See the top ten facts about acupuncture below to learn more. If you want to try it out, contact me and schedule an appointment.
1.Acupuncture doesn’t hurt.
Yes, acupuncture involves the insertion of needles in the body, but generally the experience involves a light pinch or pressure. Most people fall asleep during treatment or end up in a meditative state.
2.The needles are really thin.
The thickness (thinness?) of acupuncture needles varies between 0.12mm to 0.20mm; compare that to the thickness of human hair (0.08 to 0.12mm).
3.There are over a thousand acupuncture points on the body
Traditionally, there are 361 acupuncture points on the body. In total however, over a thousand points have been identified by experts. I promise not to use them all at once!
4.It’s totally legit now
Acupuncture is a government regulated profession! As of April 2013, all acupuncturists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine are licensed by the CTCMPAO (College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario).
5.You may be eligible to get acupuncture for free! (Kind of)
Many extended health benefit plans cover acupuncture treatments. A rough estimate figures about 75% of patients have coverage. Make sure your practitioner is licensed.
6.Acupuncture can treat more than pain.
It’s true that acupuncture is great for all sorts of muscle and joint pains. But did you know that acupuncture is regularly used for relieving stress, regulating digestive issues, anti-aging treatments, treating infertility (including pre and post natal conditions) amongst many other conditions.
7.Its good enough for celebrities, so that’s good right?
All sorts of celebrities, athletes and dignitaries use acupuncture as part of their health regiment. If it’s good enough for Oprah’s dog, it’s good enough for you right? Right?
8.Seriously though, it’s in hospitals now
According to data from China (1993), there are 2,457 hospitals with 220,000 beds providing acupuncture/TCM services. Here in Canada, acupuncture is being used in many hospitals . Down the street at Mt. Sinai they use it in the Wasser Pain Clinic. Across from there, there are research programs conducted at Toronto General Hospital. And of course, it’s being used in many hospital’s maternity wards.
9.How about getting high? (Naturally, that is!)
Recent research has shown that acupuncture’s pain relieving qualities may be due to stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Cannabinoids, like cannabis, need I say more?
10.There’s a wealth of knowledge about acupuncture in your neighbourhood
Your friendly local acupuncturist, Brendan Cheung R.TCMP/R.Ac, can provide more information about this valuable treatment modality.
If you want to read more, check out the article "Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture".