, acupuncture can treat conditions faced by both men and women which may be prohibiting conception. For women, an ovulation disorder is often the most common cause, and acupuncture addresses this issue by increasing important blood flow to the ovaries and uterus of the reproductive system. This can allow the egg to be better nourished, and can increase the chances that, once fertilized, the pregnancy will be carried to term.

    Acupuncture can also help to create better balance of the endocrine and pituitary systems, and reduce stress levels. Because high female stress levels are linked to poor ovulation, acupuncture can greatly help to maximize the likelihood of conception by triggering the release of endorphins in the brain, thus countering the negative impact of stress on the body.

    In men, high stress levels can be a significant factor in lower sperm counts and impotence. When under stress, the neuro-chemical balance of the brain can be negatively impacted, leading to an imbalance in reproductive hormone balance. Through acupuncture treatments that counter stress by promoting endorphin release in the brain, men will typically experience a decrease in stress levels, allowing balance to return to their natural sexual and reproductive function.

    An additional and important benefit to acupuncture as a fertility treatment is that it has none of the potentially harmful side effects of fertility drugs while promoting the same outcomes, resulting in improved balance of the endocrine system and related hormone function. For couples looking for a natural and effective alternative to infertility drug treatments, acupuncture is well worth looking into as a potential treatment option.

    Acupuncture and Menopause

    Menopause is a time in a woman's life where her monthly menstrual cycle stops for good. It is generally experienced by middle-aged women, and normally signals the end of possible pregnancies. In North America, the average woman reaches menopause at about the age of 50. This stage in a woman's life is also accompanied by some potentially unwanted symptoms.

    While menopause can bring with it several symptoms and complications, most are not serious. Some of the more common symptoms include hot flashes, sleep problems, weight gain caused by slowed metabolism, thinning hair and mood swings.

    Using Acupuncture to Relive Symptoms of Menopause

    Acupuncture has been around in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years and can treat a variety of ailments without the use of drugs. One use of acupuncture is to treat hot flashes - one of the most common and uncomfortable parts of menopause.

    Traditional medicine treats hot flashes with hormone therapy, which comes with some level of risk. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is considered a safe alternative. In one study, acupuncture was able to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes for up to 3 months.

    Because menopause manifests itself as a variety of symptoms, acupuncture is effective at treating those individual symptoms through different methods. For example, if sleep problems are a persistent problem, then an acupuncturist can use techniques to specifically target that symptom for relief.

    As a complimentary treatment, the acupuncturist may also advise the patient on eating a healthy diet, and may even suggest some herbal supplements to ease the symptoms of menopause. For more information, please contact the Acupuncture Care Holistic Centre. 780-416-2828.

    The Effect of Acupuncture Treatment on Fertility

    Women experiencing fertility problems and those who have not been able to get pregnant through conventional medical treatments can seek out alternatives such as acupuncture. Demand for the traditional Chinese method has become so popular that an increasing number of fertility doctors are now collaborating with acupuncturists.

    Acupuncture is showing promise as a treatment for female infertility. Studies have found that acupuncture helps fertility in the following ways:

    • Enhances blood flow to the uterus, improving the chance that an embryo will successfully implant.
    • Reduces stress hormones that interfere with ovulation. By inserting the needles into strategic places, the acupuncturist is able to stimulate the production of hormones that regulate ovulation and fertility, and regulate stress.
    • Normalizes hormones that regulate ovulation so that an egg is released.
    • Improves ovulation cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
    • Improves pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    If you want to avoid taking fertility drugs, have PCOS, or want to improve the success rate of IVF, consider acupuncture as an alternative treatment. For more information or to schedule appointments with an Acupuncture Care Holistic Centre practitioner contact us today.780-416-2828 or email us at info@acucare.ca.

    The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment

    Acupuncture has a long and trusted history in the Eastern medical tradition as one of the main healing modalities used by healers, especially in China where it is regarded as the most prominent form of medical care. The word acupuncture comes from the Latin word "acus" which means needle in Latin, and "pungere" the Latin verb for prick. The procedure entails the insertion of very thin needles into the body. The needles are applied by trained practitioners into areas described as acupuncture points.

    According to the traditional Chinese school of medicine, health is an expression of balance, and disease is a physical expression of an imbalance in the body. Acupuncturist evaluates all the reported symptoms to identify patterns of the offending disharmony. According to the science of acupuncture each of the body organ systems must be in balance in itself as well as within its strong relationship to the other organ systems and the body as a whole.

    Traditional Chinese medical theory holds that acupuncture works by redirecting qi or "vital energy" in the body. Pain or illnesses are treated by attempting to remedy local or systemic accumulations or deficiencies of qi.

    Treatments include but are not limited to:

    • Fertility
    • Arthritic pain / joint pain
    • Muscle-skeletal pain
    • Anxiety / depression
    • Cardiovascular health
    • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods/ cramps)
    • Endometriosis
    • Low libido
    • Menopausal syndrome (all kinds)
    • Pain management and control
    • Allergies
    • Insomnia

    Acupuncture isn't just about needles. At Acucare, acupuncturists take a holistic approach to healing, working with patients on issues such as diet and stress, as well as particular medical problems. For more information or to schedule appointments with an Acucare practitioner contact us today. 780-416-2828 or email us at info@acucare.ca.



     

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