ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is generally a well-tolerated procedure, but it’s natural to wonder if it causes discomfort. The sensation experienced during acupuncture can vary depending on the length and diameter of the needles used. It’s worth noting that needle insertion may sometimes cause temporary pain. Particularly, if an acupuncture point on your body is energy deficient or overstimulated, discomfort may be associated with the insertion. Occasionally, when the needle is inserted slightly deeper, you may feel a sensation known as “de qi” or “grabbing the energy,” which can be perceived as a dull ache radiating along the acupuncture meridian.

What can you expect during an acupuncture session? Each acupuncture practitioner has a unique style, often incorporating elements from both Eastern and Western medicine. Your practitioner will inquire about your symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle to determine the most suitable acupuncture treatment for you. They may also closely examine specific aspects, including the painful areas of your body, the shape, coating, and color of your tongue, the color of your face, and the strength, rhythm, and quality of your pulse in your wrist.

An acupuncture session can range up to 60 minutes, though some appointments may be shorter. A typical treatment plan for a specific condition usually involves one or two weekly sessions. The number of treatments required will depend on the condition’s nature and severity. As a general guideline, receiving 6 to 8 treatments is common.

Fascinating Fact:

Did you know that LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation? At Newleaf Total Wellness Centre, we harness the power of this special focused light energy to invigorate your body’s cells. The precisely aligned light used in Laser Therapy allows your body to absorb its energy effectively.

So, what exactly does Laser Therapy do?

Think of it as the Energizer Bunny for your cells. It provides them with an extra boost of energy through a process called photobiomodulation. Here’s how Laser Therapy can benefit you:

Stimulates collagen growth: This helps heal skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones by promoting fibroblastic activity.

Enhances wound healing: Laser Therapy increases blood flow to the affected area, aiding healing.

Alleviates pain: Laser Therapy has been shown to reduce pain, relieving various conditions.

What does Laser Therapy feel like?

You won’t experience tingling, buzzing, or heat sensations during the treatment. Instead, you’ll only feel the gentle pressure of the LASER device against your skin. Some patients have even noticed a mild warmth, adding to the comforting experience.

Which conditions can Laser Therapy help with?

Laser Therapy is versatile and can assist with a range of conditions, including:

• Muscle strains and tears
• Trigger points
• Ligament sprains
• Tendon conditions (e.g., tendonitis)
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Wound healing (reducing scarring)
• Nerve pain (Neuralgia)
• Acute pain
• Chronic Pain
• Chronic Joint Disorders

At Newleaf Total Wellness Centre, we’re dedicated to helping you find relief and rejuvenation through Laser Therapy. Our experienced team is here to guide you on your journey to wellness.

Ear seeding, or auricular acupuncture or auriculotherapy, is a traditional therapy deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine. The underlying principle of auriculotherapy is that the entire body and its systems, such as the reproductive, nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, can be mapped onto the ear. This mapping is referred to as a microsystem.

Tiny metallic beads (or sometimes actual seeds, ceramic beads, or magnetic beads) are attached to small adhesive material like tape during an ear seeding session. These beads are strategically placed on specific points on the ear’s surface corresponding to various organs and systems in the body.

Following the placement of the beads, you will wear them for a duration determined by your acupuncturist. The beads provide continuous gentle stimulation to the corresponding ear points.

Tuina massage is a therapeutic practice that shares similarities with acupuncture, as it utilizes the same energy meridians and acupoints to restore balance to the flow of qi and blood in your body, promoting overall health. When qi flow is disrupted, it can lead to blockages and hinder proper blood circulation in the affected areas. The primary purpose of tuina massage is to address these energetic blockages, effectively alleviating qi stagnation.

During a tuina massage session, skilled practitioners employ oscillating and pressure techniques, varying in force and speed. The massage can range from a deeper, more intense deep-tissue treatment to a gentler, more energetic approach. Some techniques are considered more yin, characterized by gentleness, passivity, and meditative qualities. In contrast, others follow a yang approach, which is more active, dynamic, and physical, aiming to stimulate deep blockages and knots, resulting in more intense sensations.

