A Beginner’s Guide to Acupuncture

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Many people do not understand the healing benefits of acupuncture. In some ways acupuncture is fascinating. Fine needles inserted into the body to stimulate healing? The typical western health model may leave someone scratching there heads at that mode of treatment.

However, when you get a basic understanding of this treatment, you will understand how beneficial it can to get fine needles inserted into your body, with the help of professionals only.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of fine, stainless steel, sterile needles into specific points of your body. These points are known as acupuncture points and they are located in 12 main meridians that are connected to different organs in your body. By doing this, energy is released from these organs so you can heal.

What Did The Ancients Use During Acupuncture Treatment?

In the ancient times, instead of using fine needles, sharp bones and stones were used. Even when simple surgeries had to be done, these instruments were used. However as time has gone by, medicine evolved as well. There was invention of gold, bronze and silver needles were made and then finally stainless steel needles (used today). However, there are some acupuncturists who used golden needles.

The Physiological Effects of Acupuncture

  • It promotes blood circulation
  • It releases endorphins and neurotransmitters in your body
  • It stimulates the fibers of nerves
  • It also releases serotonin in the body
  • It releases adrenocorticotropic hormone in your body
  • It lessen inflammations
  • It reduces stress
  • It tends to relax contracted/shortened muscles
  • It restores the homeostasis in the body

Is Acupuncture A Form of Therapy?

Yes, it is, but keep in mind it is not magic. Depending on the condition, you have and if it is acute or chronic, the longevity of the treatment is decided. When the condition is chronic, it will take longer to treat, but when it is acute, it might take 2 to 3 sessions.

Most of the times, acupuncture is done so an individual’s body systems can be strengthened, but the sessions must be attended regularly. Moreover, when someone starts getting regular acupuncture treatments, there will be a change in diet, lifestyle, thought patterns, exercise, etc.

Who can benefit from acupuncture?

Everyone, whether you are a child, pregnant female, a pro-athlete, an elderly, strong or weak person, you can gain the benefits of acupuncture.

Conditions That Can Be Treated By Acupuncture

According to the World Health Organization, many people suffering from diseases and conditions can experience benefits of acupuncture :

  • Acute and chronic gastritis
  • Sprains
  • Sciatica
  • Depression
  • Correction of malposition of fetus
  • Neck pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Dental pain
  • Low back pain
  • Temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction
  • Headache
  • Induction of labor
  • Morning sickness
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Stroke
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
  • Postoperative pain
  • Adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy

 

Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has qualified registered massage therapists on staff. Give our clinic a call at 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

6 Things to Know About Acupuncture

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Over the years, acupuncture has become more and more popular because individuals see it as an alternative to western medicine. However, even now, many people do not know what to expect when they go in for their first visit.

Although, there are different techniques and styles of acupuncture,  there are the common tips to know about acupuncture.

1) It Will Be Treating More Than Just Pain

According to acupuncturists, patients must not skip sessions because they are feeling sick. Acupuncture not only aids with stomach viruses and common colds, but it can help with emotional and mental stress, skin diseases, dentistry, gout, cancer, neurological disorders, and infections, according to the World Health Organization.

2) Do Not Go On an Empty Stomach

It is important to have a –somewhat- full stomach before going in for your treatment. It is not important to indulge in a big meal, but your body just needs something that will energize you so you can get maximum benefits. If you get acupuncture on an empty stomach, it could lead to fainting, lightheadedness, and even dizziness.

3) You Will Not Need To Take Your Clothes Off

Sometimes, acupuncturists will need to be able to reach under your clothes, but if that needs to happen, they will put a covering on you so only some of your skin is exposed. You must keep in mind that wearing loose clothes is recommended so your sleeves or pants can be rolled up easily.

4) You Will Need to Get Your Pulse Check, Show Your Tongue, and Get an Abdomen Press

Since acupuncturists want to provide you with maximum benefits, they will want to see the “state of your internal organs.” These methods allow them to determine the ideal treatment for you. Similar to reflexology on your feet and hands, your pulse, the different parts of your tongue and abdomen have connections with the organs and systems within your body.

