During the first visit there is a health intake, to get answers about your health, lifestyle, and chief complaint. Natasha will need to know about all other medications and treatments , as well as all your health conditions. After this consult there is usually an Acupuncture treatment and a combination prescription of Future Acupuncture treatments as well as Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Dietary considerations as it pertains to Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist who has a great knowledge of the Acupuncture Meridians and Human Anatomy.

It is a wonderful drug free alternative which comes with very few side effects.

And even in Chronic conditions it has been found to be effective preventative medicine.

Every needle used is pre-sterilized, disposable and packaged to protect it before use.

The needles are also never inserted too deeply. The depth is always a factor of the anatomical location of the point, and the patient’s age, and size.

The diameter of Acupuncture needles is far smaller than regular hypodermic needles.

They should not be felt upon insertion or removal. Some patients report they may feel at the site of the needle some pulling sensation, or numbing sensation, and even an electric sensation along the meridian. If there is any discomfort the Acupuncturist can remove the needle and re-insert it in a slightly different area of the Acupuncture point and this often alleviates any discomfort.

Acupuncturists may also use other modalities along with the needles such as electric stimulation, cupping, moxibustion and Guasha.

I always answer it depends how long the condition took to manifest. For example, an acute case of back pain, often did not arise from one event. It might have taken a few years for the area of the back that is inflamed to have been worn down or overused.

The body is amazing as it is constantly trying to heal itself, Acupuncture will help the body heal, but is does take some time.

If a problem is 10 years old it may take up to 10 treatments.

If a problem is 1 week old it may only take 1-3 treatments dependent on the problem.

We say a course of treatment is 6-10 x, usually one time per week for 6-10 weeks.

A chronic condition may take up to 2 courses of treatment and I always recommend a maintenance program potentially a visit once per month or one every 6-8 weeks dependent on the condition.

If the condition is Acute is may take 3-6 sessions to be fully recovered.

There are many studies out there that show that acupuncture can improve the fertility in both men and women. Many medical doctors now believe that acupuncture helps get the body primed and maximises potential effects of fertility treatments.

It helps to manage some of the stress associated with fertility
treatments and does improve pregnancy rates. Acupuncture benefits by improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which also helps to thicken the lining of the uterus. It can also regulate problems with the body’s neuroendocrine system. Activating the brain to release hormones which stimulate ovaries, adrenal glands, and other organs involved in reproduction.

It is known to improve the quality of the eggs and helps to regulate the period if it is not arriving every month.

It can also boost male fertility by improving sperm production and the strength and motility of the sperm.

2 studies are quoted here:
One in Acupuncture in Medicine – and the other Journal of Endocrinological Investigation

When Acupuncture was used on the day of an embryo transfer into a women’s uterus, there was an increase in conception rate.

As well, an article in The Journal Of Endocrinological Investigation, found that woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome and men who had infertility issues with no known causes benefitted from Acupuncture.

It is safe during pregnancy and very helpful for conditions such as Nausea, severe vomiting, insomnia, heart burn, bleeding, hemorrhoids, headaches or migraines, urinary incontinence, constipation, itching, Sciatic pain, anxiety and fatigue.

Acupuncture is also known to help breech babies as long as treatment is sought up to 34 weeks.

Acupuncture is wonderfully beneficial for pre-labour prep, as well as postpartum issues, such as lactation difficulties or pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and vaginal discharge.

Acupuncture is safe for any ages. Children can also be given gentle herbal formulas for issues such as constipation or asthma at a young age. Important to note that often chronic constipation in young children is tied to the development of ADHD. Important to get treatment early in life to avoid many later problems.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) -

Traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture TCM can treat effectively

Acute/chronic pain

Abdominal pain - inclusive of stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, bloating, heart burn

Headaches

Migraines

Neck, shoulder, back pain

Rheumatoid arthritis

Repetitive strain injuries

Sports injuries, accident related injuries

Surgical recovery