Facts about Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture is defined as a healing modality whereby fine needles are inserted and manipulated into specific points of the body. These needles can induce positive changes in your health and well-being. Your Acupuncturist should consider certain factors in these needles.

The quality of the needles are of the up most importance. Manufacturing facilities with strict quality control must ensure proper packaging and sterilization. All packages must come with a lot number and expiry date. They must be stored in a cool, dry space and handled with proper Clean Needle Technique.

Needles are made with surgical stainless steel. The are strong yet thin, filiform and flexible. They should have low nickel content. This reduces the reaction of those with metal allergies.

The gauge and thickness of the needle is also taken into consideration. With each insertion, the Acupuncturist senses “de Qi”, or the arrival of Qi. The client will feel it as a heaviness or dull ache. The smaller the gauge the more sensitive the therapist is at finding de Qi. A smaller gauge is also used for more sensitive people and points on the body.

Acupuncture needles should be single-use. After the removal of each needle, it is placed in a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly. The safety of both client and therapist is always at the forefront.

I hope this may have answered some of your questions. Feel free to comment or ask me any further questions.

Working hard...

Hello,

Sorry I haven't updated for awhile. I've been busy at Lifewise & The Rejuvenation Room, treatments, teaching, trip planning and working on my new and improved website.

I will be introducing a new article and launching my website very shortly. It is all great and I'm very excited.

Thanks for stopping by I will be in touch soon!

Cleansing the Liver in Spring

Spring brings to mind images of renewal, birth and growth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there is an analogy of plant life pushing up from the ground and reaching towards the sun. The slumber and hibernation of winter is behind you and spring brings warmth and energy.

Changing with the seasons comes naturally to us. In the cycle from winter to spring, we tend to crave lighter, fresher foods. TCM states that spring is the season to tend to the Liver.

The function of the Liver Organ is to promote the smooth flow of Qi. When Qi is stagnant, symptoms of pain, irritability or headaches may arise. When Qi is flowing smoothly; we feel calm in body and mind.

A cleanse in the spring is the perfect time to aid the Liver’s function of smooth Qi distribution. It is important that all aspects of ingesting foods are observed. For example, eat less and slowly. Foods are best served raw or cooked very quickly. Also, steamed foods are preferred over grilling or frying.

Foods that move the Liver out of stagnation include: Seaweeds (kelp and spirulina), Lettuce, Cucumber, Tofu, Millet, Sprouted grains, Green vegetables and Fruits. Herbs such as: dandelion, milk thistle and chamomile are recommended. Lemon water and apple cider vinegar also aid in cleansing process.

Foods that stagnate the Liver: Animal protein, Poor quality fats (margarine), Refined foods, Hot spices, Cheese and Eggs. Alcohol, Caffeine and other intoxicants are best avoided.

Acupuncture can help with the detoxification of the Liver. There are many points on the body and ear that encourages the smooth flow of Qi. Cravings are diminished, pain is decreased and calm, clear mind is the result.

Contact me with any questions that you may have regarding a Liver cleanse or Acupuncture in general.

Always consult your MD before embarking on a cleanse.

Reference: Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1993.

Second Location

I am pleased to announce that I will continue my practice at a second location: Lifewise - Health and Wellness. Lifewise is located at 2034 Yonge Street, North of Davisville. There is also ample parking in the neighborhood.

I will be available at Lifewise on Wednesday's and Saturday's beginning April 2009. It is a beautiful, calm space with a Chiropractor, RMT and yoga studio.

My hours will remain the same at the Rejuvenation Room.

I know the downtown location is convenient for most of you but feel free to spread the word.

What's in store at Lifewise?

1. Initial Acupuncture consultation (includes treatment) is: $85.00. Regularly: $110. Until April 30, 2009
2. Book 3 Shiatsu treatments for $200.00. (New clients only) Until the end of May 2009.

Treatment packages must be used by one person only and have no cash value. Packages must be paid in full at time of treatment.

Thanks for all your support and stay tuned for the next blog entry on "Detoxing".

Does February Get You Down?

For some, February can be tough. It's cold, dark and some of us feel depressed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), depression is closely associated with the Heart, which houses the mind. The Heart-Mind connection is also referred to as Shen -- our Spirit.

When there is an imbalance with our Shen we may experience: depression, loss of memory, anxiety, feelings of confusion or irrational behaviour. On a physical level there may be palpitations, difficulty with speech, insomnia or a pale face.