5) Be Prepared For Embarrassing Questions

For a thorough physical examination, the acupuncturist will ask you questions related to your lifestyle and health. Most of the time, the common questions will ask you for detailed answers related to your urination, bowel movements, and menstruation (for females). The more details you go in, the better the diagnosis will be.

6) Acupuncturists Use Tools Other than Needles Also

Needles are the main tool used during acupuncture, but acupuncturists have started looking for more tools that fall under the “Chinese Medicine” category. This includes Tuina (massage), cupping (suction of your skin), Chinese herbs, acupressure (using pressure on acupuncture points instead of needles), Guasha (scraping the skin), Moxibustion (heating the skin), or Qi Gong.

These are the top six things you must know when you are going to get acupuncture done. Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has excellent acupuncturists on staff. Check out our website @ schroeder.wpengine.com or give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 to get started.

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Everything You Need To Know About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is the art of healing which has been used for thousands of years and practiced throughout the world. Although it has treated many people successfully, there is a misconception when it comes to acupuncture. It is not understood properly in the western countries causing it to be seen as a painful retreat.

Acupuncture has many benefits, but since there is lack of awareness regarding it, there are millions of people that are missing out on this therapy.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical practice that does not use any medication to treat the disease. The acupuncturist inserts thin needles in the pressure points of your body. These points can be on your back, leg, head, and other parts of your body.

The needles are often inserted in the areas where there will be no pain experienced. However, what an individual should keep in mind is that any pain experienced depends on the person’s pain endurance levels.

People often think that acupuncture helps with pain but the truth is that I can help relieve stress and treat diseases.

Does it hurt?

Having needles inserted in your body can arouse this question. Similar to the blood test prick, acupuncture can be painful for some and some might not even feel it.

The truth about this treatment is that it does not hurt. The needles do not go deep enough into your body to encounter the nerves. The needles are so fine that some people might not even feel them. Some people find the needle insertion relaxing. The needle pressure promotes blood flow and decreases inflammation.

Is it safe?

When going for acupuncture, you need to make sure you are going to practiced acupuncturists. Do not make compromises on your health so make sure you choose the right person. Go to place that is reputable and hygienic.

What are the Benefits?

Acupuncture has many benefits. Here are the most common ones:

  • Acupunctures reduce headaches and migraines. Studies have proven that acupuncture gives long-term relief from headaches and migraines.
  • Acupuncture decreases chronic pain that is present in your body.
  • It reduces stress levels and anxiety by balancing the hormones in your body.

Would You Go For It?

After finding out the benefits of acupuncture, would you opt for it? It comes with long-term benefits and allows you to live a healthy, future life. To find out more about our office visit www.ocwc.ca or give our office a call @ 780-445-2112 to book  your appointment today.

How Acupuncture Helps Athletes

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Acupuncture is a fantastic therapy for athletes, but that does not mean that others cannot gain from its benefits. Whether you are a devoted yogi, a gym rat or a marathoner, acupuncture has the ability to improve your performance while providing you exceptional health benefits.

Two in One Benefit

Acupuncture is highly recommended and effective for any sport injuries as it eases pain, speeds up the recovery process and improves range of motion. This is done by minimizing the inflammation, bruising, and swelling caused by the injury. Acupuncture allows the muscles to relax and relieves spasms, which leads to lowering the body’s pain responses and helps with blood circulation.

Studies prove the benefits of Acupuncture

Studies have showed that acupuncture can remove all types of pain, ranging from neck pain to shoulder pain and any chronic pains. In addition, the World Health Organization states that acupuncture is a safe and effective way of treating injuries, alleviating acute & chronic pains and any orthopedic conditions. In this case, it is a fantastic option for athletes as their bodies are always in use and can suffer from wear and tear.

Acupuncture naturally boosts energy levels, helps with post-workout recovery and can visibly improve the performance levels of any athlete. Athletes who make acupuncture a part of their regular training regime get better results, are prone to lesser injuries. This means athletes can have more fun when they are playing their sport.

