Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture has been an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. While Western medicine cannot explain all of its intricacies and reconcile the power of TCM with theories in biology, chemistry or physics, acupuncture is now widely accepted as an alternative and complementary therapy in the Western world1. Read more about the documented effectiveness of acupuncture treatments here.
As with all TCM treatments, acupuncture uses a holistic approach that treats your body, mind and spirit as a complete entity with the overall objective of helping you improve and achieve optimum health and wellness.
Acupuncture is often offered in combination with other TCM treatments such as cupping, guasha, moxibustion and Chinese herbs to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Acupuncture and TCM can effectively treat a wide range of physical, psychological and emotional conditions.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture involves inserting extremely thin stainless steel needles into various points on the body. These needles are sterilized, individually packaged and only used once. The points in which they are inserted as well as the insertion methods are carefully chosen based on TCM knowledge.
According to one of TCM’s most important principles, the body, mind and spirit must be in balance in order to be healthy. This balance is maintained by an invisible vital energy called Qi (“chee”) and its mutually dependent counterpart called Blood (not limited to the blood that flows in your veins).
Chinese physicians have spent over 4,000 years understanding and documenting how Qi and Blood flow. They believe Qi flows through 20 invisible channels called Meridians that connect your Organs (not your actual organs, but an immaterial concept used in TCM).
These Meridians are like rivers where your vital energy flows. When the rivers run freely, your energy reaches all of your Organs and you’re healthy. However, the flow sometimes becomes blocked or unbalanced by a specific problem. When that happens, your vital energy can’t reach a specific Organ and may “overflow” somewhere else, ultimately creating an imbalance of energy. This imbalance is responsible for your physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
Acupuncture needles are inserted and sometimes manipulated on specific influential points along your Meridians to fix your flow of Qi and Blood. The following variations of acupuncture can be used to adjust imbalances in Qi:
- Acupressure: finger pressure is used instead of needles,
- Electro-acupuncture: very small electrical currents are applied through the acupuncture needles
- TDP heat: heat is applied through a special lamp to enhance the results of acupuncture.
What Can Acupuncture Do for You?
Acupuncture Can Treat Everyday Problems
Acupuncture is a holistic therapy used to treat a wide range of acute or chronic physical, mental and spiritual conditions. Acupuncture can increase your endorphin levels (your body’s own feel-good chemical), which helps you relax and lower your stress level.
Most people who are familiar with acupuncture know that it is highly effective in reducing or eliminating pain, but did you know that acupuncture could also be used to help you quit annoying habits? In fact, you may be surprised to hear that there are acupuncture points for weight loss! You can also use auricular acupuncture to quit smoking.
Dr. Lu effectively treats patients for headaches, pains, insomnia, stress, and many other conditions. Her specialties are infertility, depression, dementia, sports injuries and facial rejuvenation.
Acupuncture Has a Proven Track Record
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a proven and effective treatment for many conditions. As an experienced acupuncturist, Dr. Lu has successfully treated many patients with the conditions shown in this table:
If you suffer from a condition that isn’t listed above, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Lu who can offer an expert opinion on the results you can expect from acupuncture.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session
The acupuncture sessions are held in private rooms. The acupuncturist will ask you to lie comfortably on a treatment table. You can listen to calming music during your sessions. After inserting the needles, Dr. Lu will dim the lights, leave the room and let you relax while the needles fix your imbalances.
Certain treatments may require quick needle insertion and removal or needle manipulation, but the process is NOT painful. Some people may feel a slight pinch when needles are inserted but most don’t feel any pain. Certain methods of manipulation are used to reach the Qi for different conditions after needle insertion, and when that happens various needle sensations are felt such as warmth, burning, pressure, heaviness or tingling. Although light bruising may occur, Dr. Lu is very experienced and careful when inserting needles.
Most acupuncture sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and allow you to immediately return to your regular activities although it’s recommended that you stay calm and relaxed to enhance the benefits of your acupuncture treatment.
Price:
Single session: $65
5-Session package: $300 ($60/session)
10-Session package: $550 ($55/session)
Contact Dr. Lu to book your acupuncture session today.
