Our Services | Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is offered at both our Stratford and St. Marys locations by Dr. Jeffrey Tuling. Dr. Tuling is a graduate of the Acupuncture Council of Ontario acupuncture program.
Acupuncture is a 2000-year-old Chinese treatment in which needles are inserted into acupuncture points. Acute and chronic pain is often treated with acupuncture, including joints, muscle, arthritic, shoulder, neck, low back, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and migraine and tension headaches. Acupuncture is also used to treat fertility issues, allergies, digestive concerns (irritable bowel, constipation and diarrhea), respiratory problems (sinusitis and bronchitis), and uncomplicated psycho-emotional problems such as stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Acupuncture may provide significant pain relief from these and other complex medical problems but is not a substitute for medical management.
FAQs
Q: How does it work?
A: Acupuncture primarily exerts its influence through the nervous system. The act of inserting an acupuncture needle into the body may result in the following:
- Pain Control - Pain-blocking chemicals are released locally and by the central nervous system to suppress the transmission of pain.
- Inflammation Control - Natural anti-inflammatory chemicals are released locally and inflammation control centres are stimulated in other parts of the body.
- Blood and Lymphatic Flow - Blood and lymphatic flow can be enhanced locally and throughout the body which allows for the delivery of fresh oxygen and the removal of injury debris from the injury site.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Needles used for acupuncture differ from hypodermic needles because they are much smaller and solid instead of hollow and have a finely tapered point as opposed to a beveled cutting-edge point. Some have described the sensation of needle insertion as to mild tingling, slight numbness/achiness, electrical pulsations, and even none at all. These sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. Patients often report feeling a tremendous sense of relaxation during and after treatment.
Q: Is it safe? Are there side effects?
A: As with any health intervention, there is always potential for side effects and adverse reactions. Acupuncture performed by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner is relatively safe and yields very few minor side effects. These may include, but are not limited to, slight discolouration at the insertion site that is temporary and not dangerous, minor bleeding, fainting, mild nausea or shock, short-term fatigue or drowsiness, or a short-term increase in pain before relief sets in. An experienced and knowledgeable acupuncturist uses clinical judgement to avoid treatment of certain points during pregnancy, wounds or infected areas, individuals who have hemophilia, and individuals who have needle phobia. Practitioners are required to use sterile disposable needles that are discarded following treatment.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: Response to acupuncture is individual, and may be dependent on factors including the indication for treatment. Improvement may occur with 1 to 3 treatments, and often the cumulative effects of acupuncture requires 8 to 12 treatments.
To make an acupuncture appointment, please call:
Stratford: 519.271.8323
St. Marys: 519.284.3883