Uncategorized

Acupuncture for Stress

Stress is something that affects all of us at one time or another. Often, it becomes a part of our daily life, and can lead to a number of health issues. Chronic stress can cause problems with your digestive and immune systems, increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, cause skin problems and sleep problems, and can lead to anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture can help you manage this stress by balancing your body, bringing it back to its natural state. This allows you to react to stressful situations in a healthy way that is less harmful to your body. Also, acupuncture deals with the health problems that can arise from long term stress.

Acupuncture for Anxiety

Anxiety is a common problem faced by approximately 10% of the population in Canada. Anxiety is characterized by exaggerated worries on a regular basis, nausea, fatigue, muscle tension and headaches.

Acupuncture is an effective method to treat and control anxiety. Acupuncture calms and relaxes the body to reduce stress levels and anxiety.There have been a number of studies showing the positive effects of acupuncture on people with anxiety. People included in these studies showed a reduction of anxiety symptoms over a significant period of time. With acupuncture, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and sleep were released in increased amounts, which decreased the symptoms of anxiety.

Acupuncture for Depression

For those of us suffering from depression, there is an impact on all areas of our lives, even though our friends and family may not be aware of it. Depression is difficult to treat, and treatment often includes long-term prescription medication use.

Acupuncture can help to relieve the symptoms of depression such as insomnia, irritability, poor energy levels, and mood changes. It has also been shown to be very effective in alleviating the common side effects of prescription medications which can strongly impact quality of life, including nausea, dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, and digestive changes.

Addressing your emotional well-being now is important to prevent more serious health issues in the future.

Acupuncture to Quit Smoking

Acupuncture can be a very beneficial part of your plan to quit smoking. Nicotine is a strong addiction, and during withdrawal you will experience a number of symptoms.

Acupuncture during this time can help you reduce cravings and lessen the symptoms associated with withdrawal, such as:

  • irritability
  • anxiety
  • headache
  • poor concentration
  • fatigue
  • restlessness
  • insomnia
  • digestive issues
  • stress

Acupuncture has very few side effects, and is a safe method to help you quit smoking. A high percentage of people who use acupuncture to help them quit smoking are successful in reaching their goal.

Acupuncture treatment takes place during two phases:

  1. During the first week that you stop smoking you will need at least two treatments. These treatments are geared towards helping you deal with the immediate symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This is the hardest week so it is important to come in for treatment as often as necessary.
  2. During the following two weeks, usually two to four additional treatments are recommended to help you continue in the process of quitting smoking. These treatments are focused on your specific symptoms and help you deal with the stresses involved with quitting. There are many triggers to smoking that are not associated directly with the nicotine addiction itself, and acupuncture is a very useful tool to get through this mentally exhausting stage.

After the first three weeks, one visit per week is usually sufficient, or may not even be needed; treatment continues until you are confident with your progress in a new lifestyle without cigarettes.

You will also be encouraged to practise self-acupressure with the use of pressure points on the ear. This will help you to manage cravings at home between treatments.

It is very important to have a plan in place when you quit smoking. It is difficult to succeed with only a desire to quit, and no strategy for dealing with the ingrained cravings and habits you have built up over a long period of time.  Know your motivations for quitting, and make a detailed game plan for how you will modify your behaviour when you encounter your triggers for smoking.  The more support you create for yourself, and the more you plan ahead, the more likely to be successful you will be.

So, set a date and use all the resources available to you to successfully quit smoking!

Other resources to help you quit smoking:

acupuncture needling, acupuncturist, south west edmonton

As a registered acupuncturist, I use acupuncture to help your body heal itself, without the side effects and symptoms that may be experienced with prescription medications.  Treatments are designed to help your body regain its natural balance and restore health, without the side effects and symptoms that may be experienced with prescription medicines.

Acupuncture can be used as preventative medicine, as treatment for acute injuries and illnesses, and for treatment of chronic pain.  I also help with smoking cessation, and provide cosmetic acupuncture.

Within this website, you can learn more about acupuncture and how it can help you with the issues you are suffering from.  If you have any questions about acupuncture treatment, please feel free to email me (elmira at repphysio.com) , I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to book an appointment please call at 780-395-9170 for Summerside, and 780-244-1095 for Westbrook.

I am located within REP Physio

In Summerside – 104-1103, 95 St SW

In Westbrook – 23 Fairway Drive NW

acupuncture treatment, acupuncture protocol, accupuncture, acupuncture back shu, needling of the back,

Acupuncture is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine that was developed thousands of years ago and refined over time to its modern use.  Needles are inserted into specific points in the body to influence the flow of Qi and blood and restore balance to the body.  Needles may also be placed along motor points within the muscle to release the muscle and improve function.  It is theorized that acupuncture works by regulation of the nervous system to release pain-relieving endorphins and neurotransmitters.  A number of techniques may be used as part of an acupuncture treatment;  gua sha, moxibustion,  or cupping are often added.

