Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, now widely used in modern healthcare for pain relief and holistic wellness. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate a healing response. Don’t worry – the needles are hair-thin and most people feel little to no discomfort, just a mild sensation.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s energy flow (Qi) along pathways called meridians. In Western terms, research suggests that acupuncture can stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, boosting your body’s natural painkillers and increasing blood flow.
At Body Renewal Health Centre, our Registered Acupuncturist uses acupuncture to address a variety of conditions. Acupuncture is well-known for treating chronic pain (like back, neck, knee, or shoulder pain), headaches and migraines, and arthritis. It’s also helpful for stress and anxiety reduction, insomnia, digestive issues, and women’s health concerns, among other things. Many athletes use acupuncture to speed recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
During your acupuncture session, you’ll relax on a comfortable treatment table. The practitioner will gently insert needles at points tailored to your condition – you might have a few needles in place, or more than a dozen, depending on the treatment plan. You then rest for about 15-30 minutes with the needles in. Patients often find the experience deeply relaxing – some even fall asleep during treatment!
Is acupuncture safe?
Absolutely, when performed by a trained professional. Our acupuncturist is certified and follows strict hygiene (single-use disposable needles). Acupuncture has minimal side effects; occasionally there might be a tiny bruise at a needle site or brief lightheadedness, but serious side effects are extremely rare. We will go over all precautions and make sure you’re comfortable if you’re new to acupuncture
