Regulated healthcare practitioners in Ontario are able to provide acupuncture if they have been appropriately trained. However, each of these practitioners may only use acupuncture within their specific scope of practice. For most practitioners, this means they are limited to using acupuncture to treat musculoskeletal conditions. This type of acupuncture is often called “dry needling" or “medical acupuncture.”

By contrast, acupuncture used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has an exceptionally broad scope. Besides treating pain, a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) can also address a wide variety of health issues and symptoms using TCM acupuncture. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the efficacy of TCM acupuncture for many conditions.

Registered Massage Therapy is based on techniques that evolved from European massage. Acupressure massage (Tuina), is based on theory and techniques from Traditional Chinese Medicine. In practice, acupressure massage usually doesn’t involve disrobing or oil and is preformed over a thin layer of clothing or a sheet as opposed to directly on the skin. It also specifically targets the points and channels of Chinese Medicine as opposed to an entire muscle. This is a very effective way to relieve pain and calm the nervous system since acu-points are often located directly over nerves and are also highly correlated with myofascial trigger points.

Muscle & joint pain, headache, migraines, digestive issues, insomnia, stress, urinary & reproductive issues are just a few of the conditions frequently treated with acupuncture and herbal medicines. A growing body of scientific evidence* suggests TCM acupuncture can be effective for many conditions, including:

Source: Evidence Based Acupuncture

In the language of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is said to “move, balance, strengthen, harmonize, regulate, activate, and benefit” the body’s vital energies and substances like “Qi & Blood.” This language is meant to provide a framework for diagnosis and treatment but is not really an explanation in a Western sense. However, there has been much scientific research into the biological mechanisms involved in acupuncture. So far the explanation is still incomplete but the effects of acupuncture seems to involve stimulating nerves that communicate with the brain, nervous system, endocrine system, organs, muscles, and tissues. It can also stimulate the parasympathetic (“Rest & Digest”) nervous system and can alter levels of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides such as serotonin and endorphins. Although many complex mechanism are involved, the overall effect seems to be helping the body restore homeostasis or balance.

Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, and the insertion is generally not painful. When the needle reaches the required depth, you may feel heaviness, pressure, warmth, or a brief electric-like sensation. This is called “the arrival of the Qi” and is an indication of proper stimulation. Once the needles are inserted most patients experience relaxation or even fall asleep.