In addition to acupuncture, treatment will typically involve other ancillary methods that fall under the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) umbrella. When we think of acupuncture we might consider it as a part of a whole bodywork system. TCM bodywork includes tuina (Chinese medicine massage); this form of massage uses specific and unique techniques on the body’s channels that alongside acupuncture regulate the body’s Qi (energy) and blood. Tuina opens the body, is deeply relaxing and lays the foundation for more potent acupuncture outcomes. It has a complete universe of techniques and has many dedicated practitioners. Moxibustion is the burning of prepared mugwort herb over acupuncture points that is essentially a form of infrared therapy. David uses a smoke-free hand-held device and a TDP lamp as alternatives to this practice. There is also the fascia releasing techniques known as guasha and applying cups on the body through fire induced suction. Additionally acupuncture needling can be enhanced by the usage of a percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device, this practice is commonly known as E-stim among acupuncturists.
Acupuncture is a regulated medical profession in the province of British Columbia. The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) is the regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture in British Columbia. This College is entrusted with the responsibility to the public for the education, expertise, and clinical conduct of all acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners. David holds the professional designation of a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.). His registration number is 101583.
Other professionals such as physiotherapists and medical doctors who use acupuncture needles in their practice fall under the jurisdiction of their respective College. Generally speaking, physiotherapists practice a type of acupuncture known as Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) or ‘Dry Needling’. Although this is a form of 'acupuncture', the approach does not reference the concepts and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In an initial meeting, a comprehensive evaluation is done. This involves conversation about your health and your goals from treatment. Diagnosis also involves a hands-on approach, feeling the uniqueness of your radial pulse, observing your tongue, palpating specific acupuncture points and energetic channel lines - looking for areas of soreness, weakness, robustness and everything in between. Chinese Medicine theory holds that the body can be read; the outer body will reflect the inner body. As a result, we can find signatures of internal malfunction represented on the outside.
Sessions are held in a non-discriminatory inclusive environment that holds safety and consent as foundational pillars.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body known for their ability to adjust Qi (energy) functioning and flow. Acupuncture not only works well for pain relief but also in a wide variety of internal conditions. Generally, acupuncture is painless, however a variety of sensations may be experienced which typically indicate the alteration of Qi flow.
In terms of what to expect from treatment, each session builds on the last, and the real potency of acupuncture is experienced with time. There is additionally a refinement in the approach used with each treatment. Generally, it is good to recognize that the benefits are cumulative and in the beginning it is best to schedule a few sessions in a row. David will discuss treatment planning, duration and frequency in your first appointment and update that plan as progress is made.
The number of treatments needed will vary among individuals. Some people experience immediate relief with even just one treatment. Typically chronic and long standing issues take longer to resolve.
Acute conditions: 2 - 4 treatments for shorter duration issues or recent injuries/pain
Chronic conditions: 4 - 8 treatments for long standing issues or chronic pain, due to the nature of chronic conditions it is ideal to do consistent weekly treatments for the first few weeks and then lessen the frequency
Headache, migraine, neck/shoulder/back tension and pain, tendonitis/tendinopathy, tennis or golfer’s elbow, frozen shoulder, knee pain, arthritis, sciatica, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle sprains or strains
Trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy, paralysis following a stroke, peripheral neuropathies (nerve pain)
Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia
Asthma, seasonal allergies
Menstrual irregularities including amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, perimenopause symptoms, fertility & pregnancy support, morning sickness
Nausea, acid reflux, IBS, gastritis, ulcers, colitis, crohn’s disease, constipation, diarrhea
Copyright © 2024 David Malcolm Acupuncture - All Rights Reserved.