Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and treat a wide array of conditions.  No drug is injected. The needles alone create the beneficial effects of acupuncture. 

Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery.

Traditional Acupuncture
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is viewed as a delicate balance of two opposing forces: the yin and the yang. Optimal health is achieved when the body is in a balanced state, while disease is the result of an internal imbalance of yin and yang. Another important concept is that Qi (pronounced "chee"), an energy that is believed to exist in nature and in the human body, must be sufficient,  in balance and free-flowing within the body. In TCM, acupuncture is used to stimulate points to correct imbalance, and attain optimal balance.

Medical Acupuncture + Scientific Evidence
Medical acupuncture is a modern treatment approach founded in concepts of neurology, anatomy and physiology. While the same needles and points are used as in traditional acupuncture, points needled are anatomically and neurologically connected to your specific source of pain. Medical  acupuncture has been shown to have beneficial results by inducing muscle relaxation, modulating pain, altering your neuroendocrine responses and changing your autonomic activity (fight or flight response) resulting in an overall relaxation and a feeling of well-being. 

While the concept of Qi and meridians ("channels" that are believed to be the pathways by which Qi flows through the body) do not correlate directly with western science (i.e. meridians and Qi are conceptual explanations and are not directly related to either the cardiovascular or neurological systems), there is a correlation between acupuncture points and known neural structures. Various studies have proven that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones. Acupuncture affects the functioning of the hormonal system, promotes a decrease in inflammation, increases circulation and provides relief from pain. 

We offer both medical acupuncture and traditional acupuncture provided by either a certified chiropractor or a registered acupuncturist. 

Other related techniques:
  • Electro-acupuncture: needles are electrically stimulated by various frequencies and voltages by attachment to a battery-powered machine using wires with small clips on the ends. Low frequency stimulation (2-4 Hz) results in a slow onset of pain relief that outlasts the treatment for hours to days and is often cumulative by repeating treatments. High frequency stimulation (80-200 Hz) results in a pain-blocking effect that is fast in onset but does not usually outlast the stimulation.
  • Acupressure: a technique involving pressure on acupuncture points using tools, thumbs or fingers. This technique is similar to trigger point therapy, and does not involve the insertion of needles.
  • Gua Sha: a technique where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument, that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha', that will fade in 2 to 3 days. This technique is similar to Graston technique.

Why Chiropractic + Acupuncture go hand in hand
Like chiropractic care, acupuncture is drug-less, non-invasive, and natural. A traditional acupuncturist will diagnose and treat the ‘root’ and ‘branches’ or the underlying imbalance and symptoms of the disease or disorder. In this way, like chiropractic care, traditional acupuncture treats not only the symptoms, but addresses the root cause of the underlying problem and may also prevent further illness. 

Dr. Eve believes that chiropractic care and acupuncture can work together to stimulate the body's innate healing centres, bringing the body into harmony, into balance, into homeostasis. 

Ask Dr. Eve about combination chiropractic and acupuncture treatment. When both services are done on the same visit, a reduced fee is applied. 

did you know?

  • Many private insurance plans (work, schools) cover acupuncture treatment.
  • Acupuncture may also be covered if you were injured at work or in a car accident.
  • Acupuncture has been studied and has been in use for more than 2500 years.
  • Acupuncture is used to treat a vast number of painful conditions such as sciatica, low back pain, sprains and strains, whiplash, headaches, as well as neurological, and other medical conditions or problems.
  • Recent studies have shown that acupuncture provides pain relief, and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee and is an effective complement to standard care. 
  • Other conditions which may be helped with acupuncture include: 
Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Disorders: 
  • sinusitis
  • hay fever
  • dizziness
Gastrointestinal Disorders: 
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Abdominal bloating 
Gynecological/ Genitourinary: 
  • PMS 
  • ​Fertility
  • Menstrual problems
Neurological Disorders:
  • Bell's Palsy
  • Neuralgias 
Respiratory Disorders:
  • Asthma 
  • Bronchitis 
  • Colds