The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have endorsed acupuncture, declaring it to be effective in the treatment of:
- headaches
- fibromyalgia
- muscle and joint paint
- low back and neck pain
- pelvic pain, urinary problems
- menstrual problems, hot flashes
- digestive problems
- mood problems
- addictions etc.
Contemporary acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles over carefully selected areas of the body where nerves and their receptors are found. This stimulates numerous responses in the central nervous system, that are of potential benefit for many conditions.
How Does It Work?
It works by activating the natural pain control and healing mechanisms of the body. It improves local circulation and muscle nutrition, restoring muscle strength and decreasing pain. It normalizes nerve communication at many levels of the central nervous system, resulting in better normal, visceral and muscular activity, and a higher sense of well being and relaxation.
Is It Uncomfortable?
Contemporary acupuncture practitioners use a painless insertion technique, with a two hand contact, providing comfort and control at all times. Modern acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile, and single use. They are solid with a round tip that gently parts tissues without damaging them. Discomfort during this process is minimal. At times, a special electrical device is used to improve the effects of the treatment. This electrical stimulation is quite comfortable.
Are There Any Adverse Effects?
Adverse effects are very rare, the most common being minor bruising or minimal bleeding (about 0.3% in 1,000 treatments). Mild drowsiness and/or a sense of euphoria may occur after treatments, so you should keep this in mind before driving. Truly rare adverse effects can be explained to you by your practitioner.
How Soon Does Acupuncture Work?
In most cases, a positive response is seen quite early, sometimes in the first session. Your practitioner will design the best plan for you, based on your condition, from 2-3 times a week to once a week sessions. Positive responses for simple pain problems require 6-8 treatments, chronic conditions 10-12.
What Makes Contemporary Acupuncture So Different?
Contemporary acupuncture practitioners are conventional health care professionals with a special skill. They design your acupuncture treatments based on a thorough evaluation of neurofunction. They select specific goals based on the most important physiological functions in need of regulation, using precise peripheral nerve stimulation sites to best promote the therapeutic responses.
All acupuncture interventions are potentially beneficial because of their expected effects on human physiology. Contemporary acupuncture practitioners have studied these effects and know how to best achieve the desired therapeutic goals in a clean, logical, reproducible, and scientific manner.
Wyandotte Chiropractic’s Acupuncture Practitioner
Dr. Elizabeth Kauric is a registered nurse and chiropractor with over 12 years of experience in acupuncture. She integrates acupuncture into her holistic and rehabilitation based chiropractic practice. She is an instructor in the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University and a main lecturer in the program’s advanced course on Integrative Heal Strategies in the Managements of Women’s Health from Puberty to Senescence.