4 Benefits of Acupuncture

1.      Lessens Anxiety and Stress

Athletes often are stressed before a big race or feel anxious before a big game; therefore, acupuncture is a healthy resort. Acupuncture has the ability to balance the mind and lower anxiety and stress levels.

2.      Improves Sleep

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way of solving sleep-related problems. Getting acupuncture regularly can be helpful, as it will make you feel well rested and energized.

3.      Stronger Immune System

Studies have showed that acupuncture improves the functions of immune cells. It increases the production of T-cells that destroy bacteria and defends the body against viruses.

4.      Increases Awareness

People that get acupuncture feel more aware of their body, mind and emotions at deeper and subtler levels. Being mindful about you and your surroundings is a key trait that every athlete must have on and off the field.

Consider adding acupuncture to help support your training activities. Our clinic offers acupuncture to help solve an array of problems. To book an appointment call 780-455-2112 today.

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How Acupuncture Can Treat Acne

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One thing that every human being wants to achieve in his or her lifetime is clear and flawless skin. Which is why humans are always on a search for good skin products, interested in skin care treatments and on the lookout for cosmetic medicine. However, the need for skin care rises when an individual is experiencing a skin-related problem, such as an allergy or break-outs. But that does not mean that he or she will need to raid drugstores and try every single skin product out there.

More and more doctors are suggesting acupuncture as a solution for acne. Dermatologists and skin experts think that this addition to the skin care industry is crucial, as individuals will have safe alternatives to get rid of acne and have a clear complexion.

Acupuncture is being added to skin care regimes by dermatologists as it has endless benefits to it.

What Experts Say

The main purpose for cosmetic acupuncture is to rejuvenate the human skin and provide it with a healthy and youthful glow. Acupuncturists claim that getting cosmetic acupuncture can clear acne spots, help with age spots and even treat rosacea. Other than fixing acne-related issues, it can strengthen facial muscles, giving individuals an instant face-lift. This happens because acupuncture promotes collage production, helps with skin elasticity, removes wrinkles and fine lines, and can help with complexion.

Each Individual is Different

For some people, there is a point when acupuncture is recommended as an alternative for acne treatment. The benefit of it is clear, flawless skin without having to apply so many different chemicals on the face. This way there is a lower chance of the skin being damaged. This is because acupuncture does not call for additional chemicals; rather it promotes your body to use its inherent chemicals so it can treat the acne.

Therefore, those who are confused or tired as to what chemical or treatments they need to go for and what will come after, it is recommended to opt for a natural remedy as it might fewer appointments to the acupuncturist and produce minimal or no side effects.

Why Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture promotes finding the balance inside your body without having to rely on applying or ingesting synthetic chemicals. It is also believed by many that the human body has what it takes to heal pain or whatever other symptom it may be feeling. Unfortunately, it becomes hard to find a good treatment that has the right balance between beauty concerns and health. Therefore, if you are lucky enough to find this balance within your body, then opting for acupuncture is the best option.

Aside from fixing acne, acupuncture can fix vertigo, hypertension, and other problems, making this the best and safest alternative!

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4 Things to Know When Using Acupuncture For Weight Loss

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With limited time and expensive diet plans, individuals have a hard time seeking for healthy alternatives to lose weight. Therefore, acupuncture has become a reliable way for weight loss, as it not only aids in losing weight but also leaves the body feeling relaxed and stress-free. Unlike other weight loss plans, acupuncture does not have negative effects on the human body; rather it leaves the body in a better form.

When acupuncture is used for weight loss, it stimulates different areas of the body. The insertion of needles activates certain areas of the body that leads to a healthy mind and better physical health. When using acupuncture as a way to shed extra pounds, there is no need to use different weight loss supplements. However, if running is added, the results will be even faster.

1.     Is It Effective?

Acupuncture improves blood circulation that leads to energy flow. With good energy flow in the body, more calories will burn. It promotes weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism, and this means there will be a healthier use of the nutrients that are being eaten.

