Clinic Blog

Acupuncture works differently for EVERYONE!

Acupuncture works differently for everyone because each person’s body is unique and may respond differently to the same treatment. Here are some reasons why acupuncture may work differently for different people: Body constitution: In Chinese medicine, each person has a unique body constitution, which includes factors such as their energy (Qi) flow, organ health, and overall health. This means that the same acupuncture treatment may have different effects on different people, depending on their body constitution. Health condition: Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions, from pain to anxiety to fertility issues. The effectiveness of acupuncture may vary depending on the specific health condition being treated. Individual response: Each person’s body may respond differently to acupuncture due to factors such as their age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, someone who is generally healthy may respond differently to acupuncture than someone who has multiple health […]

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of dried mugwort (a small, spongy herb) near or on the surface of the skin at specific acupressure points. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, massage, and other traditional Chinese medical practices to promote healing and balance within the body. Moxibustion is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which views the body as a complex system of energy pathways (meridians) through which Qi (vital energy) flows. By applying heat to specific acupressure points, moxibustion is believed to help stimulate the flow of Qi, promote the body’s natural healing processes, and restore balance and harmony within the body. Moxibustion can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, menstrual cramps, and fertility issues. It is also commonly used as a preventive measure to maintain overall health and wellbeing. […]

What are the benefits of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally considered a safe and effective form of therapy when performed by a licensed and qualified practitioner. However, as with any medical treatment, there are both benefits and risks to consider. Benefits of acupuncture: Pain relief: Acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain, especially chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and back pain. Stress reduction: Acupuncture may help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can have positive effects on overall health and wellbeing. Improved sleep: Acupuncture may help to improve sleep quality and duration, which can have a positive impact on overall health. Improved digestion: Acupuncture may help to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Relief from nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or pregnancy. Risks of acupuncture: Soreness or bruising: Some people may experience soreness or bruising at the […]

Dissection for Acupuncturists?

Dissection is a process of carefully cutting open and examining the internal structures of a human or animal body to gain a deeper understanding of its anatomy. Dissection is an essential component of the study of anatomy, as it allows students to see and touch the actual structures and organs of the body, rather than simply studying them from diagrams or illustrations. Dissection can provide a number of benefits in the study of anatomy: It allows for a hands-on approach to learning, which can help students to better understand the spatial relationships between different structures and organs in the body. It provides an opportunity to observe the variations in anatomy between different individuals, which can deepen students’ understanding of the diversity of human and animal anatomy. It allows for the visualization of the 3D structures of the body, which can be difficult to understand from 2D images or illustrations. Dissection […]

History of Acupotomy (Knife Needle, or Dao therapy)

Acupotomy / Knife needle / Dao needle / Dao needle therapy / 針刀 / 小針刀 is a relatively new medical technique that emerged in China in the 1970s. It was developed by Dr. Zhu Hanzhang, a Chinese physician who combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with modern surgical techniques to create a new approach to pain management. Dr. Zhu observed that many chronic pain conditions were caused by the accumulation of scar tissue and adhesions in the body, which disrupted the flow of blood and energy. He believed that by using acupuncture needles to cut through these obstructions, he could restore the body’s natural balance and relieve pain. Over time, Dr. Zhu refined his technique and began to use specialized needles that were thicker and stronger than traditional acupuncture needles. These needles, which are known as Acupotomes, have a sharp edge that allows them to cut through tissue more effectively. Acupotomy […]

whats is the difference between osteopathy and chiroparctic medicine?

Osteopathy and chiropractic medicine are both holistic, non-invasive healthcare disciplines that focus on the musculoskeletal system and the body’s natural healing ability. However, there are some differences between the two practices in terms of their approach, philosophy, and techniques used. Osteopathy: Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, stretching, and other manual techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and other health problems. Osteopathy also emphasizes the importance of overall health and wellness, and may incorporate lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and other complementary therapies to support the body’s natural healing process. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself, and that by removing any barriers to this healing process, the body can return to a state of balance and optimal health. Chiropractic: […]

Is Acupuncture regulated in Ontario?

In Ontario, acupuncture is regulated as a controlled act under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). This means that only certain healthcare professionals who are authorized to perform controlled acts, such as acupuncture, may legally perform acupuncture in Ontario. Currently, the following healthcare professions are authorized to perform acupuncture in Ontario: Chiropractors Dentists Medical doctors Naturopathic doctors Nurses Optometrists Physiotherapists Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners (who have met certain qualifications and have been registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario) These healthcare professionals are required to meet certain qualifications and standards of practice in order to perform acupuncture legally in Ontario. They may also be subject to ongoing regulation and oversight by their respective regulatory colleges. It is important to note that while acupuncture is regulated as a controlled act, there are other healthcare practitioners who may perform acupuncture as part of their scope of […]

How does one become an acupuncturist?

To become an acupuncturist, you typically need to complete a formal education program and obtain licensure or certification in your province. Here are the general steps to become an acupuncturist: Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Before you can apply for an acupuncture program, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete a formal education program: You will need to complete an acupuncture program at an accredited school or college of acupuncture. These programs typically take 3-4 years to complete and include courses in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology, and other related topics. Complete clinical training: Most acupuncture programs also require clinical training, where you will work with patients under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist. Pass licensing or certification exams: In most states or provinces, you will need to pass licensing or certification exams in order to become a licensed or certified […]

What is Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM)?

Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM) is a form of hands-on therapy used by osteopaths to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and other health problems. It is based on the principles of osteopathy, which emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function, and how the two are intertwined. OMM techniques can include a variety of hands-on approaches such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, stretching, and other manual techniques. These techniques are used to help relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and promote overall health and wellness. OMM can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal problems. It can also be used to treat other health problems, such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even some neurological disorders. Osteopathic Manual Medicine is considered a safe and effective form of complementary medicine when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. Osteopaths […]

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that focuses on treating the musculoskeletal system and other areas of the body to promote health and healing. It was founded in the late 1800s by Andrew Taylor Still, a physician who believed that the body had an innate ability to heal itself. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body is a holistic unit, and that all systems and structures are interconnected. It emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function, and how the two are intertwined. Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to evaluate and treat the body, including manual therapy, massage, stretching, and other techniques. Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to help treat a range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal problems. They may also use osteopathic techniques to help treat other health problems, such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, […]