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System Affected |
Conditions Where Acupuncture Treatment Is Effective |
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Circulation |
Angina, cold hands/feet, hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, varicose veins |
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Respiratory |
Allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cold and flu, hay fever, sinusitis |
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Digestive
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Acid reflux, hiccups, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, acute and chronic peptic ulcers, spasm of the esophagus and cardiac sphincter, acute or chronic gastritis, acute or chronic colitis |
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Urogenital |
Incontinence, painful urination, prostatitis, sexual dysfunction, urinary retention, urinary tract infections, chronic nephritis |
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Immune |
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS-related symptoms, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma |
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Neurological |
Bell’s palsy, cancer-related pain, headaches, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, post-operative pain, trigeminal neuralgia |
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Musculoskeletal |
Back pain, knee pain, neck pain, frozen shoulder, sciatica, sprains and strains, sports injuries, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, tendonitis, osteoarthritis |
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Psychological |
Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic attacks, anorexia, addictions, seasonal affective disorder |
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Obstetrical/Gynecological
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Infertility, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast lumps (fibrocystic breasts), menopausal symptoms, morning sickness, breech babies, labour induction |
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Other |
Obesity, anemia, edema, gout, stroke rehabilitation, adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy |
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic, Relaxation and Tuina Massages
Although not a registered massage therapist herself, Dr. Lu employs qualified relaxation and therapeutic massage therapists who are registered in Alberta and who offer a variety of therapeutic massages, relaxation massages and specialty Chinese styles of massages for a complete relaxation and therapeutic experience.
Massage Treatments
Depending on your needs, some massage types may be more appropriate than others. Here are some of the most common massage treatments:
· Swedish Massages: Perfect for those looking for a relaxing yet invigorating massage. Swedish massages affect the nerves, glands, muscles and circulation through various techniques known as effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion, passive and active movements. By increasing oxygen flow in the blood, toxins are released from the muscles.
· Japanese Massages: These massages are ideal for those with pain or those looking for increased vitality and relaxation. Similar to the Chinese massages described below, Japanese massages aim at unblocking the flow of Qi. Shiatsu and Ashiatsu are two popular Japanese massages that involve the use of finger, palm, knee, elbow and/or foot pressure to unblock the Meridians.
- Thai Massages: These massages offer physical, mental and psychological benefits through stretching, meditation and reflexology. These massages include a deep, full-body treatment from head to toe and involve a sequence of gentle yoga-like stretching of the joints and muscles, with acupressure to rebalance and energize the body. These massages are normally given on a floor mat.
- Chinese Massages: Several types of traditional Chinese massages exist and offer pain relief, relaxation and additional benefits.See below for more information.
What Are Traditional Chinese Massages?
To understand the purpose of a traditional Chinese massage, you must understand the concept of Qi, your vital energy. Qi flows to various parts of your body in invisible and immaterial channels called Meridians. When the flow of Qi becomes blocked, obstructed or imbalanced, you feel symptoms such as pain. It may start with feeling uncomfortable, having a stiff neck, or feeling lower back pain.
In our competitive and fast-paced environment, elevated stress levels often result in a Qi imbalance, which can be rectified with Chinese massages. These massages are also very beneficial to those who spend long hours in front of computers and who often suffer from neck pain, back pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chinese massages are also used to treat certain diseases and illnesses, and can be used to protect health and build up body immunity as a preventative medical measure. Here are some common traditional Chinese massages:
· Tuina Massages: The Tui (push) Na (grasp) massage is a traditional Chinese massage that is recognized for its medical and relaxation properties. It is part of the very broad and effective healing system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is mostly used when treating sports injuries, internal disorders or other conditions or injuries involving joint or muscle pain.
· Anmo Massages: The An (press) Mo (rub) massage was developed more than 2,000 years ago for medicinal purposes but it is mostly used for relaxation purposes. It provides a rejuvenating and relaxing feeling while helping to maintain optimum health. Several Chinese coaches, martial art specialists and trainers regularly use Anmo massages.
· Infant Tuina Massages: This version of the Tuina massage therapy was developed especially for infants. The points and channels used in the infant version differ from the general Tuina massage but this massage still relieves joint and muscle pain.
