Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

The practice of Acupuncture was developed thousands of years ago in Ancient China as one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes herbal and dietary remedies, tui na/massage, Qi Gong/breathing exercises, cupping etc. Acupuncture involves the insertion of disposable, very thin, solid needles at specific points on the body to effect some change on the system.

Ancient theories view Acupuncture as one method of correcting imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi (loosely translated as vital energy) through channels or meridians that cover the body. With the advent of modern science, we are able to explain the changes that occur during and after an Acupuncture session including: increased immunity, endorphin theory serotonin and noradrenalin release), circulatory effects and the gate control theory.

Acupuncture should not be painful when performed by a qualified practitioner however; some patients do report sensations such as tingling, aching, heaviness etc. In fact, many patients become very relaxed and may even fall asleep with this form of healthcare frequently being described as a period of deep stillness in which nothing seems to be happening. As everyone responds differently to treatment, some patients may feel the relaxation described above, whereas others may feel energized.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Ensure that you wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow access to knees and elbows without being restrictive. Alternately, bring a pair of shorts or tank top to allow access to the area of complaint. It's never a good idea to receive an Acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach so make sure to have a light snack prior to treatment. As many patients become very relaxed during treatment, it is normal to feel slightly off after treatment. This may include feeling dazed, calm or peaceful, unable to focus or concentrate.

If you are unsure how you will respond to treatment you may elect to have someone drive you home. On occasion, you may experience increased discomfort for hours or even up to 1-2 days following a treatment, or the feeling that the needles are still retained, both of which are very common. It is important to listen to your body after you receive Acupuncture, rest when your body tells you, drink extra water or herbal teas and remain active with gentle stretching.

Frequency of Treatment

For most chronic ailments, it has taken time for the condition to develop and as such, it is unrealistic to expect resolution after 1-2 treatments. Most conditions respond favourably to frequent sessions at the onset (twice per week) however; more intense concerns may require more attention. One of the greatest strengths of TCM lies in prevention of illness with many patients continuing with monthly tune ups to ensure their body is functioning at peak performance.

Conditions

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved-through controlled trials-to be an effective treatment includes:

Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy	Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)	Depression
Dysmenorrhoea	Facial pain	Headache
Hypertension	Induction of labour	Knee pain
Low back pain	Malposition of fetus, correction of	Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting	Neck pain	Periarthritis of shoulder
Postoperative pain	Rheumatoid arthritis	Sciatica
Sprain	Stroke	Tennis elbow

In addition, WHO notes diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed:

Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)	Bells palsy	Bronchial asthma
Cancer pain	Cholecystitis, chronic, with acute exacerbation	Cholelithiasis
Female infertility	Facial spasm	Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
Gouty arthritis	Herpes zoster	Insomnia
Labour pain	Ménière disease	Neuralgia, post-herpetic
Obesity	Osteoarthritis	Polycystic ovary syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome	Raynaud syndrome	Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Spine pain, acute	Stiff neck	Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

In the News

April 1, 2013 marked a momentous milestone for the profession of TCM in Ontario. On that date, Acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners in Ontario became Regulated Health Professionals. Check with your Insurance carrier as many plans cover Acupuncture.

Hunter Knight, Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac)

Sports Medicine is excited to offer Traditional Chinese Acupuncture with HUNTER KNIGHT, Registered Acupuncturist. Hailing from Washago, Hunter's journey led her to graduate in 2022 from Georgian College's Traditional Chinese Medicine Program. During her time there, she excelled, consistently making it onto the Dean's list for all six semesters. Her path was shaped by a rare blood disorder that once hindered her participation in sports and social activities. This experience ignited her deep-seated desire to explore natural healing methods, a passion she has wholeheartedly embraced throughout her academic and professional journey. Today, she channels this fervor to aid others on their healing journeys.

Hunter possesses a broad spectrum of interests when it comes to treating various conditions, including women's health, chronic pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus, sinus congestion, headaches/migraines, and Fibromyalgia, among others.

To schedule an appointment, please call Orillia Sports Medicine at 705.325.2200 located at 3285 Monarch Drive.