Acupuncture, IMS & Cupping
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ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY
Naturopathic doctors at Noble are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and use acupuncture as a core modality to facilitate the holistic approach. Through the use of 5 element theory acupuncture can support the body’s ability to achieve balance.
Acupuncture originated in China over 4000 years ago and its effectiveness has been extensively researched by scientists all over the world for a variety of conditions.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into acupuncture points, which are entryways into the body’s energetic channels (meridians). It is through these points that the body’s vital energy can be stimulated or sedated to restore balance on an emotional, spiritual, and physical level.
With its recent adoption in mainstream medicine, physical therapy and some hospitals acupuncture is becoming a prominant therapy in North American complementary and alternative medicine.
How does Noble use Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has proven to be effective in treating a wide range of health problems, such as:
- Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid issues
- Infertility
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Skin conditions
- Stroke recovery
- Frozen Shoulder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Addictions
- Allergies
- Stress
- Headaches / Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Muscle pain
- Neck pain
- Back / Lumbar pain
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Sciatica
- Pregnancy associated complications
- Cancer therapy side effects
Sessions are 30-45 minutes and 15-25 needles are used per session. People experience different sensations during acupuncture treatment. Most people feel a slight pressure when a needle is inserted and others may not feel anything. Depending on what areas and points are worked on, a patient may feel a little soreness, heaviness, tingling, or pain. These symptoms resolve following the session.
INTRAMUSCULAR STIMULATION (IMS)
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a technique used by Naturopathic Doctors at Noble to release or lengthen muscles that are causing chronic pain. Fine acupuncture needles are inserted directly into the affected muscle in order to stimulate a healing response. This type of therapy is also referred to as “dry needling.”
If you’re experiencing pain and symptoms with no or minimal signs of tissue damage and inflammation, IMS could be the right treatment for you. Common types of pain and conditions treated with IMS include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Chronic Pain
- Whiplash
- Tennis elbow
- Frozen shoulder
- Plantar Fascitis
- Chronic aching or burning pain
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness in muscles and joints
- Neck Pain
- Jaw and TMJ pain
- Sciatica
- …and many more
IMS is not painful but you may experience discomfort. You may experience some soreness in the area which is usually mild and will go away within 24 hours leaving you with less pain and improved functionality. Please note that IMS is not a recommended course of treatment if you are pregnant, have had a recent surgery or local infection.
CUPPING THERAPY
The practice of cupping is one of the oldest forms of Chinese alternative medicine and is the term
applied to a technique that uses small suction devices that are placed on the skin to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion. At Noble this therapy is mostly used for pain and muscle tension. When the suction of the device separates the superfical skin layers from fascia and muscle blood flow is improved in the area and healing factors are mobilized.
During cupping, the Naturopathic Doctor will simply place the suction cups on the skin. The suction mobilizes blood flow in order to promote healing. It balances and realigns the flow of Qi (energy), breaks up obstructions, and relieves pain. The cups can then be moved in a massage like motion to releive adjacent tissues.
Cupping is traditionally used for:
- Activating the lymphatic system
- Pain management
- Muscle tension
- Reduction of cellulite
- Improving blood flow
- Lung disorders such as asthma and bronchial congestion
It is important to note that while cupping is considered relatively safe, it may not be suitable for
patients with skin inflammation. “Cupping marks,” which appear in the shape of round circular bruises, are common after a session but these marks are usually painless and disappear within a few days of treatment.