TCM distinguishes four types of disharmonies of the Heart. Deficiencies of Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood. Each with different signs and symptoms. With TCM and Acupuncture we determine the root of these disharmonies, bring balance and ease the symptoms of the body and mind.

In our modern age of hyper-mental activity and lack of sleep, the Heart is easily injured. Poor diet, irregular sleep patterns, emotional and physical stress play a role in upsetting the Heart-Mind connection. It is common knowledge that balance in all aspect of our lives is important. Take the time to quiet your mind. Breathe slowly; eat with calm and before sleeping clear your mind, thereby calming your Shen.

This can be acheived through mediation, affirmations or positive imaging. If this is new to you or unsure please contact me and I would love to help.

Acupuncture points commonly used for treating HT disharmonies: BL15, HT 7 and P6. These points calm the Heart and Shen. They can be used to treat anxiety, palpitations and/or insomnia.

In TCM certain foods are recommended for Heart harmony: Reishi Mushroom, Chia seeds, Chamomile Tea, and blue-green algae. Decrease the intake of spicy, fatty and refined foods. Also, alcohol, coffee and tobacco can injure the Heart. Habits such as late-night eating and large meals agitate the mind and should be avoided.

If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, contact me and determine if Acupuncture is right for you.

Contact your MD if your require immediate attention.

Graduating - Dipl Ac

I did it! I graduated from my 1600 hour program in Acupuncture and earned my Diploma (with Honours). I am so excited to begin this practice and introducing this modality to you. Future articles will discuss here regarding various pathologies and how Acupuncture can treat them. I will even introduce some interesting cases that I will no doubt encounter. In the meantime, I will be joining the The Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture (CSCMA). The CSCMA is Canada's largest professional organization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. The purpose of the CSCMA is to join TCM and acupuncture practitioners to work together, encourage them to advocate the legal recognition and regulation of TCM in Canada, and the establishment of legal framework for TCM in Ontario. To popularize and to spread TCM knowledge, promote the recognition and acceptance of TCM, and to provide prevention, treatment, restoration and health care services. To provide continuing education and training opportunities for CSCMA members, and to support academic research and clinical services. To standardize TCM practices and provide effective oversight of CSCMA members in order to strengthen public perception of the CSCMA. Since the establishment of CSCMA, it has held two international TCM conferences successfully. For more information visit their website: http://www.tcmcanada.org/english/File31.html

What is Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture is based on a healing modality with over 5,000 years of history. It is a safe and holistic style of treatment which has been shown by contemporary scientific studies to have a positive effect on treating many disorders.

TCM Acupuncture is based on the premise that Qi (vital energy) flows through the channels of the body. When Qi is blocked or deficient, discomfort is felt. Acupuncture is used to rebalance the body and ensure the smooth flow of Qi.

Acupuncture is used to treat:

- Common cold and immunity disorders

- Neck and Back tension

- Arthritis

- Headaches and Migraines

- Asthma, Bronchitis and other respiratory disorders

- Constipation, Chronic diarrhoea, IBS and other digestive disorders

- Menstrual disorders and Menopausal symptoms

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia

- Anxiety, Insomnia

- Addictions

An initial acupuncture treatment consists of an in-depth health history intake. Various aspects of your health and habits are reviewed with the therapist. Diagnosis also includes observation of tongue and pulse. This gives your therapist an understanding of what is happening with the Qi that flows within your body how it manifests. Based on the diagnosis, specific acupuncture points are selected to treat the condition at hand.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and are inserted by the therapist with a quick, light motion that creates little or no discomfort at all. Once the treatment has begun, your body immediately begins to balance itself naturally. The insertions are retained anywhere from 20 – 45 minutes. On completion of a session of Acupuncture, you can expect to feel a sense of relaxation and ease that will last for some time. Home care exercises, dietary advice etc.

Clean needle technique in Acupuncture is a given and follows western medical standards of care. Only single-use, pre-sterilized, needles are used.

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist of Ontario is currently forming. At the moment the Transitional Council is developing policies and standards for the College. This development is a reflection of Acupuncture’s acceptance into the mainstream as its success grows.

Insurance coverage for Acupuncture is included in many extended health care plans. Check to see if you are covered.

I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about Acupuncture or how it can help you. Please feel free to contact me for more information or to arrange an appointment.