Acupuncture & IMS

Activate your body’s natural painkillers and increase overall health

Acupuncture stimulates the balance and flow of Qi energy that in Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered essential to health. When the body is healthy, Qi (pronounced chee), flows smoothly through the meridians that make up a conceptual network of pathways throughout the entire body. When the balance or flow of Qi is deficient or obstructed it may be diseased or susceptible to illness. Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root causes of the patient’s illness.

In North America acupuncture is often used when western medicine has failed. In western medicine the yin/yang balance it achieves is known as homeostasis.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective alternative to medication and, in some cases, surgery. It stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones – through the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing.

Therapeutic effects include:

  • Pain relief
  • Increased energy
  • Improved mood
  • Improved body function
  • Improved sleep

How does Intramuscular Stimulation work?

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS), also known as trigger point dry needling or intramuscular needling, is a therapeutic technique used by physiotherapists that are trained in the method.

IMS involves inserting a thin needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) directly into a myofascial trigger point within a muscle. Myofascial trigger points are localized areas of muscle spasm or tension which can cause pain and restrict movement. The aim of IMS is to release these trigger points and relieve muscle pain and tightness.

Therapeutic effects include:

  • Pain Relief
  • Improved Range of Motion
  • Enhanced Muscle Function
  • Targeted Treatment
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FAQs

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Atraumatic acupuncture needles are rounded at the tip so that they slide smoothly through tissue and are unlikely to cause bleeding. Needles are left in place for 15 to 20 minutes during which time the practitioner may manipulate the needles in order to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi.

How frequently should I get Acupuncture?

Acute conditions including back pain and sports injuries are best treated with multiple visits in a short time frame.  For chronic conditions, we recommend two visits per week depending on the condition and its severity.

Who is Acupuncture for?

Acupuncture is for anyone who wants to improve how their body functions.  Whether you’re recovering from a musculoskeletal problem, sports injury or arthritic pain, acupuncture can help.  Acupuncture is often used as an adjunct to treatment.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Complications of acupuncture are extremely rare.  We take extreme caution to ensure that you are comfortable.  Your therapist will review potential complications with you, so you are fully informed.

What is IMS?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a dry needling technique That involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into taut muscle bands. This causes a 3-fold effect on the muscles

  1. There is a reflex relaxation and lengthening of taut muscle
  2. There is improved healing of injured tissue
  3. There is restoration of normal nerve function.

It is not uncommon to experience some aching in the treated muscles for a few hours after your treatment. The application of dry or moist heat can help to ease any discomfort.

You should experience an improvement in mobility after your treatment.

Will my insurance cover the cost of my acupuncture treatment? 

Please feel free to contact our clinic at 604-926-6868 with your plan and provider and we would be happy to give you an estimate on your coverage. Alternatively, contact your service provider for full coverage detail.