Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

At The Root, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and cupping can be done by our Naturopathic Doctors (for insurance, this is covered under Naturopathic Services), and our Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist Mary (for insurance this is covered under Acupuncture). In Mary’s practice, she also incorporates other therapies as needed including Tui Na Massage, Reiki, Cupping, and Chinese herbal prescriptions.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is the placement of thin needles into specific points on the body.  The points are like little energy wells, when simulated they will help correct the flow of qi (energy) and blood along the meridians.   It sometimes helps to imagine a kinked-up garden hose where the flow is off.  Acupuncture is a technique that un-kinks that flow by correcting the channel in which the qi and blood flows along, by doing this, it corrects many manifestations along the way.

What does Acupuncture treat?   

Acupuncture can help with many conditions, such as, pain relief (neck, back, shoulders, other), injuries, arthritis, PMS, menopausal symptoms, and other gynecological issues & fertility support; hypertension, insomnia, fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, constipation, GERD, IBS, nausea, morning sickness & other symptoms of pregnancy as well as labour preparation, allergies, sinus issues, post stroke, memory loss, and many other conditions.

Cupping:

Cupping is the placement of glass cups on the body.  There are different techniques of placement and movement depending on the goal and TCM diagnosis.  The cups have suction which brings circulation to help release stagnation, pain or discomfort, promote increased relaxation, and can also tone the function of the body.
It is important to know that cupping has “sha” which is when the skin appears somewhat red or bruised.  Having “sha” appear brings out stagnation and promotes deep healing; the colour is used as additional diagnosis.  If you have bruising, it will take about 1 week to a month to dissipate, everyone heals in their own time.   

Moxibustion:

Moxibustion (Moxa) is a form of heat therapy that uses burning aged herbs that resemble a thick incense stick.  The moxa stick is moved along the channel close to the skin to warm, move qi and blood, stimulating the meridian channels correcting flow along the way.  Moxa can also be used in different forms, even put onto a medium, such as a slice of ginger.  The type and style of moxa is carefully chosen to suit each client’s needs.  There is also a smokeless moxa stick most commonly used in clinics that provides great results.

Reiki:

Reiki is an ancient laying of hands technique where hands hover over energy centers in various positions on the recipient’s body, promoting balance, relaxation, and stress reduction.   Reiki compliments acupuncture and other TCM methods by helping you deepen your experience.  Reiki is not a part of Chinese Medicine but can be used by Mary in combination with many modalities.      

Guided Meditation and Breathwork:

Guided meditation is a type of meditation that includes narration.  Most of us have mind chatter; hearing a voice is grounding and helps bring focus back to the present moment.  Mary often includes body scanning, yoga nidra, grounding, breath awareness, or other peaceful imagery.  Mary likes to calmly wake up clients if they fall asleep or go into deep relaxation. 

Tui Na Massage:

Tui Na massage is another way to stimulate the flow of qi using many of the same acupuncture points and principles.  Mary uses these massage techniques often either prior to, or after an acupuncture treatment to achieve optimal results.