· Dian Xue or Acupressure: Dr. Lu often uses this type of massage when acupuncture needles are not suitable for a particular patient or for certain conditions where the combination of acupuncture and acupressure would bring better results. During acupressure sessions, specific acupuncture points are energized using finger pressure instead of needles. Acupressure massages bring pain relief and improve health and wellness by stimulating the Meridians in order to rebalance Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood.
· Wai Qi Liao Fa or Qigong Massages: In this type of massage, external vital energy, Qi, is added to your internal Qi to fix imbalances and cure a specific condition. Qigong Masters require years of rigorous training and discipline to learn these techniques.
What Should You Expect from Chinese Massages?
Massages are given on standard massage tables, in a private room in our clinic. Because they are given to relieve energy blockages, Chinese massages require the use of the massage therapist’s arms, hands, fingers, elbows and/or knees, depending on the area treated and the type of massage being given.
If you are familiar with other types of relaxation or therapeutic massages, you won’t be surprised by the sensations you will experience during a Chinese massage. In addition to these regular sensations, you may also feel a tingling sensation within your body when Qi blockages are cleared. Similarly, because acupuncture points are often targeted, you may feel relief in an area not physically related to the area being massaged.
Why Get Massage Therapy at Dr. Lu’s Clinic?
After discussing your problem(s) during your initial consultation, Dr. Lu will perform a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and determine which treatments are best suited to your condition. Our massages often integrate the benefits of herbal medicine. If your diagnosis suggests that herbal therapy be used to improve your condition, you may be given herbal remedies that you will dilute in hot water and drink as tea or you may be given a cream or ointment made especially for you with specific herbs, which you will need to massage onto a specific area of your body.
How Much Do Massages Cost?
The costs are based on the duration of the massage and can normally be reimbursed through your corporate healthcare plan (if applicable):
60 minutes: $65
45 minutes: $50
30 minutes: $40
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
Each person is different and everyone has a different reason for needing a massage. We normally suggest a monthly relaxation massage for healthy individuals looking for general wellbeing. If you suffer from a chronic pain condition, you should receive regular massages and possibly acupuncture treatments. If you have an acute pain condition, a few treatments could be enough to take care of your pain.
Contact Dr. Lu to book a massage.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine or herbology is the most popular way to treat illnesses in most of Asia and this trend is gradually moving west. More and more people are concerned about the side effects associated with many pharmaceutical drugs; natural remedies can often be an excellent alternative to the exclusive and prolonged use of many drugs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Remedies
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated thousands of years ago, and includes effective herbal remedies to maintain good health as well as prevent and treat almost every illness or condition known to man. An experienced herbalist or TCM practitioner like Dr. Lu can diagnose your condition and create a personalized blend of herbs to ease your symptoms while treating the root cause of your problems.
Being an MD herself, Dr. Lu understands and supports Western Medicine but she believes that a combination of Western medicine and TCM is often the best treatment for various health problems. As part of her treatments, Dr. Lu regularly re-examines her patients to assess their progress and adjust their herbal formulas to ensure they receive maximum health benefits while minimizing side effects.
How Are Chinese Herbs and Formulas Selected?
Because treatment is chosen based on the patient’s constitution, gender, age, symptoms and imbalances, rarely will two patients be prescribed the exact same herbal treatment. When you meet Dr. Lu, she will discuss your current situation and perform a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, which will help her determine which formula you need, and in which ratio.
Dr. Lu will determine if you have a deficient or excessive condition or if you have too much heat, damp or cold in your body. She will also consider your flow of Qi and Blood. All of these important concepts form the basis of TCM and the overall theory of balancing all the energy within your body, mind and spirit.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas Come in Various Forms
In most cases, Dr. Lu will prepare your solution in a concentrated herbal granule form. She will provide you with clear directions on how much to use and how to take your herbal medicine. In some cases, herbal remedies can be blended into creams or ointments for external use, especially if you suffer from localized pain from a sports injury, for example.
Conditions Treated with Alternative Medicine and Chinese Herb Remedies
The list of conditions and illnesses that can be prevented, improved or cured with herbal remedies or other TCM treatment is almost endless. For example, you can use acupuncture and Chinese medicine for insomnia, infertility, depression, dementia and many more.
Each herbal consultation session costs $25 and herbal medicine fees will vary according to the formula. Please contact Dr. Lu to find out if your specific condition can be treated with Chinese herb remedies.