Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be helpful in many health concerns by helping to restore balance in the body. From a Western medicine point of view, acupuncture may work by decreasing inflammation and increasing blood flow in the local body parts they are inserted into. From a Chinese medicine perspective, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the energy that flows through all of our bodies. When Qi moves freely through the body, the body is considered to be in balance and healthy. When Qi is blocked, it results in imbalances in different body parts which can lead to various physical and mental-emotional symptoms.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles along pathways called meridians in the body to improve the movement of Qi, bringing it back into balance and restoring health. According to Chinese medicine principles, this can help improve many symptoms in the body as well as their underlying causes.
Did you know?
Acupuncture is one of Dr. Odette’s favourite treatments to use because she has seen so many people respond so well to it in her practice. To further help correct imbalances from a Chinese medicine point of view she may also recommend dietary changes, moxibustion, cupping and herbs.
Dr. Odette has utilized acupuncture to help support the body & mind through various conditions including:
- Fertility issues: natural conception & assisted reproductive therapies (IVF, ICSI, IUI)
- Pregnancy-related complaints: morning sickness, fatigue, pregnancy loss support, labour induction
- Pain management: frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injury, knee pain, sciatica, low back pain, neck pain
- Migraine & tension headaches
- Digestive concerns: constipation, diarrhea, heartburn
- Chronic stress & anxiety
- High blood pressure – if stress is a main underlying factor
Are you wondering if acupuncture hurts?
Dr. Odette’s answers that question and more here!