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How Acupuncture Treatment Can Improve Your Life

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Acupuncture treament has become a popular health improvement for many people because of how safe and effective it is for people of all ages. The best part is that acupuncture treatment has benefits that are known to make your quality of life better. Despite your gender or health status, all people can get the benefits from this practice and improve their life on a daily basis.

Here is how acupuncture treatment can improve your life on a daily basis:

Feeling Happier Without a Reason

The insertion of fine needles will release endorphins (these are the “natural feel-good” chemicals) in your body. Some people feel so relaxed that they tend to fall asleep while during their treatment , while others feel “euphoric” afterwards. These effects occur due to the  release of oxytocin (this hormone is known to regulate the nervous system).

Improve Your Sleep

Some acupuncture points are known to “relieve insomnia” and promote better sleep. Some Individuals who suffer from insomnia or disturbed sleep know the effects of poor sleep impacts their everyday lives. Acupuncture treatments along with lifestyle modifications can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Strengthen the Immune System

Many people talk about how they are prone to catching colds and flues. Acupuncture  treatments are known to strengthen your protective qi (wei qi) so your body can combat invading pathogens. Studies have proven that acupuncture can increase the production of white blood cells causing it to protect itself from bacterium and viruses.

Relieve Chronic Pains

Acupuncture treatments help to release endorphins throughout your body.  As endorphins are released in your body, they begin to work on all the pains of your body. When the fine acupuncture needles are inserted into your body, they start to treat the energy blockages and imbalances present in your body.

Treatment without Side Effects

Medication that is available these days tends to give instant results and dangerous side effects that –in the long run- can make the original symptoms worse. Opting for acupuncture therapy will have no negative side effects, other than a few bruises that tend to clear up in two or so days.

Change Your Outlook on Life

Acupuncture treatment has the ability to make people feel more positive and grateful as it can stimulate the “deep connections to your body.” Simply by clearing blockages in your body, you will be eliminating the internal obstacles that have been restricting you from reaching your true potential. By feeling happier and having a clear mindset, individuals tend to be more successful in achieving their goals.

 

Getting acupuncture treatment can be extremely beneficial, which is why so many people have started to opt for it. If you want to gain these benefits, give our office a call @ 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today. Check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca for more information on our clinic.

Acupuncture Therapy DOs and DONTs

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Acupuncture therapy has started getting acknowledged for its endless benefits to the human body.

Although, many people are still hesitant when it comes to this therapy due to the thought of having fine needles getting inserted into their body, there are many that are opting for it.

Since acupuncture therapy is a big deal, it is important that everyone getting it is aware of certain DOs and DONTs related to it.

DOs

  • Make sure you are not on an empty stomach; eat something light before your treatment.
  • You must tell the acupuncturist if you have consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco or had caffeine.
  • Wear loose fitting clothes before and after the treatment.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment and try not to run.
  • Make sure to urinate before you step in for your appointment.
  • There will be a lot of paperwork, so be prepared.
  • Mentally prepare to be in the hospital for at least 1-hour. The needles while be inserted in you for at least 30 minutes.
  • Stay calm and relaxed during the treatment.
  • Try to stay away from your phone during the treatment.
  • If you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, it is important you call 24 hours in advance.
  • You need to pay very close attention to if and how your pains have lessened or the symptoms, if the pain that you were feeling has changed, or has there been any pain relives or mood changes.

DONTs

  • Avoid multitasking during your treatment.
  • You must not –at any cost- move your body when the needles are in.
  • Do not go to your treatment on an empty stomach or after indulging in a heavy meal.
  • Do not take too much physical, emotional, or mental stress upon yourself after the treatment.
  • Avoid all toxic substances during the day of your appointment.
  • Do not smoke after the session because it will slow down the healing power of your body.
  • You must not soak your body or go for a swim for at least 1 hour after your treatment.

The majority of these tips are made so you can stay protected before, during, and after your treatment. For example, swimming or bathing after a treatment is not advised because the microscopic holes that have been pierced into your body can cause infections.

Some of the suggestions that we have listed allow practitioners to get to accurate diagnoses. Drinking a cup of coffee before the treatment will stain your tongue and add a coat on top of it.

This could lead to inaccurate diagnoses and make your heart beat faster. Practitioners rely on the tongue and pulse when doing the diagnosis, which is why avoiding it before a treatment is recommended. Moreover, caffeine increases “firing of cortisol” that leads to feeling greater levels of pain.

Simply by doing and avoiding the tips mentioned above will allow you to gain maximum benefits out of your acupuncture session!

To book your next acupuncture therapy session, give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 and our helpful staff will find a time that works for you.

Post –Acupuncture Treatment- Take Care Of Yourself

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The motto that every person should have in his or her mind after an acupuncture treatment is “be good to yourself”. Although this may sound extremely vague, many acupuncturists suggest this to their patients.

Since acupuncture is known to “get things moving” in your body, it can cause your body to react in ways it might have never before.

As a result, you need to let these experiences occur, which is why you need to calm down and see how things go.

Many people may be wondering, “How can I be good to myself?” Well, it is simple. Follow the steps stated below and you will know how you can and how you should take care of yourself after your acupuncture treatment.

Plenty of Rest

Resting does not mean that you need to take naps all day or lie down. It simply means that you need to go easy on yourself. Avoid things like walking up six stories, babysitting pets and children, or going for a 3-mile run.

Try not to stay up too late. There are many people who get a kick of energy after their acupuncture treatment, but it is better to save it rather than drain it. By resting, you let your emotional and physical restoration take place.

Light Exercise

People are curious to know if they can work out after getting acupuncture done. Light exercises such as gradual and slow movements are good after a session. However, if you are a runner, you must walk. Whatever method of exercise you perform must be done at the beginner level.

Stay Away From Alcohol and Coffee

This is said for two reasons. The first one is that after an acupuncture treatment, you need to stay as hydrated as you can so that the toxins can be eliminated from your system.

When you are hydrated, you will successfully flush out all the toxins. Alcohol and coffee both cause the body to dehydrate, which is why they need to be avoided after an acupuncture treatment.

The second reason is that these liquids have the ability to irritate your body’s awareness. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to make you more aware of how you are feeling and provide you with clarity.

Alcohol and coffee have the ability to impair your senses, causing the acupuncture benefits to be minimized. You do not need to completely cut these two substances out of your life, but it is recommended to avoid them for a few days.

Indulge in Good Food

Acupuncture will be taking the toxins out of your body, which is why you should not put them back into your system by eating junk foods. You must avoid sugary and processed foods. Opt for foods that are known for their healing ability. Go for foods that will make you feel healthy and nourished.

Now that you are aware of acupuncture post care, you must make sure you follow it. It is important to take good care of yourself especially after a treatment like acupuncture. Our Edmonton Clinic has registered acupuncturists on staff to meet your needs. Give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

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.

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.

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.