Fun Fact – Since acupuncture helps reduce stress and anxiety, it can help one avoid binge eating.

2.     Higher Levels of Endorphins

Acupuncture helps release endorphins. Endorphins are a part of the limbic system that contains receptors that allow people to interact. Although it cannot replace the desire to lose weight, it can motivate individuals to solve their weight problem and live a healthy life.

3.     Weight Loss Goals via Acupuncture

A few objectives must be identified when using acupuncture for weight loss. These include:

  • Metabolism must be accelerated through physical activity to burn fat
  • Stress must be reduced so that the person does not binge eat
  • Digestive function must be improved
  • Unnecessary hunger should be avoided

4.     Forces Within

Qi is believed to be the vital force of the human body. An excess or deficiency of Qi leads to imbalances that are seen as an illness. Acupuncture is supposed to fix the imbalance in your body through the stimulation of acupoints.

Obesity or weight gain can result from:

  • Deficiency of primary Qi
  • Not enough Qi in the stomach and spleen
  • Excessive heat in intestines and stomach

To restore the balance of Qi, needles are inserted in the following parts of the body:

  • Stomach – Inserting fine needles has found to be effective in restoring the balance of
  • Endocrine – This helps with the retention of fluids that are found in the body.
  • Spleen – This is linked with hormonal imbalance.
  • Thyroid – This point is connected to slow metabolism.
  • Kidney- It relates to water retention and the nervous system.

Acupuncture for weight loss will show positive results and it is the best way to improve physical and mental health. It will fix all body imbalances and help burn calories faster.

Benefits of Acupuncture and How It Helps

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Acupuncture is not just the insertion of fine needles into the human skin. Despite what the popular belief regarding acupuncture is, in reality, it is a practice used to relieve pain and heal the human body. It has been used in China for over 2,500 years and it has been successful. It has the ability to prevent and treat diseases and it helps improve an individual’s lifestyle.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture has proven to treat conditions like:

  • Anxiety, depression and mood swings
  • Digestion
  • Allergies
  • Knee and neck pain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Muscle spasms
  • Chronic body pains.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that acupuncture is also able to treat the aftermath of chemotherapy, nausea, menstrual pains, and dental pains.

Benefits and How It Helps

1.     Decreases Chronic Pains

This is one of the reasons why acupuncture is popularly used. It reduces up to 15% pains that are present in the back, neck, or legs. With the reduction of pain, an individual’s physical stress, bad sleeping habits, muscle soreness, old injury pains, and other stressors all go away.

2.     Helps Treat Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. The effects of modern medicine are not helpful in fixing this problem therefore; individuals opt to go for acupuncture. The human body has 14 meridians (energy channels) that are connected with the different parts of our body. When needles are inserted into these meridians, the feeling of ache reduces. The endorphins are released that ease the pain and provide individuals with long lasting pain relief.

3.     Eases Migraines

Acupuncture helps relieve headaches and migraines. Studies have proved that acupuncture is more effective in healing this pain than modern medications. There are no side effects of acupuncture while there are strong side effects of medication when it comes to treating migraines.

4.     Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting

Along with the other benefits, this treatment has cured nausea. There is a certain pressure point located in the forearm and near the wrist, when it is stimulated the feeling of nausea reduces. Doctors have started using acupuncture after surgeries to lower the effects of anesthesia with the help of acupuncture.

5.     Treatment of Anxiety

Acupuncture treats anxiety as well. The exact connection of how it treats anxiety has not been discovered, but patients have said how they have felt their anxiety lower. Acupuncture has been added to the pharmaceutical regimen to treat anxiety and stress.

6.     Fixes Sleeping Problems

Acupuncture escalates the secretion of a chemical that aids and helps a person sleep called nocturnal melatonin. The results of it begin to come in less than 5 weeks and this is a much safer retreat than taking sleeping medicine.

