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Better Sleep With Acupuncture

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How Acupuncture Supports Sleep

Acupuncture has long been recognized as a potent healing modality in traditional Chinese medicine, with a wide range of benefits extending beyond pain relief to include improvements in sleep quality. One of the key ways in which acupuncture can help enhance better rest quality is through its ability to regulate hormone production. In this blog post, we will explore how acupuncture influences hormone activity in the body to promote better rest @ night.

The Role of Melatonin

Melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. hormone is produced by the pineal gland in to darkness, signaling to the body that it’s time to rest. However, disruptions in melatonin production can lead to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep. Acupuncture has been shown to help melatonin levels, thereby promoting more consistent and restful patterns. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to the pineal gland and circadian rhythms, acupuncturists can stimulate the production of melatonin, leading to improved quality of rest.

Managing Cortisol

Cortisol, known as the stress hormone,” plays a significant role in our body’s response to stress and anxiety. Elevated cortisol levels, especially in the evening, can disrupt sleep and lead to poor quality of rest. Acupuncture has been found to lower cortisol levels by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” mode. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, acupuncture can help to regulate cortisol production, creating a more conducive environment for restful nights.

The Connection Between Acupuncture and Serotonin

Another hormone that acupuncture can influence is serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good hormone.” Serotonin plays a vital role in mood regulation, anxiety reduction, and overall well-being. Acupuncture has been shown to increase serotonin levels, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation that can improve sleep quality. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to serotonin production, acupuncturists can help balance this hormone, enhancing quality rest and promoting a sense of relaxation.

Scientific Research on Acupuncture for Better Sleep

Research studies support the benefits of acupuncture in regulating hormones to improve quality of rest. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders found that acupuncture significantly increased melatonin levels in patients with insomnia, leading to improvements in sleep latency and duration. Another study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research demonstrated that acupuncture reduced cortisol levels and improved sleep quality in individuals with anxiety-related disturbances.

Incorporating Acupuncture into Your Sleep Routine

Acupuncture’s ability to regulate hormone activity, including melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin, can play a vital role in improving sleep quality. By addressing hormonal imbalances and promoting relaxation, acupuncture can help individuals achieve better patterns and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with the above issues, consider incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine to experience the transformative benefits of a good night’s rest.

Reduce Puffiness Naturally with Facial Acupuncture

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Facial Acupuncture: A Natural Way to Reduce Puffiness and Inflammation

If you’ve been waking up with a puffy face or struggling with facial swelling, you’re not alone. Many people deal with puffiness due to stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, or even changes in weather. While skincare products can help, more people are turning to natural methods like facial acupuncture to reduce puffiness and calm inflammation.

So, what is facial acupuncture—and how does it help reduce puffiness?

What Is Facial Acupuncture?

Facial acupuncture is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses very fine needles on the face to improve circulation, stimulate collagen, and support overall skin health. Unlike Botox or fillers, it’s a natural approach that works with your body rather than against it.

It’s not just about beauty—facial acupuncture can also help reduce puffiness, improve skin tone, and ease tension in your face and jaw.

How Facial Acupuncture Helps Reduce Puffiness

Facial puffiness is often caused by poor circulation or lymphatic buildup. Lymph is a fluid in your body that helps remove waste, but when it gets stuck, it can cause swelling—especially around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline.

Facial acupuncture helps reduce puffiness by:

  • Boosting blood flow: Needles encourage healthy circulation, which can reduce inflammation and help fluid drain more effectively.
  • Stimulating the lymphatic system: Acupuncture helps move stuck lymphatic fluid, clearing puffiness and bringing your natural glow back.
  • Balancing the body: TCM looks at your whole system. By treating deeper issues like stress, poor digestion, or hormone imbalance, facial acupuncture helps reduce puffiness from the inside out.

What to Expect During a Session

A facial acupuncture session is relaxing and gentle. You’ll lie down while a licensed practitioner places thin needles at specific points on your face—and sometimes your hands, feet, or body for balance. Most people feel calm or even sleepy during treatment.

Sessions usually last 45 minutes to an hour, and many people notice an improvement in how their skin looks and feels after just one visit. For long-term results, a series of treatments is often recommended.