Practitioners focus on massaging the muscles and tendons and utilizing manipulation techniques to realign the body. Passive joint movements are incorporated to restore muscle and joint function.

Depending on your specific needs, various techniques may be employed during a tuina massage session. Herbal poultices or compresses, lotions, and salves might be applied to enhance the therapeutic effects.

Gua Sha, known as skin scraping, spooning, or coining, is a traditional Chinese healing technique. During a Gua Sha treatment, pressure is applied to the skin using a massage tool, which results in scraping or stroking motions. This technique is renowned for relieving discomfort and tension associated with musculoskeletal pain. It may cause light bruising, manifesting as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha.

In the context of traditional Chinese medicine, the body’s energy flow is referred to as qi or chi. Maintaining balanced and unobstructed qi flow is believed to be essential for overall health and well-being. Gua Sha addresses any blockages in the qi, which can cause muscle and joint pain or stress. By applying Gua Sha, it is believed that the blocked energy can be released, alleviating aches and stiffness. Another goal of Gua Sha is to address blood stasis or stagnation, as traditional East Asian medicine attributes pain and illness to stagnant blood. By performing Gua Sha, it is thought that pooled or stagnated blood can be moved and dispersed, reducing symptoms.

What can you expect during a Gua Sha treatment? The process typically involves the application of massage oil or lubricant to the designated area. A Gua Sha massage tool with a smooth edge is then used to perform short strokes or scraping motions on the skin. The intensity and duration of these strokes may vary depending on the specific procedure and practitioner. For example, bony areas may be treated more gently than flatter or muscular areas, such as the cervical spine in the neck. A Gua Sha session can take several minutes or longer to complete.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves the burning of the Chinese herb Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as mugwort, a few centimeters above the skin’s surface. This technique is beneficial for warming cool bodies and increasing yang energy in the body.

Moxibustion is particularly useful in addressing various conditions, including digestive issues with cold symptoms, lumps in the skin, joint injuries, and even helping turn breech-positioned babies.

At our clinic, we utilize Infrared Moxibustion, which involves using moxibustion combined with infrared radiation. This process produces infrared radiation that can penetrate the tissues deeper than normal infrared radiation. The deeper penetration helps to stimulate cell growth by activating the protein complex activin, which promotes overall cellular health. Additionally, Infrared Moxibustion can boost the immune system, providing a positive impact on your well-being.

Cupping therapy, also known as cupping massage or myofascial decompression, is an ancient Chinese technique that involves placing specialized cups on specific areas of the skin to create suction. This alternative therapy has been historically used to complement traditional care for various chronic illnesses and conditions.

Cupping therapy gained attention in the mainstream media when Michael Phelps showcased bruising and redness on his back during the 2016 Olympics, which are expected side effects of a cupping therapy session.

Traditionally, cups were made of bamboo or ceramic, but modern cups are typically made of glass or rubber with a glass-like ball on top. The practitioner applies negative pressure to the soft tissues, creating suction that draws the skin and muscles upward into the cup. Before placement, the cups are often warmed. Once cooled, the suction effect begins.

Cupping therapy offers numerous benefits, particularly in alleviating symptoms of chronic illnesses and various health conditions. It is often used alongside traditional therapies, so it is crucial to inform your doctors about your plan to incorporate cupping therapy into your treatment.

The benefits of cupping therapy include the following:

• Promoting the uninterrupted flow of Qi (pronounced chi) throughout the body, revitalizing the body’s energy sources.
• Balancing the yin and yang energies in the body.
• Increasing blood circulation by clearing the blood vessels.
• Relieving muscle tension and promoting cellular repair to reduce tension.
• Directing more blood flow to specific areas to stimulate the healing process.
• Supplying vital nutrients and oxygen to the targeted areas.
• Drawing out metabolic by-products, such as ammonia, urea, uric acid, and creatinine, which can hinder healing and cause inflammation.

Cupping therapy can assist in managing various conditions, including:

• Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder pain and knee pain
• Asthma
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• High blood pressure and blood circulation issues

We offer cupping therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to healing. Our experienced practitioners will guide you through the process, tailoring the treatment to address your needs. Discover the potential benefits of cupping therapy as we work together to support your well-being and alleviate symptoms.