Naturopathic Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique using thin needles on specific body points to regulate energy, treat various conditions, and promote well-being.

Practitioners

Direct Billing Possible?

Yes, depends on circumstance

Pregnancy Safe?

Yes, although certain acupuncture points should be avoided.

Locations Available

Dr. Kristina Mokhir, ND

Chilliwack Naturopathic Acupuncturist

Description

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used acupuncture for thousands of years. This practice involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points or meridians.

These points connect to various bodily functions and systems, and inserting needles into them is believed to regulate the flow of energy, or “qi” (pronounced “chee”), throughout the body.

Acupuncture primarily aims to restore balance and promote healing within the body. It treats a wide range of conditions, such as pain management, stress relief, sleep disorders, headaches, digestive issues, and more.

Western medical practices have also integrated acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments.

Though the exact mechanisms behind acupuncture remain unclear, research suggests that it may stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and influence the nervous system to produce various therapeutic effects.

Acupuncture Can Help With:

Results

Pain management: reduces pain levels, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals experiencing chronic pain, arthritis, or other painful conditions.
Headaches & migraines: decreases the frequency and intensity of headaches or migraines, and in some cases, prevent their occurrence.
Stress, anxiety, depression: helps regulate stress hormones, promote relaxation, and improve mood, contributing to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Sleep disorders: improves sleep quality, increase sleep duration, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep for those experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Digestive issues: provides relief from gastrointestinal symptoms like indigestion, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), improving overall digestive function and comfort.
Fertility and reproductive health: improves blood flow to reproductive organs, regulate hormones, and reduce stress, potentially enhancing fertility and supporting women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Menstrual and menopausal symptoms: regulates hormones, reduce menstrual pain, improve menstrual regularity, and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Allergies: reduces the severity and frequency of allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
Respiratory issues: helps alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis, improving breathing and overall respiratory function.
Addiction recovery: acupuncture may help reduce cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and support overall mental well-being, making it a valuable component in addiction recovery programs for smoking, alcohol, or drug use.

It is essential to note that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of acupuncture depends on various factors, such as the severity of the condition, the individual’s response to treatment, and the practitioner’s skill.

A Typical Acupuncture Treatment

A typical acupuncture treatment consists of several steps, varying slightly depending on the practitioner and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the process includes the following stages:

Consultation: Before the treatment, the acupuncturist will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and concerns. They may ask about your lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being to comprehensively understand your health.
Examination: The practitioner may perform a physical exam, including observing your posture, skin colour, and tongue and checking your pulse on both wrists. These assessments help the acupuncturist identify imbalances and choose the appropriate acupuncture points for treatment.
Treatment plan: Based on the consultation and examination, the acupuncturist will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the acupuncture points to be targeted and the number of sessions required to address your specific needs.
Needle insertion: The acupuncturist will insert thin, sterile needles at the selected acupuncture points. The needles are usually left in place for 15-30 minutes, depending on the treatment plan. You may feel a slight sensation as the needles are inserted, but most people find the process relatively painless.
Needle manipulation: In some cases, the acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles by twirling or moving them to enhance the treatment’s effects. They may also apply heat or mild electrical stimulation to the needles.
Needle removal: After the designated time, the acupuncturist will carefully remove and dispose of the needles properly. There may be slight redness or minor bruising at the needle sites, but these typically subside quickly.
Adjunctive therapies: Depending on your condition and treatment plan, the acupuncturist may also incorporate other therapies, such as cupping, moxibustion, or massage, to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
Post-treatment care: The acupuncturist may advise on lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, or exercise routines to support your healing process and overall well-being.

The duration and frequency of acupuncture treatments can vary based on your specific needs and condition. Some people may experience significant improvements after just one session. In contrast, others may require multiple sessions over several weeks or months to achieve the desired results.

Therefore, working closely with your acupuncturist to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed is essential.

FAQ's

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when a qualified, licensed practitioner uses sterile needles. Minor side effects, such as slight bruising or redness at the needle sites, may occur but typically subside quickly.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people find acupuncture to be relatively painless. You may feel a slight sensation as the needles are inserted, but it is generally not considered painful.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required varies depending on your specific condition and treatment goals. Some individuals may see improvements after just one session, while others may require multiple sessions over several weeks or months.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture appointment?

Before your appointment, wear loose, comfortable clothing and ensure you have eaten a light meal a few hours prior. It’s also a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol before your session.

How long does an acupuncture session typically last?

An acupuncture session usually lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, with the needles being left in place for 15-30 minutes of that time.

Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?

Yes, acupuncture can often be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments or other alternative therapies, such as registered massage therapy, TMJ treatment, or manual osteopathic therapy.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, some potential risks include infection, injury to underlying tissues, or aggravation of existing symptoms. Therefore, discussing your medical history and any concerns with your acupuncturist before treatment is crucial.