Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, this regulates the flow of Qi (energy) along pathways in the body known as meridians.
Acupuncture can be used as a stand-alone therapy to treat many different conditions, based in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. It can also be used as an adjunctive therapy to other treatments such as Chiropractic care. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain and promote healing. Acupuncture is used to treat various types of pain. Back pain is the most commonly reported, followed by joint pain, neck pain, and headache.
Acupuncture is also effective in treating:
- Myofascial Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tennis Elbow/Golf Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
- Dysmenorrhea
- Stress and Anxiety
- Smoking
Dr. Jennifer Johrendt is a certified Naturopathic Doctor who can provide Acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been used as a healing art for thousands of years. The original premise of acupuncture is to insert fine needles into specific points on the body aimed at stimulating/inhibiting energy fields (meridians) which control the body’s physical and spiritual well-being. The concept relies on the theory that meridians must be in a state of balance, otherwise disease develops. While traditional acupuncture is still practised today by many healthcare professionals, its healing theories can also be used directly for acute and chronic injuries.
Preparing for your acupuncture treatment:
- It is best to eat a few hours before or have a light snack before the treatment. Having an acupuncture treatment when you feel hungry is not recommended, nor is eating a heavy meal just before or after your treatment.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes. Gowns and shorts will be available upon request within the office.
- Bring a bottle to water to aid in comfort during your treatment.
- Please do not wear heavy perfumes or cologne.
- It is not recommended to have an acupuncture appointment just after having a heavy physical work out.
- Prepare to be at your appointment for 30 minutes.
During your acupuncture treatment:
- The doctor will position you in a comfortable position as you will be left for 15-30 minutes and sometimes you wont be able to move with the placement of the needles.
- Only sterile, disposable needles are used during treatment.
- You may wish to bring earphones and a music player to listen and relax with. It is important to choose soothing music and listen to it on a low volume as relaxation is an important part of your treatment.
- Focus on your breathing. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Make sure it is your belly that lifts and falls as you breathe and not your upper chest.
- If at any time during your treatment you experience discomfort or need assistance; please ring the bell provided and someone will come and assist you. Do not attempt to walk or get up from your position as you may experience a sympathetic reaction, or bend/break a needle causing injury.
- Once the treatment is completed, the doctor will remove and count all needles, disposing of them in a sharps container. You may have a little blood at the needle site: using a q-tip, tissue, or band aide to apply pressure for a couple minutes will minimize bruising.
After your acupuncture treatment:
- Chiropractic treatment is recommended after your acupuncture treatment.
- After your treatment it is best to not engage in strenuous activities for at least 3 hours.
- While most people feel rested and relaxed after an acupuncture treatment, there are some people that feel a bit disoriented after the treatment. Either way, it is a good idea to give yourself some relaxation time after your treatment.
- Book your next appointment.
