Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of healing that views health as the balance within an individual's healing energy, or chi.

Physiotherapist help chi move along pathways, known as meridians, that connect various organs and systems within the body. The uninterrupted and balanced flow of energy along these meridians contributes to one's overall health. However, blockages and imbalances result in pain and illness.

The Physiotherapist inserts very fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points along the meridians to redirect and reposition the flow of energy. Physiotherapist can use as many as nine types of Acupuncture needles, though only six are commonly used today. These needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head. Today, most needles are disposable. They are used once and discarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations and guidelines.

There are a few different precise methods by which Physiotherapist insert needles. Points can be needled anywhere in the range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface, depending on the treatment called for.

In most cases, a sensation, felt by the patient, is desired. This sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi (pronounced dah-chee).

The Physiotherapist will procedure to stimulate the needle during treatment by twisting and turning or rotating the needle. An average treatment time for acupuncture is 10-15mins.
In addition to needles, small rolled-up cones of moxa, the dried leaves of the mugwort plant, are often placed on the point and burned until heat is felt.
Once again, techniques are carefully chosen based on the ailment.

Acupuncture can also be used to help reduce muscle spasm and tension by inserting the needle into certain points within the muscle to aid the muscle to relax.

Acupuncture also helps to stimulate the healing of tissue and nerves thus alleviating pain.

Acupuncture is used within Physiotherapy alongside various other techniques.