Other Benefits Beyond Reduce Puffiness

While facial acupuncture is great to reduce puffiness, it also offers extra perks:

  • Tighter, more toned skin
  • Reduced fine lines
  • Fewer breakouts
  • Less jaw tension or teeth grinding
  • Improved sleep and mood

Because it works with your body’s natural healing process, facial acupuncture is a safe and non-toxic way to feel and look refreshed.

Combine It with Healthy Habits

Facial acupuncture works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. Here are a few tips to help reduce puffiness at home:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Eat less salt and processed foods: These can cause water retention.
  • Get good sleep: Rest helps your body repair and reduce inflammation.
  • Gently massage your face: A light face massage can move lymphatic fluid and reduce puffiness naturally.

Is Facial Acupuncture Right for You?

If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce puffiness and improve your skin health without chemicals or invasive procedures, facial acupuncture could be a great fit. It’s safe for most people and can be tailored to your unique skin and health needs.

Always look for a licensed practitioner with experience in facial acupuncture to get the best results.

In Summary

Facial acupuncture is more than a beauty trend—it’s a natural way to reduce puffiness, support your skin’s health, and feel your best. Whether you’re dealing with morning puffiness or looking for a glow-up without harsh treatments, this gentle and effective option might be just what you need.

Facial Acupuncture

Facial Acupuncture vs Botox: What’s Better for Your Skin?

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In today’s world, many people are searching for natural ways to care for their skin. One method that’s gaining more attention is facial acupuncture. It’s not new—it’s been around for centuries. But more and more people are choosing it over medical treatments like Botox, fillers, or surgery. Why? Because facial acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic approach to beauty and skin health.

In this blog, we’ll explore why you might want to choose form of treatment instead of medical treatments. We’ll cover how it works, what the benefits are, and why more people are turning to this ancient practice for modern results.

What Is Facial Acupuncture?

Facial acupuncture is a treatment that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It uses very thin needles, carefully placed on the face and sometimes other parts of the body. These needles help increase blood flow, stimulate collagen, and improve energy flow (also called “Qi”).

Unlike Botox or fillers, facial acupuncture doesn’t freeze your face or add anything under your skin. Instead, it encourages your body to heal and refresh itself.

➡️ Evidence for Effectiveness:
A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies showed that acupuncture improves skin elasticity and hydration levels. [Source]

Another clinical review found that cosmetic acupuncture may have positive effects on facial muscle tone and skin appearance with minimal risk. [Source]

Why Choose Facial Acupuncture?

✅ 1. It’s Natural

One of the biggest reasons people choose facial acupuncture is because it’s natural. You don’t have to worry about chemicals, synthetic fillers, or surgical risks. The treatment supports your body’s own healing process.

🌿 2. It Improves Overall Wellness

The focus isn’t just on your face. Practitioners also look at your whole-body health. They may place needles in areas that affect digestion, stress, or sleep—all of which play a big role in how your skin looks.

⚠️ 3. Fewer Side Effects

Botox, fillers, and surgery come with possible side effects—bruising, swelling, infection, or even long-term changes in how your face moves.

➡️ FDA Warning & Medical Reports:
Botulinum toxin (Botox) can cause side effects such as headache, drooping eyelids, and flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, more serious effects like difficulty breathing may occur. [FDA Source]

A review published in Dermatologic Surgery found that although dermal fillers are generally safe, they may cause lumps, skin discoloration, or even vascular complications. [Source]

🔄 4. Long-Lasting Results

While it may take a few sessions to see big changes, facial acupuncture helps your skin improve over time. It boosts collagen and improves circulation, meaning your skin gets healthier from the inside. The results are subtle, natural, and longer-lasting.

How Does It Compare to Medical Treatments?

FeatureFacial AcupunctureMedical Treatments
Natural?✅ Yes❌ Often chemical or synthetic
Side Effects✅ Few, mild❌ Risk of bruising, drooping, infection
Treats Whole Body✅ Yes❌ No
Long-Term Health Benefits✅ Yes❌ No
Results✅ Gradual, natural-looking❌ Quick but temporary
Maintenance✅ Ongoing but gentle❌ Frequent repeat treatments

Who Is Facial Acupuncture Good For?

