& Melfort
Acupuncture is a comprehensive and powerful system of healing that dates back to ancient China.
It is based on the principle of the flow of energy called “Qi” in the body. This energy flows along meridian lines, which can be stimulated by the insertion of thin needles into strategic points.
This technique can be used to heal and promote the function of certain organs, as well as to help defend against disease factors.
Applies Traditional Chinese Medicine principles of Qi flow along channels called meridians throughout the body. These are stimulated using traditionally recognized acupuncture points, to effect improved organ function, and counter disease patterns. This approach can be used to treat just about any kind of disorder, from body pains, to digestive or hormonal issues, to infections or autoimmune problems.
This is similar to acupuncture in that it involves the insertion of acupuncture needles. However, it does not usually involve traditional points, although it can in some cases. Mainly, this technique is reserved for musculoskeletal symptoms; either recent or chronic injuries, or tight muscle issues from retaining stress, repetitive motions, or poor posture. Typically, the needle is inserted into a tight or sore muscle, to mechanically induce its relaxation. This has been very effective in many cases of sports injuries, as well as chronic neck and back pain.
This is often used in conjunction with dry needling. Basically, two inserted acupuncture needles, usually at either end of a tight muscle or group of muscles, are used as electrodes for the transmission of a small electric current. The current is pulsed at a high frequency, typically between 80-100Hz, and this induces relaxation of the muscle fibers. Lower frequencies can be used to tone or tighten muscles, in cases of muscle weakness or atrophy. Lower frequencies can also be used in some cases to help induce labor, in pregnancies with delayed labor. Electro-acupuncture is generally not recommended for people with pacemakers, though it can be used with caution in some cases.
This is a kind of massage technique involving a small handheld tool called a Gua Sha massage tool. It is usually made of some kind of smooth stone, such as jade. This tool provides a small, narrow, but rounded edge to slide along a tight or sore muscle, with a light scraping motion. This scraping pressure helps to break up small muscle fiber adhesions in tight muscles, improves blood flow, and helps to reduce inflammation. This technique is ideal for use on tight muscle of the neck, shoulders, back, buttocks, and legs. It often leaves light bruising which usually clears in a day or so. It is not usually painful, but some discomfort during the procedure may be inevitable, depending on the hyper-tonicity of the muscle.
This technique entails placing a small cup on the skin over a tight muscle or muscle group, and using a pump to evacuate the cup of air. This creates a partial vacuum that pulls the tissue slightly up into the cup. This is a kind of massage technique, similar to traditional massage in that it involves using pressure on muscle tissues to induce their relaxation. However, rather than using positive downward pressure, as with traditional massage, it uses upward negative pressure from the vacuum. This negative pressure can be used to break up muscle fiber adhesions, improve blood flow, and help to reduce inflammation. This is very useful in cases of tight shoulders, upper and lower back, as well as on the legs and arms. It often leaves light bruising which usually clears in a day or so. It is not usually painful, but some discomfort during the procedure may be inevitable, depending on the hyper-tonicity of the muscle.
Other conditions that can be treated include:
Acupuncture is usually provided as part of a comprehensive treatment protocol. Every person is different but for most conditions, 5 to 6 treatments are suggested. Treatment frequency can vary from 1 to 2 times per week.
Acupuncture therapy is done by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. If your insurance plan covers Naturopathic Visits or Acupuncture, you may get part or all of the visit covered. Check with your insurance provider to find out what level of coverage you have.
Provided by Dr. Daniela Herrera, ND
Cosmetic acupuncture is a treatment designed to naturally make your skin look younger, smoother, and brighter.
It works is by inserting small needles to facial points which increases circulation and blood flow to the face. This also helps to stimulate collagen production by causing small microtrauma to the skin that sends the body into repair mode. The body then deposits collagen and nutrients to those areas improving the elasticity of the skin and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
All of this helps to reverse the signs of aging, reduce wrinkle depth and length, brighten skin complexion, and improve your skin’s overall health. People of all colour, age and skin types can benefit from this treatment.
Cosmetic acupuncture is not a quick fix and requires commitment on your part. The focus is to create long-term changes in the health of the skin and body. We recommend 8-10 treatments performed on a weekly basis for optimal results. The results take time but clients can expect better collagen stimulation, a brightened skin tone, reduced jaw tension, and a softer appearance overall on top of health benefits like reduced anxiety and tension.
Facial acupuncture will be covered by your insurance benefits if you have coverage for naturopathic services.
Remember that your best skin starts from the inside out. During your first appointment, we will do an initial history intake to rule out any underlying conditions and to ensure that this procedure is right for you. During this appointment you will be given dietary, neutraceutical, skincare product and lifestyle recommendations to optimize your results.
During the acupuncture appointments, we ask that you come with a clean face and no make-up. The session will last about 60 minutes and will begin with a facial massage for relaxation, and to increase blood flow to the face. Tiny needles will first be inserted throughout the body to balance your system, treat any underlying issue, and promote relaxation before moving on to the facial acupuncture portion.
The small needles are then inserted into facial points to begin stimulating the collagen production process, this portion lasts a total of 20-30 minutes. The needles will be carefully removed and a face oil is massaged on to your face, followed by guasha (Japanese stone massage technique) to gently massage the muscles of the face and neck.
You will leave your treatment glowing, refreshed and relaxed!
