Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. It is believed to have originated around 100 BC in China.

Dr. Yao, our expert acupuncturist, uses hair-thin solid, single-use metallic needles penetrating the skin to stimulate specific points in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. The needles are usually retained between 20-30 minutes. Most people describe a feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted nevertheless during and after treatments, people report that they feel very relaxed.

Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating acupuncture points, balances the flow of energy or life force in your body. It stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles to relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood. Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine, headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.

According to Dr. Yao, the number of treatments vary for individual’s specific needs. She recommends several treatments to help jumpstart your body’s response to particular health issue we are treating. Probably getting acupuncture treatment two or three times a week for the first few weeks. After that initial series of acupuncture treatments, you might only need a “tune-up” treatment session once a week or every couple of weeks to maintain your health. Of course, a lot of this will depend on your individual needs, schedule and preference. But this should give you a good rule of thumb to start.

We asked her on how to take full advantage of acupuncture. She advised our clients in Edmonton to follow the after-treatment care. These include resting, avoiding heavy physical activities and staying up late at night. Make sure to get enough rest and sleep as you allow your body to restore your physical and emotional wellbeing as the healing sets in motion. Also, applying heat to the affected area get rid of the blockage and boost the circulation of blood and chi. According to Chinese medical practice, most painful conditions are often caused by stagnation of energy or chi. You can start doing light exercise on the next day; this can boost the effects of acupuncture.

If you run regularly, try walking on the day and the following day(s) after the treatment. Eating healthy foods enhance the acupuncture therapy benefits. Consuming unhealthy foods, such as processed foods and sugars, can bring back toxins. Choose foods packed with antioxidants and fibres and those with proven healing properties, such as curcumin. Proper nourishment promotes continuous healing of the body after acupuncture. When we see foods this way, we become less enticed to fast foods and other junk.

Lastly, staying away from coffee and alcohol after acupuncture session as these will cause dehydration and lose awareness. Acupuncture aims to promote better clarity and awareness of how we feel. Consuming alcoholic beverages can reduce your senses while coffee can falsely boost them. Hence, both drinks can either redress or mask the effects of acupuncture. That is why it is better to avoid them a day or two after acupuncture. On the other hand, drinking plenty of water helps flush out the toxins from your body and prevent dehydration.

If you’re looking for the best acupuncture treatment in Edmonton, contact Healthwise Optimum Massage at 587-985-7899 or 587-469-8999 or send an email to us at info@healthwiseoptimummassage.com