Facial acupuncture is great for people of all ages. Whether you’re starting to see fine lines or you just want to keep your skin glowing, this treatment can help. It’s also a good choice if you:

  • Want a natural, non-invasive option
  • Feel nervous about surgery or injections
  • Struggle with dryness, puffiness, or dull skin
  • Want to address sleep, stress, or digestion (which affect your skin)

What to Expect in a Session

During a facial acupuncture session, your practitioner will first talk to you about your health and goals. Then they’ll gently place tiny needles on your face and body. You’ll relax for about 30–45 minutes. Many people even fall asleep!

Most people begin to see results after 4–6 sessions. Your skin may look brighter, feel firmer, and have a healthy glow. You may also feel more relaxed and balanced.

Is Facial Acupuncture Right for You?

Choosing between acupuncture and medical treatments is personal. But if you’re looking for a safe, natural way to care for your skin—and your whole body—it’s worth giving facial acupuncture a try. It may not offer instant results like Botox, but it supports long-term wellness, beauty, and balance.

More people are discovering that facial acupuncture isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, too. Check out our office here. Or call 780-455-2112 for more info.

Anxiety Support with Acupuncture

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It’s no secret that anxiety affects many individuals worldwide. Symptoms of anxiety can be numerous, including restlessness, panic attacks, excessive worry, and more. While conventional treatments like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are typically the first line of defense against the condition. Alternative and complementary therapies like acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have been found to offer significant benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ways that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help individuals suffering from anxiety. 

Acupuncture Helps to Alleviate Anxiety Symptoms 

Acupuncture, has been found to be an effective complementary therapy for anxiety. The ancient Chinese practice involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps to balance the flow of energy, or qi, within the body, which can soothe symptoms. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms. For example, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture helped to decrease levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that acupuncture helped to reduce anxiety symptoms in cancer patients. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Offers a Holistic Approach 

Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic system of healing. It that includes various practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and more. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that anxiety results from an imbalance in the body, often involving the liver and spleen. Through various modalities, traditional Chinese medicine aims to treat the root cause rather than just its symptoms. Chinese herbal medicine can be used to support liver function and promote relaxation. While dietary therapy can help to address deficiencies that may be exacerbating. 

Both Modalities Can Be Used Together 

What’s interesting about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is that they often work best when used together. By using both modalities, individuals can benefit from acupuncture’s targeted approach to addressing symptoms while also addressing underlying imbalances through traditional Chinese medicine practices like herbal medicine and dietary therapy. 

Anxiety can be a challenging condition to live with, but acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine offer hope for individuals seeking alternative and complementary therapies. While it’s always important to consult with medical professionals and mental health experts regarding treatment options, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive anxiety management plan.

With their combined efforts, individuals suffering from anxiety can experience greater overall health and wellbeing. Call us @ 780-455-2112. Check out our office @ ocwc.ca. 

Scared of Acupuncture Needles?

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Acupuncture, an ancient healing art originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained significant popularity in recent years for its holistic approach to health and wellness. However, for individuals who are scared of needles, the mere thought of acupuncture can evoke feelings of anxiety and fear. Despite this apprehension, it’s essential to understand that acupuncture offers a plethora of benefits that can outweigh the fear of needles. Let’s explore how acupuncture can be a valuable therapy even for those with needle phobia.

Scared of Needles Hurting

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, about the diameter of a human hair. Unlike the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood draws, acupuncture needles are designed to be virtually painless when inserted correctly. Many people who are initially fearful of needles find that the sensation of acupuncture is far less uncomfortable than they anticipated.

One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to promote relaxation and stress relief. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, which correspond to channels of energy flow. This stimulation helps to rebalance the body’s energy, or qi, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. For individuals dealing with anxiety or stress, acupuncture can offer a natural and effective way to unwind and restore balance to both the body and mind.

Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate a wide range of physical ailments and conditions. From chronic pain and headaches to digestive issues and insomnia, acupuncture can provide relief for numerous health concerns. By targeting specific acupoints related to the individual’s symptoms, acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Overcoming being Scared of Needles

For individuals with needle phobia, it’s essential to communicate openly with an acupuncturist about your concerns. A skilled practitioner will take the time to address your fears and ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the treatment process. Many acupuncturists are trained in techniques to help ease anxiety, such as gentle insertion methods and providing a calming environment.

In addition to its physical benefits, acupuncture can also have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that acupuncture can help to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in mood regulation. By promoting a healthy balance of these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving overall mental health and emotional resilience.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Another advantage of acupuncture is its minimal side effects compared to conventional medications or treatments. While pharmaceutical drugs often come with a laundry list of potential side effects, acupuncture is a safe and natural therapy with minimal risk. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who may be wary of the potential risks associated with medications or invasive procedures.

Moreover, acupuncture is a highly customizable treatment that can be tailored to suit each individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from a specific health issue or simply looking to maintain overall wellness, an experienced acupuncturist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals.

While the fear of needles may initially deter some individuals from trying acupuncture, the potential benefits of this ancient healing art are vast. From pain relief and stress reduction to improved mental and emotional well-being, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. 

By working with a skilled and compassionate acupuncturist, even those with needle phobia can experience the transformative effects of acupuncture and embark on a journey towards greater health and vitality.

To learn more about our clinic click here. To book an appointment, give us a call @ 780-455-2112.

Improve Stomach Aches with Acupuncture

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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine benefits can be far reaching. Improving digestive disorders in order to improve stomach aches is one of acupuncture and TCM’s many benfits. But how? How can your acupunturist improve stomach aches? Your acupuncturist understands your bodies many meridian points. Today we are going to focus on just one of those points, ST25- Stomach 25 (Tianshu).

Where is ST25- Stomach 25?

This acupuncture point is found on the abdomen, two finger breadths lateral (and directly in line) to the belly button. It is often nicknamed the “Pepto Bismol point” since it is said to be the single most important point for the treatment of the widest variety of intestinal disorders.

Importance of ST25- Stomach 25 (Tianshu)

This point is where “the Qi (or energy) of the large intestines gathers and concentrates on the anterior surface of the body.” In other words, by accessing this point or any acupoint, we can communicate with the organs and body’s processes. We use this point for stomach aches caused by bloating, nausea & vomiting, undigested food in the stool, poor appetite, abdominal pain, and even abdominal masses such as intestinal abscess or uterine masses.

When ST25- Stomach 25 is stimulated, the effects are so fast acting that often a few minutes after needle insertion patients report feeling changes in their digestive tract motility.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112. To learn more about our office check out our office @ ocwc.ca.
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Improve Your Digestion with Acupuncture

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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a wide range of benefits, including improving digestion and managing digestive disorders. But how does it work? How can your acupuncturist help enhance digestion? The key lies in understanding the body’s meridian points. Today, we’ll explore one powerful point: ST36, also known as Stomach 36.

What is ST36 – Stomach 36?
ST36, or Zusanli, is one of the most versatile acupuncture points. It’s commonly included in treatment plans due to its ability to support overall health and longevity. This point is especially effective for improving digestion and addressing digestive issues like IBS, Crohn’s disease, nausea, vomiting, and general GI discomfort. In addition, ST36 helps boost energy levels and combat fatigue, making it an excellent option for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Where is ST36 Located?
You can find ST36 one hand-width below the kneecap, on the outer side of the leg, and one finger-width from the shinbone. Because of its location near the knee, this point is also frequently used to treat knee injuries or pain.

Ready to Improve Your Digestion?
Curious about how acupuncture can help with digestion or other health concerns? Contact us at info@ocwc.ca or call 780-455-2112. We are currently accepting new patients! Visit our website at www.ocwc.ca for more information.

Pericardium 7

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How does acupuncture work? It’s really quite fascinating.

Point Feature: PC7- Pericardium 7 (Daling)

This point is a dual action point in that it’s great for treating both mental and physical concerns. Firstly, it is the key point to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The location of the needle is on the palmar side of the wrist directly at the wrist crease. When needling for carpal tunnel issues, you needle directly into the carpal sheath (towards the palm of the hand) which is the source of pain and inflammation in carpal tunnel syndrome. The relief with carpal tunnel is so significant that many patients who had previously been scheduled for surgery to cut the sheath have fully recovered after a series of acupuncture treatments! In terms of addressing mental health concerns with PC7, this point is used in combination with other points to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. It is especially helpful if you have palpitations and tightness in the chest triggered by stress/anxiety.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112

Pericardium 6 and Acupuncture for Fertility/Pregnancy

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Pericardium 6 (PC-6) is an incredibly useful point on the inside of the wrist and is known as the anti-nausea point. Whether the nausea is caused by morning sickness, indigestion or motion sickness, PC-6 is your point! This point is also a command point of the chest, which means it is great at treating palpitations, chest tightness and acid reflux. It is also used in combination with other points in most anxiety treatments. This acu point is found on the inside of the wrist, two thumb breadths below the wrist line and between the two tendons. Many people may have seen “anti-nausea” wristbands which actually just use acupressure on PC-6 to resolve symptoms!

