What is an Acupuncturist?

About Acupuncturists

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine whereby an Acupuncturist inserts very fine needles in specific points, called acupoints, on the body's surface to stimulate body functions, relieve pain, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

The practice of acupuncture is based on the belief that energy flows through pathways in the body keeping a balance and that a disruption or interference with this flow can cause illness. Acupuncturists are trained to identify and treat these imbalances of energy flow in the body and help to reestablish health by stimulating ‘acupoints’ on the body.

Acupuncturists use several different types of needles that come in various lengths and widths at various angles and over specific durations of time to treat a broad number of conditions from not only a physical but emotional and mental nature as well.

Some of the conditions most commonly treated by an acupuncturist are lower backache, arthritis, headaches, migraines, allergies, muscle relief, anxiety disorders, and depression. Acupuncture is also used to treat patients suffering from asthma, helping to relieve nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and to aid in treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.

Acupuncture can often be accompanied by other methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Acupressure in which fingers are used in place of needles, Moxibustion, Cupping Therapy in which suction is created through the use of cups being heated on the surface of the skin to activate blood flow and Electroacupuncture where electrical currents are conducted through the acupuncture needles placed in the skin. Acupuncture is also utilized as part of other specializations including treatment by Chiropractors and Naturopaths.

Useful Resources

Canada

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada

British Columbia (Regulated)

Alberta (Regulated)

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario (Regulated)

Quebec (Regulated)

Newfoundland and Labrador (Regulated)

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia