I originally came to Elmira for acupuncture to treat wrist, neck and back pain. Working at a desk and computer all day was starting to cause pain, and I had heard that acupuncture could help provide relief. Elmira put me at ease during my first treatment and I found it very relaxing. I noticed immediate relief, particularly in my wrists. Continued treatments have really helped alleviate my pain. Elmira is very friendly and knowledgeable, and I enjoy my treatments with her.

-S.F.

I have been going to Elmira for the past 7 years and her knowledge and experience has greatly improved the condition of an old injury that I have suffered with. She is personable, creates a relaxed environment and her willingness to customize her services for the individual has made a huge difference for me and my wellbeing many times.  Thank you so much Elmira!

-M-C.S.

After years of being a patient of Elmira’s, I am confident to say her acupuncture treatments have helped me heal and relieve nagging ailments time and time again.   Her bright personality and professionalism comes through each visit; it’s a calm and pleasant experience for me (even when the pain is bad).  I would highly recommend her to others as a form of treatment for a variety of issues.

-M.S.

Elmira’s combination of acupuncture and gua sha has become an essential part of my holistic health care. I wish I could go more often!

-Colin

I have been a client of Elmira’s since 2010. I was new to acupuncture when I started with her and was a little apprehensive about the needles, but Elmira’s technique is such that there was no pain or discomfort. I soon looked forward to these sessions not only for the relief from the symptoms I was experiencing but also for the calm and relaxation it brought me. It was a time to escape the business of life and be able to decompress and revitalize. I am very thankful to have crossed paths with Elmira. Her expertise and caring personality have truly enhanced my life.

-Karen

I started going for acupuncture with Elmira six years ago to help with general aches and pains, and continued through my recent pregnancy. Regular acupuncture throughout my third trimester helped reduce fatigue and hip soreness, and prepare my body for delivery. I highly recommend Elmira’s acupuncture services! I have felt better immediately after each session. Elmira takes the time to talk to patients before the treatment begins to thoroughly understand the patients’ complaints and goals. Now that my baby is born, I look forward to going back to Elmira for postpartum treatment.

-Megan

Elmira provides a calm and peaceful atmosphere that relieved my fears about acupuncture.  She really helped me feel better!

-T.K.

Elmira is an outstanding acupuncturist – my overall health has improved considerably since I have been her patient.

– Patti

Acupuncture for Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo are commonly experienced by many people and have a big impact on their lives.  This problem can be mild or it can severely disrupt day to day life to the point where normal activity is limited.  It is often accompanied by nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, or vision problems.  Dizziness and vertigo have a number of different causes including inner ear problems, Meniere’s disease, migraines, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or neurological problems.  As this can sometimes be due to severe problems such as stroke, or brain hemorrhage, always consult with your doctor if you experience unexplained dizziness.

Acupuncture is often very useful in alleviating or even eliminating dizziness and vertigo.  After a detailed look at your health history, you will need a series of acupuncture treatments.  These treatments are often combined with auricular acupressure in the form of ear seeds (you are shown how to apply pressure to points on your ear to increase the benefits of your treatment, and give you further relief of symptoms after you leave the clinic).  As well as decreasing dizzy spells, side effects such as nausea and headaches are also addressed to improve your quality of life.

Acupuncture for Allergies

Seasonal allergies give rise to a number of uncomfortable and irritating symptoms including:

• runny nose
• itchy eyes
• sneezing
• congestion

Acupuncture can address and improve these symptoms.  Acupuncture is also used to strengthen the immune system to further support the body when allergies begin.  It is most effective when you come in about a month before you usually begin to suffer from allergies.  This causes you to be less susceptible to allergies when the season hits.   It is usually recommended to come in a few times a year as the best way to keep allergies well controlled.

Acupuncture for Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway, and affects approximately 3 million Canadians. It can range from mild to severe, and symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

The main symptoms of asthma are:

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing
• Wheezing

Unfortunately, the cause of asthma is not known, and there is no cure for this disease. Asthma attacks can be caused by a number of triggers including exercise, pets and other allergens, pollution, and cold air.

Acupuncture can help those who suffer from asthma by strengthening the immune system and lungs, and aiding in the relief of asthma symptoms. Initially, acupuncture treatments will take place over several months until the body is strengthened, with periodic treatments needed thereafter to maintain the benefits that have been reached.

Acupuncture for a better sleep

Acupuncture is useful to help relieve both the side effects and causes of poor sleep. It is beneficial to:

• Calm your mind to allow better sleep and balances your system to better deal with change
• Improve immune function and energy levels that result as an effect of poor sleep
• Relieve pain which may be waking you at night
• Help with the symptoms of caffeine or nicotine withdrawal, which you may be removing from your lifestyle in order to sleep better.
• Relieve stress which leads to and results from poor sleep
• Treat TMJD and teeth grinding which may be disrupting your sleep
• Treat other underlying causes of insomnia, such as anxiety, depression, heartburn, and other conditions that lead to poor sleep

Many people take sleep for granted, or consider it to be a luxury.  However, good sleep habits are as important for our health as diet and exercise.  With proper amounts of sleep our memory, immune function, metabolism, pain levels and appearance are all improved.  Good sleep is important for us to experience optimal productivity and creativity, and improves our mental and physical performance.

When our sleep is poor we are tired, irritable, and suffer from headaches – and unfortunately, often unable to realize when our performance is affected.  When our sleep suffers so does our mood and stress levels, and we have a higher risk of being involved in accidents.  People who have prolonged amounts of poor sleep have an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension.  Enjoying a better sleep has many benefits to your life and longevity.  Consider acupuncture to help you improve your sleep and to maintain better sleeping habits.

Acupuncture for Immune System Support

Our Immune System

Our immune system is our body’s defense against the viruses and bacteria that make us sick, as well as fighting problems from within our body, such as cancer cells. 

There are many aspects of the immune system. These include the protective barriers that keep pathogens out, such as our skin or the lining of our digestive system. Another aspect is the specialized cells that prevent disease by attacking viruses and bacteria that enter our system. These include white blood cells and other immune cells. Our lymph system, spleen, and bone marrow also work to keep us healthy and strong. 

The immune system is a complex network within our body that keeps us healthy. It protects us, but we can also work to keep our immune system functioning at its best.

How can we help support our Immune System?

Our immune system is always working to protect us from the viruses and bacteria that we encounter on a day to day basis. But our immune system needs support from us to stay strong. 

One of the things that we can do to help our immune system stay strong is to get a good sleep. During sleep, we release proteins called cytokines. These cytokines signal and control the immune system, improving its function. If you have a better sleep, your immune system functions better. 

Reducing stress and anxiety also helps support your immune system. When you are stressed or worried, the number of lymphocytes your body produces is decreased. Lymphocytes fight viruses, and when chronic stress leads to high cortisol levels, then your lymphocytes are affected. 

Getting outside is also very important in boosting our immune systems.  When we are outside we get vitamin D from sunlight, which boosts our immune system. Sunlight doesn’t just provide us with vitamin D, it also energizes cells called T-cells that help fight infections. In addition, the sun supports your immune system indirectly by affecting your circadian rhythms. When you spend more time outside, sunlight triggers your internal body clock to work better, leading to improved sleep. 

Good eating habits and exercise also boost our immune system. Staying active and eating healthy foods keeps our system strong and better able to fight off infections. 

What are the signs of a weakened  Immune System?

These may be signs of a weakened  immune system:

• frequent colds/flu’s (more than 2-3 times per year)
• feeling fatigued and run down
• unhealthy hair and skin
• slow healing of injuries

How can acupuncture  strengthen your Immune System?

Acupuncture works in different ways to boost your immune system. To directly affect your immune system, acupuncture stimulates your immune response and strengthens your body to improve your resistance to infection. 

In addition, we can treat underlying issues that can lead to a weakened immune system, such as poor sleep, stress, or anxiety. 

How many treatments are needed to support your Immune System?

When you come in for an acupuncture treatment, we will discuss your health history in detail. Every person is different, so the number of treatments needed varies. Acupuncture treatment is cumulative, meaning that each treatment builds on the previous treatment. This leads to a stronger effect after you have had a series of treatments. In general, it is a good idea to try at least three treatments to see how acupuncture works for you.

What techniques  help with immune system

Acupuncture, gua sha, and cupping may all be used during your treatment. Gua sha and cupping both directly stimulate the skin to promote an immune response, and can be combined with the acupuncture needling portion of your treatment. 

Acupressure points you can use at home to help boost your immune system

There are a number of different acupoints that you can apply acupressure to at home. Take a few moments to apply pressure to one or all of the acupuncture points, for about 30 seconds in each location. You can repeat the process one to three times, taking five to ten minutes in total. 

Note: If you are pregnant, please avoid self-acupressure. Acupressure and Acupuncture are safe during pregnancy, but it is best to be supervised by a Registered Acupuncturist.

Anmian – The name of this point translates as Peaceful Sleep. Anmian is located on your head, behind the earlobe. Run your finger behind your earlobe and you will find a small depression where the acupoint is located. 

This acupuncture point helps with improved sleep. If you are suffering from insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, or anxiety, this is a beneficial point for you.

Large Intestine 11 (Qu Chi) – This point is found at your elbow. When your palm is face-up and your arm is bent, it is found at the outside edge of the crease of your elbow. 

This acupuncture point is often used for reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and fighting off fever, sore throat, and headaches.

Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) – This point is located on the top of your hand between your thumb and your first finger. 

This acupuncture point is quite well known for treating pain, especially due to headaches, and is good for supporting the immune system. It is often used with Liver 3 to reduce stress and eliminate pain. 

Lung 7 (Lieque)  – This acupuncture point is found on the side of the forearm, just below your wrist in line with your thumb.

This acupoint is used for fighting off illnesses such as colds and flu’s, and is generally good for symptoms in the head area. 

Ren 17 (Shanzhong) – this point is found on the midline of your chest, at approximately the level of the 4th rib (at nipple height in men)

This acupuncture point is good for improving energy and for conditions affecting the chest.

Stomach 36 (Zusanli) – this point is found on the outside of the leg, just below the knee, at the edge of the shinbone.

This acupoint is used as a general wellness point. It is a very powerful acupuncture point that is used for strengthening the body and improving energy.

Liver 3 (Taichong) – This point is found on the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe. 

This acupuncture point is good for relieving stress and anxiety, and is often used with Large intestine 4 in a powerful combination to move energy and relieve headaches.

Studies of acupuncture  and the immune system

Acupuncture can help your body become strong enough to fight future infections. Studies have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture to improve the body’s immune function, with results lasting up to a month after treatment. 

• Acupuncture and Immunity

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540978/

• Effect of acupuncture treatment on the immune function impairment found in anxious women

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17265549/

• Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Acupuncture Regulating Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network System

https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/8/8/149

Acupuncture is an effective way to address many of the issues women face throughout life.  From menstrual problems to fertility to unwelcome aspects of pregnancy to menopause, acupuncture is a medication-free way to help modulate and balance your systems for optimal health.

Acupuncture to Regulate Menstruation

As we know, hormone levels change and fluctuate throughout the month, and throughout our lives as well.  With many of these fluctuations come many menstrual issues, including irregular menstruation, cramping and painful periods, headaches, backaches, nausea, breast tenderness, irritability and mood swings, and spotting.  Acupuncture can be used to regulate your cycle to minimize or remove many of these issues.  Normalizing the cycle can aid in fertility, and general quality of life.

Acupuncture for Fertility

In cases where medical intervention is needed for fertility, acupuncture can be used to improve the success rates for IUI and IVF by regulating hormones, by improving the function of the ovaries, improving uterine health, and decreasing chances of miscarriage.  Acupuncture is also used at this time to reduce the side effects of medications used at this time, to reduce stress, and to bolster the immune system.

Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a mind and body altering experience.  While many of these experiences are amazing – the first time your baby kicks, hearing that little heartbeat; other experiences may not be as enjoyable.

You may experience conditions such as:

• morning sickness
• heartburn
• insomnia
• sciatica
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• constipation
• hemorrhoids
• swollen legs and feet

These complications can be successfully addressed through acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Labour Preparation

Pregnancy is a time filled with many changes.  The last few weeks are the ideal time for you to focus on yourself and prepare for the experience of having your child.

There are many things you can do at this time to ensure that you have the best possible experience.  Acupuncture is one way to bring your body in to harmony.  This harmony can support you during the birthing process to promote a natural labour.

The benefits acupuncture can bring to you include a reduction in the duration of your labour, reduced rates of medical inductions, and reduced chances of the need for a C-section.

Acupuncture helps your cervix soften and dilate before the start of labour, and makes it more likely for you to go into labour near to your due date.  Then, if you do need medical induction your body can respond better to it.  The  best time to begin acupuncture is four to five weeks  before your due date.

Acupuncture can also be used to induce labour if your pregnancy progresses past your due date.

Acupuncture during Menopause

Although menopause is a natural and inevitable part of life, there are many uncomfortable symptoms that accompany it.  Menopausal symptoms that can be addressed through acupuncture include night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, restlessness, heart palpitations, problems sleeping, cold hands and feet, digestive issues, weight gain, and water retention

These days it seems many of us are affected by food sensitivities and digestive issues that have become commonplace.   Digestive disorders include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and colitis,  stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation.  Acupuncture can be used to treat the symptoms of these digestive issues, and in some cases help eliminate the problem.

Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

If you suffer from IBS you may experience one or all of the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain
• bloating
• cramping
• constipation
• diarrhea

This is a chronic condition that can for some people be managed through diet and lifestyle changes. Others need medications for further treatment.  IBS is often worsened by high stress and hormonal changes, by poor sleep and exercise habits, and by certain food triggers.  Acupuncture can improve the symptoms that are being experience, can improve stress levels, and can improve sleep as well.

Acupuncture for Crohn’s disease and Colitis

Crohn’s disease and Colitis are both inflammatory bowel diseases; Crohn’s being an inflammation of the lining of the small and large intestines, while Colitis causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Sufferers experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, fatigue, reduced appetite and weight loss, as well as other symptoms. These symptoms are also often aggravated by diet and stress. Acupuncture can be used to help relieve pain, reduce symptoms and also to relieve stress.

Acupuncture for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition commonly treated by acupuncture, and is experienced by many people.  Although many people suffer from this problem, there is often some confusion about what it is.  Acid reflux is caused when acid from your stomach moves up into your esophagus.  It can cause some or all of the following symptoms:

• Heartburn (a burning sensation that moves up from your stomach, as far as your throat)
• acid regurgitation into the throat
• bloating
• burping
• tightness of the throat
• hiccups
• nausea
• dry cough
• chronic sore throat
• a bitter taste in the mouth

If you suffer from these symptoms more than twice a week, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to check for other issues, and to prevent more serious complications.

Your symptoms can improve, especially if you make changes to your lifestyle.  There can be some serious complications if it cannot be controlled, so it is important to take steps to improve and eliminate your symptoms.  Acupuncture is an effective way to control the symptoms of acid reflux.  It can also help you reduce stress which can also aggravate acid reflux, and is a safe treatment during pregnancy.

There have been studies showing the value of acupuncture in the treatment of acid reflux.  It has shown to be as effective as some medications and has also shown to increase the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter (reducing acid flow from the stomach into the esophagus)

Acupuncture for Constipation

Constipation is something everyone suffers from occasionally, for some people it is a constant problem. Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, difficulty passing stools, abdominal pain, and in some cases vomiting. Acupuncture, along with lifestyle changes, is effective for normalizing bowel movements, which is important in prevention of further problems, such as hemorrhoids.

Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches

Many people suffer from chronic headaches, which have a significant impact on daily life. Headaches are classed into a number of different types: tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraine headaches, and headaches caused by an underlying problem of the head or neck.  There are many medications available to treat headaches with, but these are generally used for pain relief and do not remove the underlying reason for the headache. As well, there are often side effects that are experienced with the use of medications.

If you suffer from migraine or tension headaches, acupuncture may be a valuable treatment option for you.  There are several studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing the number and duration of headaches.  Treatment for chronic headaches will usually occur weekly until they are under control, in some cases with periodic maintenance treatments afterwards.

Acupuncture to Treat Pain

We all experience pain at some time in our life.  Our jobs are one of the biggest culprits of this pain, whether it is overusing our muscles and joints, standing long hours, or simply not taking enough breaks or watching our posture.  Many people work in offices and spend long hours sitting in front of a computer leading to neck and shoulder pain, and lower back issues.  Minor aches and pains are often ignored, and over time become worse.  If this pain is not treated, it can become chronic and is much more difficult to get rid of.

Acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain and has been recognized by the World Health Organization to be effective in treating pain due to a number of different conditions.  It is a natural and safe method to eliminate pain without unwelcome side effects.

Acupuncture helps with:

• muscle tension and pain including:
  • back pain
  • sciatica
  • hip pain
  • neck and shoulder pain
  • carpal tunnel
  • tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • knee pain
  • ankle pain
  • facial pain
  • sprain
• migraine and tension headaches
• arthritis
• post-operative pain
• abdominal pain
• menstrual pain and PMS
• various other concerns

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Acupuncture for Neck and Upper Back Tension

Neck and shoulder tension is one of the most common complaints I see in the clinic. This can arise from several different sources.

Text or tech neck is a repetitive strain injury that affects the neck and upper body. So many of us now use computers on a daily basis, at work or at home, and also spend a significant amount of time on our phones or other devices. This motion of having our head tilted forward and looking downward puts a constant strain on our neck and upper back.

Many physical activities also affect the neck and shoulders. Jobs with repetitive movements, working in fixed positions, or large amounts of driving can all be hard on the body.

Another common cause is stress and anxiety – many of us carry our stress in our upper bodies. When this continues over a long period of time, it is hard to relax these muscles on our own. Because of this we need to find strategies to relax this tension.

Neck pain can also be caused by medical conditions, such as arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, so always have it checked out by your doctor.

What other issues arise from neck pain?

• Headaches
• numbness/tingling in the arms and hands
• Increased upper body tension overall
• Muscle spasms
• Poor circulation

How can I minimize neck and upper back pain and tension?    

• Get up to move frequently, and try to work standing up for some of your workday
• Stretch frequently
• Ensure your work set up is ergonomic and provides good posture
• Exercise frequently throughout the week
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach, and use a pillow that supports your neck
• Use a headset if you are on the phone for long periods of time. Avoid tucking the phone between your neck and ear
• If you carry a purse or a bag, lighten the contents, and try to switch between shoulders
• Be aware if you are gritting your teeth and clenching your jaw
• Reduce stress as much as possible
• Use your devices mindfully

How can Acupuncture help?

Acupuncture is a good way to relieve neck and shoulder pain. Usually, I combine needling with either gua sha or cupping for the best results. To see lasting change, you will probably need to come in for 3-5 treatments. However, there is often significant relief after the first or second treatment. Results are better if the treatment begins as soon as possible if trauma is involved.

Often the nature of your work will cause you to continue to suffer from neck and shoulder issues, so in some cases monthly or bi-monthly treatments are beneficial to prevent tightness and pain from building up to uncomfortable levels.

Acupressure points to help relieve neck pain.

Massage each of these acupoints for around 30 seconds before moving to the next point. Some of these points may be more tender than others. Repeat this cycle two or three times for a total of about five minutes. (Reminder, please avoid during pregnancy; Acupuncture and Acupressure are safe during pregnancy and can be used for many issues associated with pregnancy but are safest when provided by a Registered Acupuncturist.)

Gallbladder 20 (Fengchi) – this point is located below the base of the skull, between the SCM muscle and the trapezius (see image below)

This acupoint is great for treating neck pain, as well headache and dizziness.

Gallbladder 21 (Jianjing) – this point is located on the top of the shoulders (see image below).

This acupuncture point is excellent for neck and shoulder pain and tension, dizziness, and headache.

Urinary Bladder 10 (Tianzhu) – this point is located below the base of the skull, at the edge of the trapezius muscle (see image below)

This acupuncture point is good for neck and upper body pain and stiffness, and for headaches and dizziness.

Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) – This point is located on the top of your hand between your thumb and your first finger.

This acupuncture point is well known for treating pain, especially in the head and neck.

Studies regarding Acupuncture for Neck pain

The effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of persistent regional myofascial head and neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy of Dry Needling and Acupuncture in the Treatment of Neck Pain

Optimized acupuncture treatment (acupuncture and intradermal needling) for cervical spondylosis–related neck pain: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Acupuncture for Chronic Pain – Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis

Acupuncture for patients with chronic neck pain