ACUPUNCTURE

Traditional Chinese Medicine is thousands of years old. Our Naturopathic Doctors have extensive training in Chinese Medicine and are experienced in acupuncture. Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the insertion of sterilized disposable needles through the skin into the underlying tissues at specific points on the body.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE:

Does acupuncture hurt?

Not usually - the needles are thinner than a human hair. Most patients describe the feeling as a tiny pinch, warmth, or a gentle ache - this means things are working! Once the initial sensation goes away, many people find the session deeply relaxing.


How does acupuncture work?

By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can influence the nervous system, blood flow, and the release of natural pain-modulating chemicals, helping your body restore balance from within.


Is acupuncture safe?

Yes! When performed by a licensed practitioner (like us!), you will be in good hands. We use sterile, single-use needles, and our NDs will check in with you often to make sure you are feeling comfortable.


How long is a session?

Our standard is a 45-minute session, This provides enough time for patients to experience the healing benefits of acupuncture in between the insertion and removal of the needles.


What does an acupuncture session look like?

We have a dedicated acupuncture space in the clinic with a heated bed, dim lighting, soft music, and a heat lamp (if needed) to keep you cozy while you relax. Your ND will insert the needles while you rest quietly - often feeling calm, warm, or in a meditative, dream-like state. And if you do fall asleep - perfect! We will try our best not to disturb you until your session is complete.


Are the results immediate?

It depends on your concern. Pain or tension may ease right away, you may notice you have a restful sleep that night, while hormonal, digestive, or insomnia changes build over multiple sessions. Each treatment helps your body move closer to balance.

CONDITIONS THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE:

  • Pain
  • Fertility
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Digestive concerns (Reflux, IBS, constipation, nausea)
  • Hot flashes
  • High blood pressure

How do I book in?

If you have never had an appointment at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine and are interested in acupuncture, please book a First Visit - Adult Patient and select Dr. Darlene Reid, ND or Dr. Nicole Loran, ND. In the reason for booking section, please note that you are interested in having acupuncture done during the visit.

If you are already a current patient at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine and are interested in acupuncture but haven't spoken to your ND about it, please contact the office at 306-664-2150 so we can book you for a quick check-in before starting acupuncture.

Acupuncture can also be used to prevent or reduce side effect of conventional treatments.

For example, acupuncture can reduce the degree of xerostomia (mouth dryness) in patients who are receiving radiation to the head and neck. Braz Oral Res. 2011 Mar-Apr;25(2):180-5.

RESOURCES:

  1. Potential benefits of acupuncture for enhanced recovery in gynaecological surgery.
    Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(2):111-6.
  2. Effect of acupuncture on clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Int Urol Nephrol. 2016 Sep 2.
  3. Acupuncture for Chronic Severe Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
    Ann Intern Med. 2016 Sep 13. doi: 10.7326/M15-3118.
  4. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine.
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 28;(6):CD001218. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001218.
  5. Prior to Conception: The Role of an Acupuncture Protocol in Improving Women's Reproductive Functioning Assessed by a Pilot Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial.
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3587569.
  6. Acupuncture As an Integrative Approach for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (AcCliMaT).
    J Clin Oncol. 2016 May 20;34(15):1795-802.
  7. Long-Lasting Reduction of Blood Pressure by Electroacupuncture in Patients with Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Med Acupunct. 2015 Aug 1;27(4):253-266.
  8. Acupuncture reduces hot flashes, night sweats in menopause. MedicalNewsToday. 2016 May 25
  9. An Updated Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Treatment for Cerebral Infarction. PLOS. 2014 December 1