Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Acupuncture is Alternative Health Care.
Acupuncture is Complementary Health Care. 
Acupuncture is Holistic Health Care.
Acupuncture is Allied Health Care.
Acupuncture is Self Care.
​Acupuncture is a complete medical system that has assessment, diagnosis and treatment protocols for most conditions. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Acupuncture has been in use in many parts of the world for over 3000 years. It aligns with modern scientific and physiological systems. It is most known for its ability to treat pain. It can also promote, restore and improve overall health,  prevent disorders, imbalances, infections and diseases, facilitate healing, increase mobility and quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has many tools from which the Dr may chose to use to treat a condition such as: Acupuncture needles, Herbal Medicine, Fire Cupping, Moxibustion, Tui Na Massage, Gua Sha, Auricular Acupuncture, Ear Seed Acupuncture, Electro Acupuncture, Scalp Acupuncture, Diet Therapy, Medical QiGong and Mindfulness Techniques.
Acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted into specific points to elicit a predictable and measurable physiological response in the body, brain and spinal cord, as well as hormonal and biochemical responses in the bloodstream. ​
Some common health conditions that Acupuncture can help with treating:
  • Sciatica​
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Symptom Management of Chronic Diseases​​
  • Arthritis Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Asthma
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Nausea
  • Injury Recovery​
...and much more.

Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is often prescribed as part of treatment. The history and use of Traditional Medicine has a dark past with the use of Rhino horn and other substances from endangered species and plants. Thankfully, the world of Herbal Medicine has evolved as our understanding of the impact of our medicine is understood. Since 1993, the regulations have changed and there is no more use of endangered plants or animals.
The herbs used in our Calgary wellness clinic are all ethically sourced, prepared and fully safety tested. Most classic formulas used are a synergistic blend of two to ten individual plants.Some common ingredients include Licorice Root, Peony Root and Ginger. ​We carry most formulas in tea and pill form.
For more information and a list of the TCM products we carry, please click here. 

Fire Cupping

Fire cupping is the Traditional form of cupping in which Glass cups are placed on the skin with suction. This suction effect relieves tight sore muscles, releases fascial adhesions, helps increase blood and energy flow to an area and decreases pain.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy. It is helpful for treating pain, digestive concerns and even turning breech babies. Using a herb called Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris), the herb is compressed into a smokeless, cigar like stick that is ignited and held over specific Acupuncture points, or it is used in its traditional form and loose herb is place on the acupuncture needle. The heat has a wave length within the near infrared range which is known to penetrate the surrounding tissue,  increase circulation, reduce swelling and inflammation. It can alleviate pain and even has been shown to have a positive effect on free radicals in the body.
​Our Calgary wellness centre also offers smokeless moxa to purchase for at-home treatments. For more information and a list of the TCM products we carry, please click here. 

Tui Na Massage

Tui Na Massage is a type of Traditional Chinese therapeutic massage and soft tissue manipulation. It is used to increase range of motion, decrease fascial adhesions, reduce pain and speed recovery.

During a Tui Na session, the therapist uses various techniques, including kneading, rolling, pressing, and stretching, to stimulate specific points, meridians, and energy channels in the body. The practitioner applies deep pressure and rhythmic movements to the muscles and soft tissues, targeting areas of tension, pain, or imbalance.

While Tui Na shares some similarities with other forms of massage therapy, such as Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, its distinctive feature lies in its foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. Tui Na aims to restore the flow of Qi and balance the yin and yang energies in the body, promoting overall health and vitality.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a tool that has traditionally been made out of Jade stone. It now can be found to be made out of Rose Quartz, Basalt and many others. It is used with oil to scrape the skin to increase blood and energy flow to an area and to reduce pain, swelling and heat.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular Acupuncture is a form of acupuncture where all the points used are in the ears. It is particularly good at treating anxiety, nausea, and cravings. If the patient is uncomfortable with needles, Ear Seeds can also be used in this treatment.

Ear Seeds

Ear Seeds are tiny varicella or stainless steel balls that are placed onto corresponding Acupuncture points on the ear and a small band aid is placed over top. The seeds are left in place to allow the points to be stimulated for 3-7 days.

Electro Acupuncture

Electro Acupuncture is similar to standard Acupuncture in that the same points are used. Two adjacent needles are then attached to a device where continuous or intermittent current is passes through these needles. Depending on the condition that is being treated the frequency and intensity of the pulses are controlled. This treatment is particularly good at treating muscular pain and atrophy, and neuropathy post chemotherapy and radiation.

Scalp Acupuncture

Scalp Acupuncture is a very targeted form of Acupuncture that is useful for treating systemic brain and neurological related issues. It integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medical knowledge of the brain mapping areas. Scalp Acupuncture has been proven to be most successful in treating acute and chronic central nervous system disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, stroke, and paralysis.

Diet Therapy

Diet therapy can be applicable based on your current symptoms, body constitution and overall health and wellness plan. Your TCM Doctor in our Calgary clinic will recommend you incorporate or avoid certain foods based on the season and how your body is functioning at that moment in time. As your treatments progress and symptoms improve, diet changes will be recommended.

Medical Qi Gong & Mindfulness

Medical Qi Gong and Mindfulness Techniques are helpful for stress reduction and nervous system regulation.
We have referral partners for these two branches of TCM.
To learn more, ask your Acupuncturist at your next visit or give us a call. 

Meet Our Doctors of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine