Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is a gentle treatment. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. It is usually a comfortable treatment. Acupuncture needles are very fine, metallic, and as thin as a hair, making them quite painless upon insertion. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or very minimal pain as the needles are inserted. You may experience a mild aching sensation or warmth around the needle site.
Does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture can be used to treat people of all ages from children to seniors. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain. It is the stimulation, by insertion of needles, of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones. Acupuncture affects the functioning of the hormonal system, promotes a decrease in inflammation, increased circulation and relief from pain.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment with very few adverse effects and complications from its use. The York Acupuncture Safety Study, a prospective study of 34,407 acupuncture treatments found no serious adverse effects and only 43 cases of mild adverse effects, the most common of which were nausea and fainting.
Are the needles clean? Are they re-used?
Practitioners trained by Acupuncture Canada are taught to use single-use, sterile disposable needles and they have been trained regarding precautions and contraindications to acupuncture. The CAFCI designation tells you that the professional treating you is competent and safe.
How do I know a practitioner is competent, and is the right professional for me?
Acupuncture Canada offers an acupuncture certification program that meets the requirements of regulatory bodies across Canada. Look for the CAFCI designation when choosing a practitioner. And look for a practitioner who typically treats your problem. For instance, if you have neck pain, see a physiotherapist or chiropractor who has integrated acupuncture into their practice. CAFCI practitioners represent a variety of health professions and are recognized by their regulatory bodies. Use our database to search for a practitioner near you.