 In ancient times in China, doctors were paid only when the people under their care were in good health.  A sick population reflected badly on the physicians. This is a good way to look at our health; it is better to take care of ourselves and to do everything we can to maintain good health, than to wait until problems have already begun to affect us.  We can do this in many ways – by managing our diet, exercise, and our lifestyles to emphasize health both physically and mentally.

In Chinese medicine, when a person is perfectly healthy, their body is in balance.  If something upsets this balance, pain and disease can result.  When you come in for your first treatment, the health assessment is quite detailed and looks at many different areas to reflect your health as a whole. By looking at your overall health I can see what systems are out of balance.  With this information, the treatment that is appropriate for you in your current condition can be determined.  The goal of your acupuncture session is to return your body to the proper state, preventing poor health. Treatment is not only good for symptoms of pain or discomfort, but also for stress reduction and to help you relax.  Taking care of yourself in all these areas help lead you to a healthy life.

 I am located within REP Physio.  I work out of both the Summerside and Westbrook locations.

 Summerside:

104-1103, 95 St SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0P8

To book an appointment please call: 780-395-9170

  Westbrook:

23 Fairway Drive NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 2S6

To book an appointment please call: 780-244-1095

 If you have any questions regarding acupuncture or treatments, please feel free to send me an email at:  elmira at repphysio.com

You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram

Acupuncture can be used as preventative medicine, as treatment for acute injuries and chronic pain.

I treat a wide variety of health issues, including:

     – Cosmetic Acupuncture: As well as being used to treat many health conditions, acupuncture can also be used as a skin rejuvenation treatment to help prevent and reduce the signs of aging…(read more)

     – Digestive Health: 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…(read more)

– Dizziness and Vertigo:  Dizziness and vertigo are commonly experienced by many people and have a big impact on their lives.  Acupuncture is often very useful in alleviating or even eliminating dizziness and vertigo…(read more)

     – Emotional Well-Being:  Acupuncture can be used to treat stress, anxiety and depression, improving quality of life, and contributes to the prevention of more serious future issues…(read more)

     – Immune System Support:  Your immune system protects your body from the viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses and infections.  Acupuncture stimulates the body’s immune response and strengthens your body to improve your resistance to infection…(read more)

     – Insomnia: Acupuncture is useful to help relieve both the side effects and causes of poor sleep.  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…(read more)

     – Migraine and Headaches: Many people suffer from chronic headaches, which have a significant impact on daily life.  Acupuncture can successfully reduce the number and duration of headaches suffered…(read more)

     – Pain Management:  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…(read more)

  – Respiratory Issues:  Acupuncture can address and improve the symptoms of asthma and allergies.  Acupuncture is also used to strengthen the immune system to further support the body when these begin…(read more)

     – Smoking Cessation:  Acupuncture can be a very beneficial part of your plan to quit smoking, reducing cravings and other side-effects suffered during nicotine withdrawal…(read more)

– Women’s Health:  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…(read more)

 

Disclaimer:

The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body. Users should consult their physician or other practitioner as determined by your own judgment on any matter related to their health.

 

Acupuncture for Skin Rejuvenation

As well as being used to treat many health conditions, acupuncture can also be used as a skin rejuvenation treatment to cosmetic acupuncture, Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, facial needlinghelp prevent and reduce the signs of aging.   Cosmetic acupuncture is much less invasive than many other techniques used to change the appearance of your skin.

As you age, there are many changes to your skin that occur.  When we reach our 30’s collagen and elastin production changes and is reduced overall.  This leads to looser, less firm skin and an increase in wrinkles.  During our 30’s and after, we can work to reduce the effects of aging on our skin by watching our diet, water intake and protecting our skin from the sun.  Cosmetic acupuncture is another tool we can use to help to delay the progression of the characteristics of aging skin.

With cosmetic acupuncture, a number of very small thin needles are placed just below the surface, at various acupuncture points located across your face.  Throughout the treatment they act to increase blood flow, and stimulate your skin, increasing the production of collagen and elastin, utilizing your body’s natural health and well-being to promote healthy skin and appearance.

acupuncture on the face, acupuncture facial, facial rejuvenation, mei zen acupuncture, anti-aging acupuncture

Specifically you may notice:

  • More radiant, beautiful skin
  • Reduced signs of aging
  • Fading age spots
  • Smoother, softer skin
  • Decrease in the appearance of puffiness and bags under the eyes
  • Improved skin tone and elasticity
  • improved circulation
needling of the face, facial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, anti-aging, acupuncture

This preventative therapy is a combination of Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupunture and mild electro-stimulation of the skin, followed by application of antioxidant serum and facial massage.

Cosmetic Acupuncture is available only at the Westbrook location of REP Physio (23 Fairway Drive NW). Please mention when booking that you are booking a cosmetic acupuncture treatment.