Total Acupuncture Clinic Calgary


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What is traditional chinese medicine?



Traditional Chinese medicine is the medicine that has been practiced in China for more than 3000 years. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, Tui Na ( a therapeutic method that combines acupressure, massage and adjustment of the joints, spine, ligaments and tendons), diet therapy, and life style counseling. It also includes Chi Gong ( exercise of Chi / energy ) and exercises such as Tai Chi.



What is acupuncture?



As one of the most important part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve function. This is done by inserting needles at very precise acupuncture points.



How does acupuncture work?



In traditional Chinese medicine's theory, our body is supported by Chi ( vital energy ). The channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others, which creates pain or other physical and emotional problems.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, which creates pain or other physical and emotional problems, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatment can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.



How long does each treatment take?



It depends on the patient's condition. For most cases it takes about 40-60 minutes.

The typical process is that our registered acupuncturists will do a assessment in the beginning. After that , the needling process begins which will take about 10-15 minutes to finish the selected acupuncture points. Then we will let the needles stay in the points for about 20-30 minutes which allows the energy to do its job. This is a very important healing process. The effectiveness reaches its peak in about 20-30 minutes. The last step is to take all the needles out. This will take about 5 minutes.



How many treatments will i need?



The number of acupuncture treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for a few months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

To get the best results, it is recommended to have one to two treatments per week for the first a few weeks. Once you start to see good improvement you can slowly space out the visits. It is recommended to have at least one treatment per month to maintain the energy balance.

Please talk to your registered acupuncturist to find out what is the best treatment plan for you.



are there any side effects?



Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, these should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first or second treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

Because your doctor uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the acupuncture treatments.



Does acupuncture hurt?



People experience acupuncture needling differently. Some patients feel only minimal pain ( like a mosquito bite) as the needles are inserted some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.



Are there any "Do's and don'ts" for me on the day of a treatment?



Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

  • Do not over -exercise right after the treatment. Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first visit.
  • Continue to take any prescription medications as directed by your regular doctor.
  • Please empty your bladder before your appointment. This is important if your lower abdomen area need to be treated.
  • We recommend patients to wear loose comfortable clothes for the appointment. For example, loose pants that can easily row above the knees and loose sleeves that can row up above the elbow are recommended.




Unit 262 A, 1632 14 Ave NW Calgary Alberta Canada T2N 1M7, phone: 403-452-3688, email address: acupuncturetcmd@yahoo.com
Monday: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm



Total Acupuncture Clinic Calgary