7.     Gets Rid of Heartburn and Indigestion

Getting acupuncture regularly has proven to lessen indigestion and heartburn. Researchers saw a huge difference between the symptoms of pregnant women that were getting acupuncture and those who were not. Acupuncture helped them take care of their diet, which ended the heartburn.

 

Acupuncture is a retreat that has proven to improve lives and give long-term benefits. Give our office a call at 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

 

The Connection between Nerve Repair and Acupuncture

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Nerve damage is an inconsistent and highly common problem that is present when there is long-term numbness, pain, lack of movement and similar conditions, depending on which nerves got affected. The most common method to fix nerve damage is through physiotherapy, electrical stimulation, surgery, and mostly medication. The downside to these treatments is that they do not have guaranteed results. Therefore, more and more doctors are using acupuncture as the cure to all types of nerve damage.

Classification of Nerve Damage

East Asian Medicine identifies nerve damaged based on the symptoms. The names of the classifications are given in accordance to what we see in nature. The most common kind of nerve damaged are:

1.     Phlegm

This is when the damage leads to numbness and growth.

2.     Cold

This is when the damage occurs seasonally. It comes with throbbing pain when the contraction between the muscle and sinew takes place.

3.     Damp

This is when the damage results in severe and sharp pain, tingling sensations, quick exhaustion, and swelling.

4.     Wind

The damage that occurs in muscles causes spasms, twitching, stiffness, and uncontrolled movement.

Types of Acupuncture Used

1.     Electro-acupuncture

This is when there are electrodes placed on the needles. This therapy is used to cure lack of movement, stubborn pains, and severe pain sensation. This heavy treatment motivates nerve growth and helps stimulate nerves.

2.     Moxabustion

This is heat-based therapy with the involvement of burning herbs. This is used to treat exhaustion, spasm, and inflammatory tingling sensations.

3.     Plum Blossom Treatment

In this treatment, there is a promotion of sensory nerve re-growth in smaller areas of the body. It reduces pain that is caused because of febrile conditions or inflammations.

Proof that Acupuncture Helps Repair Nerves

Acupuncture is known as an effective method of repairing damaged nerves. Studies in the Neural Regeneration Research proved that acupuncture helped upper and lower limb motor nerves to mend. A test was done on patients who had electromyographic nerve damages to check if acupuncture would be effective on them. There was a positive response with 80% of the patients participating in the study.

Electromyography gives people the confirmation that acupuncture shows significant improvements in motor nerve conduction and promotes nerve repair all over the body.

The researchers of the study made a discovery. They found out that there is set of acupuncture points that resulted in good responses at a high rate. When local points where used, there was a 35% effective response. In addition, when the Du meridian points where added, there was an 80% effective response.

What is the Du meridian?

The Du meridian is a pathway that is made of 28 acupoints plus a few more. These points are located in the midline of the back under the spine where the vertebral functions occur. When acupuncture needles are inserted in the Du meridian points, conditions such are tremors, numbness, brain ailments, infertility and febrile diseases are cured.

Acupuncture is becoming more and more popular as many people are finding effective and long-term benefits with it. Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic offers are range of services including acupuncture. Give our office a call @ 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy

