Jennifer Dynes BPHE, RMT 

Contemporary Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called "qi", that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.

Acupuncture is a form of treatment that has been used for thousands of years.  It involves the insertion of fine solid needles into specific points on the body with the purpose of treating pain, dysfunction and disease.  Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is based on current concepts of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, anatomy, and pathophysiology.  The effects of acupuncture are well researched and its effectiveness has been reported extensively in medical literature. 

Acupuncture affects the body at different levels.  Locally, where the needle is inserted there is an increase in blood flow.  This helps to promote healing.  At the spinal cord and brain level, the release of certain natural chemicals including endorphins (one of the body's natural painkillers) is stimulated.  These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or trigger release of chemicals that influence the body's own internal regulating system.  Contemporary acupuncture may also use electrical current to influence the structures at the acupuncture point and along the acupuncture channel between points.

Contemporary Acupuncture works well when used in conjunction with manual therapy and Massage techniques as part of an integrated therapeutic approach in dealing with pain, headaches and other neuromuscular problems.

What is Contemporary Acupuncture?

Contemporary Acupuncture is a system of diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is based on a comprehensive Chinese theory of energy balance. The treatment involves insertion of small solid needles into precise anatomical sites in the body to produce therapeutic effects.

The McMaster University Medical Acupuncture Program: An Evidence-Based Approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine is conducted at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University. This program utilizes the most current evidence through clinical trials, and systematic reviews for point selections and applications.

Acupuncture affects the body at different levels. Locally, where the needle is inserted there is an increase in blood flow. This helps to promote healing. The spinal cord level helps to restore the communication channels between the nerves and the brain. The final needle insertion sites are included into the treatment plan to promote a systemic approach which, help neutralize the nervous system.

Acupuncture helps the release of certain natural chemicals including endorphins which is one of the body’s natural painkillers to be stimulated.  These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or trigger release of chemicals that influence the body’s own internal regulating system. Contemporary acupuncture may also use electrical current to influence the structures and help provide pain relief. 

Acupuncture can be used in combination with massage therapy to address issues such as, tension headaches/migraines, frozen shoulder, repetitive strain injuries, low back pain, menstrual discomfort, sciatica, knee and ankle injuries, arthritis and anxiety concerns.