Acupuncture
At Able Wellness, we offer a variety of Acupuncture treatments. From Traditional Chinese Acupuncture to Orthopedic Acupuncture as well as Electro-Acupuncture. We also offer cupping therapy. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions.
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is MOST commonly used to relieve discomfort associated with the following conditions:
Lower & Upper Back Pain
Sciatica
Shoulder Pain
Headaches, migraines, cluster headaches
Neck Pain
Respitory Conditions
Women’s Health (hormonal imbalance, infertility, pregnancy and post-partum care)
Skin Conditions (Eczema, Acne)
Dental pain
Mental Health (Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety, etc…)
Tennis elbow
What is Orthopedic Acupuncture?
Orthopedic acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture technique that analyses problems based on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and select acupuncture points based on the information. It is not only used to treat sports injuries, back pain, and other orthopedic conditions but also aims to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Orthopedic acupuncture is usually performed by acupuncturists who have completed additional training in this specialty.
How does Orthopedic Acupuncture, differ in comparison to traditional Chinese Acupuncture?
Orthopedic acupuncture is a specialized form of Acupuncture that focuses specifically on musculoskeletal conditions, while traditional Chinese Acupuncture is a more general form of acupuncture that aims to address a wide range of health issues.
Pros of Orthopedic Acupuncture include:
It can be highly effective for relieving pain, improving mobility, and reducing inflammation because it analyzes problems based on medical evidences. It may be used in conjunction with other forms of physical therapy like acupressure and deep tissue massage and rehabilitation to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Overall, traditional Chinese acupuncture and orthopedic acupuncture are both forms of acupuncture that are based on the same principles, but they are applied differently to address different types of health issues. If you are dealing with a musculoskeletal condition, orthopedic acupuncture is a good option to consider.
What is Electro-Acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that involves the use of electrical stimulation to stimulate the surrounding tissues of multiple acupuncture points on the body. It is typically done using thin metal needles that are connected to an electrical device, which delivers a small current to the needles. The electrical stimulation is thought to enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture and is used to treat a variety of conditions such as pain, muscle spasms, tingles and numbness, and headaches.
What are the pros and cons of electro-acupuncture?
Pros of electro-acupuncture:
Increased effectiveness: Electro-acupuncture is believed to enhance the effects of acupuncture by increasing the stimulation of the acupoints and the surrounding tissues at multiple locations. It can give quicker and longer-lasting effects of acupuncture treatment.
Greater comfort: Electro-acupuncture can be less uncomfortable than acupuncture including IMS because the intensity of stimulation can be adjusted to the patient's level of comfort.
Treatment of chronic conditions: Electro-acupuncture can be used to treat chronic conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and headaches that may not respond well to traditional acupuncture.
Non-invasive: Electro-acupuncture is non-invasive, meaning it does not involve surgery or the use of drugs.
Cons of electro-acupuncture
Risk of skin irritation: Electro-acupuncture can cause skin irritation if the electrical current is too strong.
Limited research: There is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture.
Not suitable for everyone: Electro-acupuncture may not be suitable for everyone, such as people with certain medical conditions or pregnant women.
*It's worth noting that electro-acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist, but it's always recommended to consult your doctor or a licensed practitioner before trying any new treatment.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to increase concentrated blood flow, reduce blood clots, and promote tissue healing. Cupping therapy is typically used to treat pain, muscle/tendon/ligament tension. It can be performed using glass cups, plastic cups, or silicone cups, and the suction can be created using heat, suction pumps, or handheld pumps. It can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy like acupuncture or acupressure massage.
What types of cupping therapies are there?
There are several types of cupping therapy, including:
Dry cupping: This is the most common type of cupping therapy, in which cups are placed on the skin without any liquid inside.
Wet cupping: Also known as "hijama" and it's a form of cupping therapy where a small amount of blood is drawn from the skin using a small incision made before the cups are applied.
Flash cupping: This is a variation of dry cupping, where the cups are rapidly placed and removed from the skin in succession.
Moving cupping: This type of cupping involves the therapist moving the cups around on the skin, rather than leaving them in one place.
Facial cupping: This is a variation of cupping therapy that is used on the face to reduce wrinkles, puffiness, and improve overall skin tone.
Cons:
Some people may experience pain or discomfort during or after treatment
There is a risk of skin irritation, burns or even infections if the practitioner does not follow proper hygiene protocol
Some people may experience allergic reactions to the oils or creams used during treatment
It may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications like blood thinners.
It's important to consult with a qualified practitioner before undergoing cupping therapy, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any medications. Also, cupping therapy should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care.
What are the pros and cons of Cupping Therapy?
Pros:
Helps alleviate pain and muscle tension immediately.
Improve concentrated blood flow to the targeted area more specifically.
Can be a substitute to acupuncture treatment if one is scared of needles.