What To Expect
Acupuncture is so much more than putting needles in muscles. This section is for YOU, our patients who want to learn more about Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here you'll learn what we treat, how we treat it and what to expect!
Acupuncture is the process of inserting sterilized, stainless steel, and silicone-coated needles into the skin and muscle. It was used primarily in Chinese Medical History; however, many other cultures have a history of needle insertion for treating pain conditions, as well as a vast and varied history of herbal remedy use for curing dis-ease.
There are many ways to explain how Acupuncture works, but the following is the simplest and most straightforward way I explain the process to my patients:
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The body is made up of many systems. These include the integumentary system, the respiratory system, the nervous system, the circulatory system, among others. These systems are deeply interconnected. Surrounding most tissues, organs, and nerves in the body are different forms of collagenous tissue called "connective tissue" or fascia.
These form structures, such as the pericardial sac, the pleura of the lungs and the myelin sheaths wrapped around nerves. Collagen (the foundation of connective tissue) is piezoelectric, meaning it conducts a very subtle electricity when pressure is applied to it. Fascia forms protective 'sacs' around various systems in the body, isolating them from others. These sacs are formed in utero, as the placenta and the foetus are developing. As this material surrounds all things in the body, it is intricately connected, like a web. This is why pain pathways typically follow the "myofascial" pathways. You can imagine it like an elastic band, filled with tension. If we hold both ends of a band, and pull on one side, the other side experiences greater tension. The fascia connects like this.
Thousands of years ago, the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) wrote the first text explaining Chinese Medical practices as they had been passed down verbally for generations. In the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine), the master explained the six systems which connected different fascial layers in the body. Of course, they did not call it fascia in those days. Before modern times, these were known as the channels. These channels are Taiyin, Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Shaoyin and Jueyin. Together, they form the entirety of the body and encase the precious organs that keep us going every day.
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When we needle specific points in the body, we are accomplishing two things: we are stimulating muscle and fascial tissue which affects the entire channel, thereby easing tension in the "elastic band" and / or we are affecting the organ system as explained in the ancient Chinese Medical texts to treat various organ system issues such as Blood Stasis, Yin Deficiency, Wind-Cold Invasion, etc. These terms may not be familiar to you, but they all explain different illnesses that are present in modern times.
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My favourite quote from the late Dr. Leon Hammer, teacher, psychotherapist, Chinese Medicine Doctor, is this:
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"Chinese Medicine has been for me the fulfillment of a search for a
congenial system of healing [that is] a personal, subtle, gentle, yet
highly technical medical system which allows me to be
close to the essence, to the life force; both of my own and that of others."
Dr. Leon Hammer
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Dr. Hammer understood the value of Acupuncture in treating more than the so-called physical body. Though we are, indeed, treating physical ailments, both internally and externally, we are also treating the heart, the mind, the soul.
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The goal of treatment is different for everyone. Some come in for back tension, shoulder pain, knee injuries, etc. These are, typically, treated with orthopaedic style needling - myofascial stimulation and relaxation. Needling can also affect blood circulation for injuries and reduce swelling. Others come in for internal disorders, such as digestive concerns, menstrual dysfunction, fertility difficulties, sweating disorders, sinus conditions and much, much more. Still more come in for headaches, migraines, vertigo and dizziness.
The list of things Acupuncture can help with and treat is virtually endless - because Acupuncture is not just a "balm" for your concern. It connects to the root of dysfunction within the body system. It is a matter of finding what system is affected, and treating it appropriately.
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Treatment Experience​
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Every Acupuncturist is different. I always tell my new patients, if you don't enjoy this experience, please do not give up on Acupuncture entirely. Try someone new. There is a practitioner out there that has exactly what you need, it is just a matter of finding them. My personal practice focus is on calming the nervous system. To me, an overstimulated nervous system, whether that be from physical trauma, emotional shock, excessive stress, or an engine running on empty (deficiency), I am of the opinion that over-stimulating the nervous system is not necessary. It is for this reason I use incredibly small needles and take a gentle approach to needling. Not all Acupuncturists practice this way, and that is absolutely fine. There are patients for every kind of Acupuncturist.
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In my first five years of practice, I treated a variety of patients for a variety of things, all with different reactions to treatment and with various desires for the treatment experience. I adapted, as needed, to the patient's reactions. If a patient was more sensitive, I limited needles and used techniques to distract the nervous system away from the area of needling. If a patient was looking for a heavier hand, I would treat accordingly. Everything is tailored to your experience. The room is yours for the hour or longer that you occupy it. It is your happiness and well-being that I focus on, as well as the necessary requirements for your treatment and the improvement of your condition.
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Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all type of healing. Every patient is different. Every practitioner is unique. Every experience is novel.
Does It Hurt?
I often get this question from those who have not experienced Acupuncture in the past. The needle we are inserting is very small, and it is not the same as a hypodermic needle that you might receive when getting a vaccination, for example, or taking blood. The needles are solid and they are coated in silicone to assist a smooth entry into the skin. The standard size of needle for Acupuncturists is 0.20mm thick. I use 0.16mm needles (two sizes below the standard). To give you an idea of the difference, Physiotherapists and some IMS specialized Acupuncturists use 0.25mm needles that are uncoated, which allows them to grip strongly to the muscle belly and trigger a fasciculation (twitch). This is sometimes very helpful, though smaller needles can also accomplish this, when handled appropriately.
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The most uncomfortable part is when the needle pierces the outermost layer of the skin. Most patients report not feeling the needle go in at all, or very little pain on insertion. I have had comments from patients where they express surprise at how relaxed they feel, for having needles inserted into their tissue. It is a strange phenomenon. My advice is, relax. Calm your system. Trust your practitioner. They have been trained to take care of you. The more you trust, the more relaxed your body will be. The more nervous you are, the more primed for pain your nervous system will be, and thus you will experience greater discomfort.
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You can expect different sensations during treatment, as well. Muscles might twitch as the needle is inserted - this is a sign the muscle has needed release and has successfully achieved it. You might feel a heaviness, a stronger nerve sensation, a sensation of cold or hot, or a slight tingling sensation. These are all very normal. Some points are expected to be strong and, in fact, required to get the best result. You can let your Acupuncturist know at any point if you are feeling discomfort. It is important that they know so that they can adjust things as necessary to ensure your body is able to fully settle. Sensations typically wax and wane, but pain should diminish within 30-60 seconds after insertion. ​​​​​
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.... More to come
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