Acupuncture is regulated profession in the province of Ontario. If you are considering acupuncture treatments, it is important to seek a Registered Acupuncturist (RAc) to ensure that the practitioner has sufficient experience and training background. Dr. Le is a Registered Acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO), with over 17 years of clinical experience in medical and cosmetic acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where very thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It is a healing technique used over thousands of years, and based on the Eastern medical philosophy that illness or pain is caused by blockage of Qi (energy) of meridians (pathways) throughout the body. Needles are placed at specific points in different meridians to change the flow of Qi, to stimulate healing and to remove pain. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses these fine needles to treat conditions such as that of back pain, headaches, joint pain, insomnia, anxiety and cessation of smoking. Scientific research suggests acupuncture to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the body.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized an extensive list of diseases and disorders that can be treated with acupuncture. This list includes:
- Headaches (migraines, tension)
- Back pain and sciatica
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Bell’s palsy
- Frozen shoulder
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Muscle and joint pain
- TMJ pain
- Smoking cessation
- Digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea, IBS)
- Gynecological conditions (PMS, cramps, menopausal symptoms)
Cupping Therapy
Dr. Le performs a dry cupping technique which involves placing silicone or glass cups on the skin to create suction. The suction facilitates healing and the flow of “qi” in the body. Cupping disperses and breaks up stagnation by drawing congested blood and energy to the surface. Cupping increases blood circulation to the area to relieve muscle tension and help promote cell repair. Bruising is expected, but the circular discolouration will fade within 5-10 days of the treatment. For best results, cupping is used in combination with needle acupuncture.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. As with traditional treatments, acupuncture needles are inserted on specific points along the body. The needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses using small clips. The device is used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered, depending on the condition being treated.