Acupuncture Services in Langley, BC

Acupuncture encourages the body to promote natural healing and improves how it functions through the insertion of needles at precise points. These points have been used for years in Chinese medicine, based along areas where “qi”, life energy, flows. Although Acupuncture is an alternative therapy, there are some scientific studies that demonstrate some efficacy is reducing pain.

If you’re in need of acupuncture services from trained professionals in Langley and the Fraser Valley, contact HealthX Physiotherapy here or call us at (604) 332-4487.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of solid filiform acupuncture needles into specific points in the body for therapeutic effects. It is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, relieve pain, and improve function of affected areas of the body. It’s a safe and effective alternative treatment for those who don’t respond to traditional therapy.

Acupuncture: How Does It Work?

The acupuncture needles are solid, usually made from stainless steel, and are usually from 13 to 70 mm. They are fine, flexible and rounded, while remaining sharp at the tip. They are ‘atraumatic’, meaning they don’t have a cutting edge like a hypodermic needle, which slices through tissue. Their design allows for acupuncture needles to slide smoothly through tissues and makes them unlikely to cause bleeding or damage.

‘Acupoints’ are places on the skin with lower resistance to the passage of electricity; they are connected along ‘meridians’ or ‘channels’ that are believed to be the pathways that energy flows through the body. Acupoints were mapped many years ago in Chinese medicine.

When the needle is correctly placed, it usually causes a dull, heavy, or aching feeling. This feeling is known as ‘de Qi’ and is considered necessary to be effective. This experience leads to relief of pain. The needles are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes. The practitioner may manipulate needles to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi; they might do this by lifting, twisting, or rotating the needle.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Pain is often rarely associated with acupuncture treatment. Most people experience tingling sensations when the needle is inserted. Others describe the sensation to be a ‘dull ache’. Areas on your body which are more sensitive may experience a very brief sharp sensation, for example finger tips and toes.

How many treatments do I need?

The duration of acupuncture treatment varies from patient to patient. Factors such as your overall health and type of illness will change the number of necessary treatments needed. Chronic conditions and long-term pain tend to require more acupuncture treatments than recent injuries. Acupuncture treatments over longer periods of time tend to yield more positive results.

Who would benefit the most from Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is known as an effective form of treatment for pain relief, which is especially helpful when incorporating it into your physiotherapy treatment. Acupuncture is known to help improve your range of motion for injured joints.

Acupuncture suits you best if you have:

• Sports Injuries
• Sprains
• Strains
• Whiplash
• Neck pain
• Nerve pains
• Overuse Syndromes
• Pain Resulting from Spinal cord injuries
• Lower Back Pain
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Acupuncture has become a common treatment for nausea and vomiting during post-surgery or chemotherapy. Stroke survivors commonly seek help from an acupuncturist for stroke rehabilitation as well.

Acupuncture has also been recognized by the World Health Organization to improve on other ailment conditions such as:

• Sports Injuries
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Strokes
• Menstrual Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Asthma Bronchitis
• Constipation
• High blood pressure
• Ulcers
• Infertility
• Anorexia
• Allergies tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sore throat (called pharyngitis)
• Gastro esophageal reflux (felt as heartburn or indigestion)
• Chronic and recurrent bladder and kidney infections
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Memory problems
• Insomnia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sensory disturbances

Acupuncture at HealthX Physiotherapy

If you feel that acupuncture would be beneficial to your health, HealthX is here to help. To start your treatment alongside one of our practitioners, contact HealthX Physiotherapy here or call us at (604) 332-4487.

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