LOri MacKay trained in Medical Acupuncture at McMaster University
Acupuncture
About Medical Acupuncture:
The goals of medical acupuncture treatment are to provide clinical improvement in your condition or your symptoms through the activation of the body's natural pain control and healing mechanisms. Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine over 2,500 years old involving the insertion of solid filiform acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering.
Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. All acupuncture needles used are sterile, single-use and disposable. Therefore, there is no risk of contamination between patients.
FAQ
Who Can Benefit From Medical Acupuncture?
Through ongoing medical research acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in treating many conditions and disorders.
Some of these conditions include:
• - Headaches
• - Acute and Chronic Pain
• - Facial Pain and TMJ
•- Neck and Back Pain Sciatic Pain
• - Neuralgias
• - Tendonitis
• - Musculoskeletal Problems
• - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• - Arthritic Conditions
• - Stress
How does Acupuncture Work?
Classical Chinese Explanation: Channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians.
Modern Scientific Explanation: Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Is Acupuncture Going to Hurt?
Acupuncture is essentially painless. The needles are as fine as a human hair and are very sharp. When the needle enters the tissue, it parts the tissue where a hypodermic needle cuts the tissue, resulting in pain. Some people feel only a small prick as the needle passes the skin, there may be a sensation of heaviness, slight ache or a twitch as the needle reaches the correct spot, many don't feel anything at all.
Can acupuncture be integrated into Massage Therapy?
Yes, Lori incorporates acupuncture into Swedish massage and cupping