Karen McLellan Acupuncture
Karen McLellan Acupuncture
Karen McLellan, Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) DTCM
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Click here to view my foldable clinic brochure (contains the same information you are reading below)
Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories that Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) flow freely throughout the body just as nerves and blood vessels do. It is believed that the free movement of these components promotes health, and acupuncture is thought to encourage and aid in this physiological process. Over a period of thousands of years the Chinese have mapped out a series of points along the body, the locations of which have been recently confirmed through modern electromagnetic research. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the skin at these sites for the purpose of restoring balance of health within the body, and thereby providing effective treatment of specific health problems.
What Health problems can Acupuncture Treat?
What Health problems can Acupuncture Treat?
According to the World Health Organization, Acupuncture is useful in treating the following health conditions:
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders such as sinus problems, earaches and toothaches
Respiratory Disorders such as bronchitis and asthma
Gastrointestinal Disorders such as bowel problems like diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal pain
Nervous System and Muscular Disorders such as headaches, migraines, low back pain, osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder
Gynecological Disorders such as PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps & irregularity, lack of or excessive bleeding, pregnancy including discomfort and nausea, miscarriage, infertility, and pediatrics
Acupuncture also helps with:
Acupuncture also helps with:
Stress
Anxiety
Energy levels
Arthritis
Hormone Functions
Brain Functioning
Facial Rejuvination
Emotional Disturbances
Pain
Insomnia
Sciatica
Metabolism issues
Thyroid/Endocrine disorders
Children's health
Skin Disorders
Low Libido, Sexual Functioning, Impotence
How deep are the needles inserted, and does it hurt?
How deep are the needles inserted, and does it hurt?
The nature of the problem, the points selected, the style of acupuncture being used, and the patient's size, age and well being at the time of treatment all play a role in the depth of the needles. Needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth on average. Acupuncture is not meant to be painless, nor painful. With correct insertion and stimulation of the needles, patients often feel a variety of different sensations including tingling, heaviness, distension, heat, a tickle, a dull ache and/or numbness around the needle site or travelling sensations up or down the affected meridian (in the body). If you experience any discomfort it is usually mild and quickly subsides. It is important for you to communicate well with your practitioner any of the sensations you are experiencing so adjustments can be made accordingly.
What can I expect during my visit?
What can I expect during my visit?
A typical visit to the clinic will range from 45 minutes to 1 hour. The initial consultation is 1 to 1.5 hours to allow quality time for your practitioner to get to know as much about you and your health as possible. An in-depth look into your health history and current condition(s) is done in order to best assess and address your health concerns. Once a diagnosis is determined and treatment plan is set up, you are ready for your treatment. Fine hair-width, sterile needles are inserted at specific points throughout the body. These are designed to address your health condition and either are inserted, then immediately removed or are left in for up to 40 minutes - 30 minutes is the average needle retention time. Some treatments are shorter or longer depending on the needs of the patient and the goal of the treatment. Other modalities such as dietary counselling and lifestyle recommendations, cupping, moxibustion and or Tui Na massage may be done depending on the need.
How many treatments will I need and how often will I have to visit the clinic?
How many treatments will I need and how often will I have to visit the clinic?
It is difficult to assess without consultation exactly how many treatments will be needed to achieve your goal. It is common for an acute condition such as a headache to be successfully treated in only one treatment, whereas a series ranging from 5-15 treatments would be common for acute injuries or chronic conditions. Severe conditions may require many treatments. Depending on the condition, treatments are done ranging from two to three days apart for acute issues, and weekly or bi-weekly for chronic conditions. This varies and is discussed and determined by the practitioner and patient based on the best treatment plan for the individual.
What do I do while receiving my treatment?
What do I do while receiving my treatment?
Relax and enjoy your treatment while focusing on the experience you are having. There is no need to be concerned or frightened in any way as you are in control at all times. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or feel ready to end the treatment, speak with your practitioner and the necessary adjustments will be made. But in all reality, many people actually fall to sleep during their treatments! In order to get the most benefit and understanding from your treatments, be sure to ask your practitioner any questions you many have during the course of your treatments. The experience is regularly described as relaxing, yet rejuvenating, and is enjoyed by most.
Acupuncture can help with many different types of Pain.
Acupuncture can help with many different types of Pain.
Click on the link below to learn how.
