Acupuncture, Cupping & Heat Therapy
According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been proven effective for numerous conditions such as:- Pain, including sciatica, and low back, neck, knee, shoulder, elbow and facial pain.
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Many others
Acupuncture is one of the core components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM originated in China over 2000 years ago and is widely used today both as a stand alone method of health care and a complement to Western medicine. TCM treats the body as a whole rather than solely addressing individual symptoms.
TCM diagnosis is referred to as 'pattern discrimination'. A patient's signs and symptoms are summed up into patterns that are the basis of treatment. Two patients with the same disease or complaint may have significantly different patterns and therefore would receive different treatments. TCM is not one size fits all health care. It is tailored to the individual.
The concept of Qi is a cornerstone of TCM. Qi can be thought of as life-force energy. It is produced, transformed and used by the body's organs and flows through a series of channels. Smooth and free flow of Qi is essential for good health and freedom from pain. Acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi and stimulates the body to produce a healing response.
Cupping
Glass or plastic bulbs are used to stimulate acupuncture points and move Qi through the body. The bulbs are attached to the body with suction and may be moved along the skin or left in place to alleviate pain and promote health. Patients find the moving cupping technique particularly relaxing and soothing.
Heat Therapy
Heat may be used in treatments to promote the movement of Qi or to help generate additional Qi. Forms of heat therapy include:
- Moxibustion - the burning of a herb on or over acupuncture points
- TDP Lamp - a special type of lamp that uses far infra red energy to stimulate deep muscle relaxation and increase circulation
- Herbal Compresses - heated herbal compresses used to massage acupoints and energy channels. A very relaxing and soothing treatment.
Call Chris at 416.929.0002 to discuss how these techniques can help you.