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Acupuncture is the one of the oldest practices in Chinese medicine. It is an ancient form of medicine that was practice in the oldest times and it is used to this day. Nations around the world are practicing acupuncture, as it is an effective and trusted way of treating those who are suffering from stress or some illness.
Acupuncture is done by identifying the points of your body that trigger the bodily functions. Improper body functions can lead to elevated body temperature, lack of defense against pathogens, less bodily fluids and the inability of transforming those fluids into energy. The purpose of acupuncture is to fix these functions to improve the health and wellbeing of an individual.
Here are the top 5 health benefits of acupuncture:
1. Decreases Back Pain
Acupuncture therapy eases and diminishes back pain. It promotes the release of chemicals into the spinal cord and brain. The chemicals that are released relieve the pain and improve the bodily functions.
A study was done by the Archives of Internal Medicine and they revealed that needle stimulation, which is the primary technique used in acupuncture offered quicker relief from pain than medications. In acupuncture, pressure is given on certain points with the use of small needles. This helps a patient get rid of the pain and discomfort they are experiencing.
2. Makes Medications Effective
A study showed that adding acupuncture while on medication improves impact of the medicine. This also helps lower the dose and avoid the side effects commonly associated with pain-alleviating medicines, such as weight gain and nausea.
3. Minimizes the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Cancer patients can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy if they add acupuncture therapy to their regime. A study showed that people who were getting chemotherapy had lesser negative side effects when they were getting acupuncture alongside. One cancer patient claimed that they felt less nauseous as compared to before when they began acupuncture therapy. It does not transform the life of those getting this treatment, but it does make the quality of life after chemo much better.
4. Helps Put a Stop to Long Term Headaches
Doctors have started recommending acupuncture as a treatment to help patients get rid of headaches and migraines rather than prescribing medicines. It has proved to be effective in preventing chronic tension-related headaches and decreasing the chances of suffering from a headache in the future as well.
5. Put an End to Obesity
Although there is no conclusive evidence regarding the effects of acupuncture on obesity, there are studies that show that it can be an effective weight loss treatment. Korean researchers analyzed a large group of people and concluded that acupuncture therapy led to more weight loss than extreme lifestyle changes. For those who are trying to lose weight, adding acupuncture could help them make accelerated progress towards their weight loss target.
Along with these benefits, acupuncture has proven to be the cure to many chronic body pains. The insertion of fine needles has been found to be an effective treatment and is therefore being increasingly used all around the world.

Release the Energy Within Via Acupuncture

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Who knew that the insertion of needles in your skin could be the cure to so many internal problems? Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that aims to cure disease and prevents your body from suffering in the future. This act is done by inserting fine needles into specific points in the body, points known as acupoints. It is believed that these points are switches in the body that triggers action of the immune system, making it more resistant against disease.

Releasing the Qi

Chinese doctors of the sixteenth century used the expression “Qi’ to illustrate the energy which flows inside our bodies. What they believe is that the human body is an energy form, and illness is caused when there is a disruption in your Qi. Qi blockages or imbalances can wreak havoc. This is where acupuncture comes in.

Energy Highways (Meridian): Eastern Theory vs. Western Theory

The eastern theory states that when a needle is inserted into the energy centers of our bodies, a chain reaction begins. Accessing Qi, stimulates the blood circulation. When the blood and energy flow is at its optimum, energy highways are activated at the acupoints. All parts of the acupuncture meridian, body channels, and other channeling functions are stimulated when acupuncture needles are inserted at the acupoints.

Just ONE SINGLE acupoint can start an energy flow in the entire body. Sometimes, acupuncturists intentionally combine points so they can have the Qi moving in a certain direction. Their goal is to make the energy flow into the areas of the body that are weaker so there is an energetic balance inside the body.

The western theory states that when a needle enters the vascular areas of our body, it begins to do several things:

  • It makes an immune response. For your body, the needle is a foreign object that is causing a minor injury to the tissues, so it activates the immune and circulatory functions. New blood is sent to the area where the needle has pricked. Cells begin to release energies that delay blood clotting. Did you know that the thinner your blood is, the better the flow?
  • It helps with the production and maintenance of connective tissue and energy. In response to this, the cells release Adenosine triphosphate (ATP: organic chemical). ATP helps with several things inside the body including pain relief.
  • Your body has an electrical system! Acupuncture enables the transport of tissues throughout your body. It assists in the healing process as it transfers materials and energies between the injured tissues and the normal ones to balance things out.
  • It triggers the release of hormones in your brain. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into your body, it causes changes in your body functions and makes you stronger against the pain you may be feeling.

Are You Convinced?

You may fear acupuncture – but the fact is that it is one alternative treatment that has worked miracles. Science as well as traditional medicine has made their case for it. Now, it’s your turn to give it a try! Check out our clinic by visiting www.ocwc.ca or give our office a call at 780-455-2112 to get started today.