pain management

Acupuncture in Main Stream Media

Acupuncture has become increasingly visible in mainstream media over the past decade, with growing coverage and interest in its potential benefits and integration into healthcare. Several factors have contributed to the integration of acupuncture into mainstream media: Scientific Research: As scientific studies on acupuncture have gained momentum, more media outlets have reported on the research findings. Studies exploring the efficacy of acupuncture for various conditions, such as pain management, nausea, and fertility, have garnered attention. Media coverage of these studies has helped legitimize acupuncture as a subject of interest and discussion. Celebrity Endorsements: Influential celebrities, including actors, athletes, and musicians, have publicly endorsed acupuncture and shared their positive experiences with the therapy. Their openness has generated media attention and sparked curiosity among the general public. Celebrities’ testimonials and endorsements have contributed to the popularization of acupuncture and its portrayal in mainstream media. Integration into Conventional Healthcare: Acupuncture has increasingly gained […]

Discovering Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: What You Need to Know Hey there! If you’ve been exploring ways to manage pain or boost your overall wellness, you might have come across two needle-based therapies: dry needling and acupuncture. These techniques are often confused, but they offer unique benefits and serve different purposes. Let me walk you through what each one is all about and how they differ. What Is Dry Needling? I’ve found that dry needling is a fantastic technique for tackling muscular pain and discomfort. Here’s a bit about how it works: Technique: Dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into specific spots in your muscles called trigger points. These are tight knots within your muscle tissue that can cause pain and limit movement. Purpose: The main goal here is to release these muscle knots, reduce pain, and improve your muscle function. It’s particularly effective if you’re dealing with issues […]

Cupping in Social Media

Cupping has gained attention in mainstream media over the past few years, primarily due to high-profile athletes and celebrities showcasing their cupping marks or discussing their experiences with the therapy. Here are some factors that have contributed to cupping’s presence in mainstream media: Olympic Games: Cupping gained significant media exposure during the 2016 Rio Olympics when several athletes, including swimmer Michael Phelps, were seen with circular marks on their bodies. The images sparked curiosity and discussion among viewers, leading to increased media coverage and public interest in cupping as a potential performance-enhancing therapy. Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, have publicly shared their positive experiences with cupping, generating media attention and raising awareness about the therapy. Their endorsements have influenced popular culture and made cupping more visible in mainstream media. Social Media Influence: The rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, has provided […]

What type of pain does acupuncture help?

Acupuncture has been used for the management of various types of pain, both acute and chronic. While individual responses may vary, acupuncture has shown efficacy in relieving pain associated with the following conditions: Musculoskeletal Pain: Acupuncture can be effective in treating musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. Headaches and Migraines: Acupuncture has been used to alleviate tension headaches, migraines, and other types of headaches. It may help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches. Postoperative Pain: Acupuncture may be utilized as an adjunctive therapy to manage postoperative pain and reduce the reliance on pain medications. Dental Pain and TMJ Disorders: Acupuncture can be beneficial for dental pain, including toothaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and jaw pain. Menstrual Pain: Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and associated symptoms such as abdominal cramps and lower […]

Acupotomy and Pain

Acupotomy, also known as acupoint knife therapy or needle knife therapy, is a specialized technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat pain and various musculoskeletal conditions. It combines principles from acupuncture and surgical methods, involving the insertion of a thin, specialized needle or knife into specific acupoints, muscles, or soft tissues. Here’s how acupotomy is believed to help with pain in TCM: Dispersing stagnation: Acupotomy aims to address areas of stagnation or blockage in the body’s energy flow (qi) and blood circulation. By inserting the needle or knife into the affected acupoints or tissues, it is thought to help disperse stagnant qi and blood, relieving pain and promoting healing. Stimulating acupuncture points: Acupotomy targets specific acupuncture points associated with pain relief and healing. The insertion of the needle or knife at these points is believed to stimulate the flow of qi and activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It […]

How does acupuncture heal pain?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, there are several proposed theories on how acupuncture may help relieve pain: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Theory: According to TCM theory, acupuncture aims to balance the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be the vital energy that circulates throughout the body. Pain and illness are thought to arise from imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi. By inserting needles into specific acupuncture points, acupuncture is believed to stimulate and restore the proper flow of Qi, thereby alleviating pain. Endorphin Release: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation. Neural Modulation: Acupuncture may […]

How does Osteopathy help with pain?

Osteopathy can help with pain by addressing the underlying musculoskeletal imbalances that may be contributing to the pain. Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques to manipulate and mobilize the joints, muscles, and soft tissues of the body to help reduce pain and improve overall function. One way that osteopathy can help with pain is by improving joint mobility. Joint restrictions can cause pain and discomfort, and osteopaths use techniques such as mobilization and manipulation to help restore joint mobility and reduce pain. Another way that osteopathy can help with pain is by reducing muscle tension. Tight muscles can cause pain and stiffness, and osteopaths use massage and other techniques to help release muscle tension and improve muscle function. Osteopathy can also help with pain by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Osteopaths use techniques such as lymphatic drainage and myofascial release to help improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which can […]

How a bag of soup helps me detect pain – Toronto Acupuncture Clinic – Samuel Lo

  • "How do you find the pain is?"  "How do you know where the pain is?"  Toronto Acupuncture Clinic

When a patient who is experiencing pain enters my office, one of their most common questions is: “How do you know where the pain is?”   Here’s what I tell them:   Imagine your body as a bag of soup with multiple layers.   Now picture pressing your finger into that bag of soup…   …What happened to your finger?   Well, your finger would be absorbed by the bag of soup. But if you remove your finger, the bag would return to its original shape, wouldn’t it?   Typically, in a healthy individual, it’s always the same process: your finger gets absorbed when you press it into a bag of soup. And when you remove it, the soup returns to its original shape.   So what does a bag of soup have to do with pain?   Here’s the secret sauce: I can find pain when your soup pushes […]

The Truth About Medication – Toronto Acupuncture Clinic – Samuel Lo

  • Acupuncture Needles - Toronto Acupuncture Clinic

In my practice, I see a lot of patients with long histories of medication for multiple diagnosed conditions. In fact, by the time I have seen these people, they have consumed 50>=100% of their body weight in medication.   These medications are often prescribed by a variety of specialists for things like pain, hypertension, cholesterol, digestive issues, and more. And for the most part, they are prescribed to stabilize the condition – and not to “cure” the condition.   Of course, it is critical to take your meds when prescribed by a doctor. The medication has been prescribed to you for a reason. So if you are not compliant, your health could be at risk! But it is also important to be aware of the side effects… …Most of these medications actually have very similar side effects, like:   Broad short-term effects, including: gastrointestinal issues, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. This […]

Here’s what happens to your body as you age… Toronto Acupuncture Clinic

  • Chinese herbal medicine with acupuncture needles - Toronto Acupuncture Clinic

Did you ever get injured as a kid?   Maybe you fell off your bike. Or got hurt on the playground.   You might remember that the recovery period was relatively quick and painless.  Or perhaps there was no recovery period at all. Maybe you simply picked yourself up, dusted yourself off and kept on playing.   So why can’t we pick ourselves up and keep on playing when we get injured as adults?   When we’re born, we have a natural ability to recover well and heal quickly.   In fact, a study (Sheffield 1970) reveals that children under the age of six have the ability to heal naturally. Just like salamanders that regenerate lost limbs and sliced spinal cords. Unfortunately, this natural healing ability changes as we get older.   As we advance in age, our inherent ability to regenerate diminishes. In the medical world, we call this […]