Understanding Acupuncture

· Thomas Hein · Comments Off on Understanding Acupuncture

You’ve more than likely heard of acupuncture, but you might not have a thorough understanding of just what it is. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, you might want to try professional medical acupuncture, but you’ll want to check with your medical doctor beforehand to see if they think it’s a good idea.

The Origins of Acupuncture

Acupuncture was first conceived in China and is roughly 3,000 years old. The system of medicine is rooted in principles of homeostasis and is a way to treat physical pain and its symptoms. Acupuncture is most often labeled as a complementary health approach, which means that it can be used in combination with other medicines and medical procedures.
The way acupuncture works is that specific acupuncture points are stimulated in order to bring balance to the body’s natural flow of energy through channels called meridians. So far, scientific investigation has yet to find physiological or histological similarities with acupuncture points, qi, meridians and other concepts found in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s not unusual for modern day practitioners of acupuncture to not follow the traditional Chinese methodology.

How Acupuncture Can Help You

During acupuncture, small needles are placed in your neck, back and arms. The goal is to help cure and prevent disorders and diseases. The contemporary Western approach has found that acupuncture needles can induce changes in the body’s biochemical structure and that they can actually release endorphins in your body that can help contribute to pain relief.
Acupuncture has been proven to help with:

  • Pain treatment
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Childbirth
  • Fertility

Training and Safety Concerns

If you ever do decide to try acupuncture, make sure that it’s performed by someone who has received proper training. The therapist should have knowledge of neuro-physiology and anatomy. They should also have received their education from a nationally recognized and accredited institution.

Since acupuncture needles actually penetrate the skin, it’s considered to be an invasive procedure and isn’t without its risks. As long as you make sure that you’re treated by a trained and experienced practitioner, chances are slim that you’ll actually become injured. Acupuncture needles are required by law to be sterile, used only one time and disposed of after they’ve been used. In other parts of the world acupuncture needles can be reused as long as they’ve been re-sterilized. If the needle does happen to be contaminated, the risk of infection increases. Always look into the procedures and types of needles that will be used before your acupuncture treatment.
Try acupuncture treatment in Vaughan for yourself if you’re ever experiencing any pain or discomfort. It could be just the thing you need to get some much needed relief.

About Thomas Hein


Thomas Hein is a Physiotherapist, Osteopathic Practitioner and Clinical Director at Physioactive Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Inc., He has extensive post graduate training in manual therapy and works closely with high level athletes and chronic pain and those who want to really know where their pain is coming from, their underlying factors and solutions to live and move optimally. He s commited to patient recovery and optimal performance. Graduating with a Physical Therapy degree from Queen’s University in 1995, Thomas has continuously evolved his expertise through postgraduate education and hands-on experience.

Zach Apter
Zach Apter
2024-06-05
I saw Pooria. He was great all 4 sessions and so were the rest of the staff. Got me back to normal in no time! Highly reccomend.
Leonora Buskin
Leonora Buskin
2024-05-05
I highly recommend Chiropractor Zachary Starr. Highly professional and his treatment resolved my TMJ for the long-term. He also supported with supplying exercises to carry on the treatment at home in relation to treatment of TMJ and improvement of posture.
Bayla Perelman
Bayla Perelman
2024-05-02
After many months of being in pain and countless of doctor’s appointments and tests, no one was able to understand my pain or help me. However, during my first appointment with Thomas he was able to locate and finally ease my pain! Thank you!
Li You
Li You
2024-04-22
After finishing treatment from Monica. I have felt that any symptoms of sourness and stiffness in me just disappeared by themselves. During the miracle treatment, I feel her kindness and passion for medical treatment methods. Beyond, those, her combined knowledge of acupuncture and massage is the fact that she is so focused on the results of the treatment that after one or two sessions, I have already gotten the best outcome that I have ever experienced. I would say that she has an angel's fingers. It is an incredible wonder. It is an ancient way that she understands and practices so well to heal your health from the physical body to the eternal soul. I highly recommend this rehabilitation center and Monica to someone who is looking for the best medical treatment from the most caring practitioner.
Inna Kakoian
Inna Kakoian
2024-04-08
Highly recommend PhysioActive. Winnie (physiotherapist) helped me a lot following my knee injury (injured ACL & MCL). She is very knowledgeable and one of the areas she specializes in is nerve work all over the body. Words can’t describe how amazing Winnie is at what she does. Originally she did ultrasound massage to reduce inflamation and swelling in my knee. Then she started doing some work with her hands. At the end of each appointment she would put my legs into a magnetic wheel that works at a cellular level and actually helped reduce pain. She also assigned exercises to do at home which helped too. Later I also started seeing Mina (osteopath), and he’s also very talented, knowledgeable and gentle. My foot, even though it wasn’t injured, was having trouble adjusting after many months of inactivity and was achy, so I ordered orthotics to put inside my shoes, which made a huge difference, and this was done through their chiropodist Vincent (the pair of orthotics he ordered for me is perfect). The front desk staff is great too, especially Negin and Armine. If you’re newly injured and lost, please hang in there as it will get better, and this is one great clinic that can help.
Melanie Heilbronn
Melanie Heilbronn
2024-03-20
Nicholas Biasini is the man with magic hands. Thanks so much for your exercises and hands on work. Really appreciate the speedy and effective resolution of my neck pain.
Melissa Custoreri
Melissa Custoreri
2024-03-14
I have been a client at Physioactive since 2010 and continue to have a wonderful experience. My bookings are always easy and efficient via telephone and in person, through Physioactive’s organized, knowledgeable and friendly staff members. Appointment booking emails and reminders are always provided, as well as follow-up check ins between longer visits. The clinic is clean and organized. Physiotherapists, Nick and Aparna, and Massage Therapist, Shirley, have been critical in my physical healing from injuries and and preparation and recovery postpartum. I constantly leave the clinic AMAZED by their knowledge, ultimate care, and physical relief. I would HIGHLY recommend Physioactive to all!
Sheena Weisman
Sheena Weisman
2024-03-14
Amazing clinic, would highly recommend! After a very sudden onset of severe sciatica, Thomas and the physioactive team were increadible. No appointments were available for 5 days, but once Thomas realized the degree of discomfort I was in he made extra appointment time to see me that same day and the next few days. His assessment was thorough and treatment very quickly reduced my nerve pain. He explained in detail the physiology likely causing the problem, and his plan to tackle not only the acute pain but over time to eventually resolve the underlying musculoskeletal problems that were likely causing it. I am increadibly grateful to him and his team and would definitely recommend Physioactive.
Amanda Chan
Amanda Chan
2024-03-13
Since my left fibula fracture was cleared for physio, while I was in crutches I have been going to Physioactive since last November. I cannot say anymore good things about this place, each physiotherapist I had seen in the beginning were good at working together to ensure my file was consistently up to date. Fast forward March, I walk now as if I have never sustained a fracture. Highly recommend and lots of exercises that cater to each phase of healing!!
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