FAQ: What is Ear Acupuncture or Auricular Therapy?

Auricular acupuncture is a treatment system based on normalizing the bodies dysfunction through stimulation of definite points on the outer ear. Known as the auricle, it is composed of cartilage, fat and connective tissue supplied by many nerves.
The technique works by using the ear as a micro system. It targets groups of pluripotent cells containing  information from the whole organism that create regional organization centers representing different parts of the body. Thus, stimulation of a reflex point in the ear can relieve symptoms of distant pathologies.

As an alternative to auricular acupuncture, acupressure can be utilized by securing small black seeds from the Vaccaria plant or tiny silver pellets to the ear with clear tape over specific acupuncture points. They act directly on the acupoint when pressed are also used as time-release treatments.

FAQ: What to expect at your first consultation?

FAQ: What to expect at your first consultation?

Your current health & history with be discussed in detail. You will be asked a lot of questions about all aspects of your body function – sleep, emotions, energy level, digestion/appetite, bowel motions and so on. Then, some additional questions specific to the nature of your current condition. The pulse will also be taken & the tongue observed. These signs & symptoms will assist me to identify the underlying causes of disharmony and formulate the appropriate treatment.

After a diagnosis is made according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, you will receive a combination of treatment techniques that is best suited to your condition. We will discuss a treatment plan & length of treatment at this stage also. Treatment may consist of Chinese herbal medicine at an additional cost if required.

Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy

Do you want to eat nourishing foods for your particular health condition or constitutional type?

 I’m very excited that I can now direct you to Canadian acupuncturist Tara Akuna’s website, Yin Yang Diet. Tara offers meal plans filled with delicious recipes composed of healing foods to help you correct your particular imbalances.

She has dietary suggestions for 4 of the most common patterns of imbalance in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation & Yin Deficiency. All of her recipes have gluten-free options & many vegetarian choices. To learn more about what pattern of imbalance most applies to you, take the quiz on Tara’s website http://www.yinyangdiet.ca/?ref=52

(or speak to me at your next appointment).

Bon Appetit!

 

Why do some people choose to continue acupuncture treatments for longer periods of time?

Acupuncture is a fantastic tool to help achieve optimal wellbeing. Each treatment has a cumulative effect, building upon itself to achieve the optimal balance of circulation and internal functioning (which leaves you with a glowing healthy appearance also!).

A well-maintained, stronger body constitution assists in reducing the severity and setbacks of disease. It contributes to a more efficient & speedy recovery process. Building immunity is a great thing!

Continual care (including Chinese herbal medicine) is also recommended for stress reduction, pre- conception care, insomnia, depression anxiety, chronic pain, addictions, menopause and so much more.

Can I still get acupuncture if I’m afraid of needles?

FAQ: Can I still get acupuncture if I’m afraid of needles?

PLEASE don’t shy away from acupuncture, if you don’t like needles!

If you are considering trying acupuncture but are unsure or sensitive to needling therapies, consult with me first to express your concerns and to discuss non-needle alternative treatment options.

These options achieve similar beneficial effects and …. if you wish, you will have the opportunity to see the needles I use and try a demonstration.  

Keep in mind that acupuncture treatments are highly sort after for stress reduction and RELAXATION purposes. It’s true!  

What do acupuncture needles look like?

Acupuncture needles are hair thin, sterile and disposable. Each needle is used one time only and then discarded appropriately.  

Approximately fifteen acupuncture needles can fit into a hollow hypodermic needle used for injections and giving blood. Acupuncture needles vary in length depending on the location of the body and a person’s physique.

Kaitlin’s personal preference is to use Pyonex and Seirin Japanese acupuncture needles. These have a worldwide reputation for quality and consistency of painless insertion.