How can acupuncture help with fertility?

Acupuncture is an excellent tool for couples who are trying to conceive (TTC). Whether you are actively TTC or are just starting the journey and want to learn more about your cycle, your acupuncturist can help. Acupuncture improves fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle/hormones, increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, promoting ovulation, and supporting a healthy luteal phase for successful implantation. It also works to increase libido, reduce stress and anxiety surrounding the TTC process, and can increase sperm count and motility.

Acupuncture can support patients who are trying to conceive naturally, as well as those going through the IUI or IVF process. A recent study found that when used in conjunction with Western fertility treatments, acupuncture increases conception rates by 26% (Tel Aviv University, 2016).

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

The short answer is YES! Acupuncture is completely safe for the entire duration of pregnancy. However it is important you inform your practitioner if you are pregnant as they will need to tailor the treatment to suit your needs. Acupuncture is extremely beneficial in treating any symptoms you may experience during pregnancy. Most women find it especially helpful during the first trimester when symptoms of fatigue, nausea and vomiting tend to be most severe. This is where the point Pericardium 6 is most useful.

As pregnancy progresses, your acupuncturist will be able to address any symptoms that may arise such as insomnia, body pain, and acid reflux. If the baby is breech presentation, your acupuncturist can utilize a technique called moxabustion to turn the baby. At around 36 weeks, you can begin having labour prep treatments which aim to ripen the uterus and prepare the body for delivery. At 38 weeks gestation you can start doing labour induction treatments which promote a downward movement in the body and can help induce labour. Even after delivery acupuncture can help the body to recover more quickly, and can increase milk supply or resolve mastitis.

Whatever stage of conception or pregnancy you are at, your acupuncturist will be able to create a customized plan to support your needs.

For more information on how acupuncture can help you or to schedule an initial consult contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112

Yintang And Acupuncture For Stress An Anxiety

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Yintang is an acupuncture point that is located on the forehead midway between the eyebrows.  It is a wonderful point that calms the mind, reduces stress, and helps relax the sympathetic nervous system.  As such, it is a point that is excellent in treating anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and headaches.  In combination with other points it can also treat hypertension, sinusitis, allergies and dizziness.  While the location may seem intimidating, having this point needled usually puts patients right to sleep! 

How does acupuncture actually work to reduce stress/anxiety?

In the most basic terms, acupuncture regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight response”, and the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” phase.  Most people with high stress levels or who deal with anxiety have an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which means their body gets stuck in the fight or flight response.  This results in symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, mind racing, and palpitations to name a few.  If left untreated, there can be more severe long term effects such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.  Acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) regulates your body’s hormones and forces it out of the fight or flight phase, into the more calm rest/digest phase. A study done at Georgetown University Medical Center found that “acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway” (Eshkevari et al, 2013).  The acupuncture point Yintang is a cornerstone point for treating stress and anxiety, and will be used in almost all point prescriptions for those (and similar) conditions.

 

How quickly can acupuncture help me?

While acupuncture is not an immediate fix, most patients feel at least some mild relief after their first treatment.  The treatment plan, including frequency and number of visits, is customized to each patient.  Generally, for conditions which are acute (occurring for 6 weeks or less), it takes fewer treatments to see full resolution of symptoms.  For chronic conditions (occurring for 6 or more weeks), it will likely take between 3-5 treatments to see significant, lasting change in symptoms.   A full course of treatment could be between 8-10 treatments depending on the severity of the case.  For each patient, your acupuncturist will create a specially tailored plan based on your medical history and wellness goals.  

 

If you would like to know more about this point or acupuncture in general, contact us today at 780-455-2112 or info@ocwc.ca

Visit our website to learn more about our registered acupuncturist! www.ocwc.ca

References:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/gumc-sos031113.php