Acupuncture is the use of needles to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function to the affected areas of the body.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used to balance the body's energy or qi (chi).

Anatomical acupuncture, developed from the study of Classical Chinese acupuncture, refers to the more modern approach taken today by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI). When combined with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, physiotherapists can use acupuncture effectively as part of their treatment.

Practitioners use very fine sterile disposable needles that are inserted at specific points on the body. No drug is injected from the needles. It is a safe and effective treatment and is often used successfully as an alternative to drugs.

Acupuncture works by causing a cascade of chemicals to be released in the body.
Some of these are endorphins, which are the body's naturally occurring painkillers, and others are neurotransmitters, which transmit nerve impulses to the brain. Acupuncture also stimulates circulation and affects the autonomic nervous system.

Our physiotherapists can use acupuncture in conjunction with other forms of traditional physiotherapy once they have completed a thorough assessment of their patient.

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