Acupuncture Toronto

Acupuncture Toronto

Traditional Acupuncture Service in Toronto Since 1990

Acupuncture Treatment at The Pacific Wellness Institute, Toronto

• Qualifications: Acupuncture is regulated in the province of Ontario. If you are considering acupuncture in Toronto, it is essential that you seek a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), in order to ensure that the practitioner has sufficient experience and training background in acupuncture. Our acupuncturists at the Pacific Wellness Institute are trained and licensed in Japan, and are Registered Acupuncturists in Ontario.
• Experience: Our acupuncturists have over 30 years of clinical experience
• Gentle techniques: Japanese acupuncture treatment techniques used here are not only highly effective but also distinctively gentle and painless.
• Conditions: Because our procedure is virtually non-invasive, the treatment can be applied safely and effectively for a wide range of health conditions.
• Research: Our acupuncturists are always trying to keep up-to-date with new research information that is meaningful to improving health of our clients. Our acupuncturist has been actively involved in many cutting-edge research projects on acupuncture and related modalities with Japanese, American, and Canadian universities.
• Clean Needle and Strict Hygiene Policy: Our acupuncturists follow strict hygienic and clean needle procedures. Always use fresh clean sheets and use only the highest quality disposable acupuncture needles.
• Therapy room: Acupuncture Treatment is provided in a clean, comfortable acupuncture therapy room.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy that is used to heal illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Tiny, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points in the body, where they are gently stimulated to trigger the body’s natural healing response. Acupuncture is effective for controlling pain and can regulate the body’s physiological functions to treat various internal dysfunction and disorders.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture was developed on the understanding that there are twelve main channels, or “regular meridians” running vertically across and throughout the human body connecting the internal organs. It is a tenet of acupuncture that Qi flows along these meridian lines. Qi is somewhat equivalent to the western idea of vitality or life-force.

The operating philosophy of traditional acupuncture is that disease is caused by interrupted energy flow at specific points on the body’s surface. Acupuncture thus involves the insertion of a needle(s) at the affected point(s) in order to stimulate Qi flow and harmonize energy flow in the body. How does traditional acupuncture translate into our modern medical understanding?

What conditions can be treated by acupuncture?

Our acupuncturists at The Pacific Wellness Institute have experience treating a wide variety of health conditions and illnesses such as:

• TMJ pain
• Gynecological problems
• Pregnancy related symptoms
• and many other physical and emotional ailments.Please see our Health Concerns and Solutions page for more information or feel free to contact us.

Style of Acupuncture System

meridian acupuncture model

Acupuncture has developed in the past few thousand years, through a rich tradition of trial and error, into an ’empirical’ medicine. In the United States and Canada, many different styles of acupuncture have been introduced such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, trigger point acupuncture, Korean hand acupuncture, etc. Despite such diversity, acupuncture is often discussed in general form. Physiological response from acupuncture varies greatly based on various factors, not only on practitioner’s skills but also on style of acupuncture.

What is Moxibustion?

moxibustion heat treatment

Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. The term is derived from the Japanese “mogusa” meaning herb (mugwort) and the Latin “bustion” meaning burning. Moxibustion has been an integral part of the original concepts of acupuncture. It has been used in tandem with acupuncture to treat a variety of diseases throughout Asia for thousands of years.

Acupuncture Treatment Programs

acupuncture needle inserted to woman's forehead

Did You Know?

How many acupuncture needles can fit inside the opening at the tip of an 18-gauge hypodermic needle?

Forty acupuncture needles can easily fit inside the opening of the hypodermic needle.

Even patients who have had a previous experience with acupuncture before coming to Pacific Wellness are pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable and painless our acupuncture treatments are. The main reasons why our acupuncture treatments are so painless are the quality and size of the Japanese disposable needles that we use and our specialized insertion and highly skilled, gentle stimulation methods.Our goal is to deliver the most effective treatment for a patient’s condition while providing the most comfortable treatment experience.

Please see our Acupuncture FAQ page to learn more about Acupuncture system used at The Pacific Wellness Institute.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us by phone: 416-929-6958

New Patient Information Please call us: 416-929-6958 or follow this procedure.

About Our Acupuncturists

Our acupuncturists are licensed by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (the governing body established by the government of Ontario, under the Regulated Health Profession Act, 1991 and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006). The law in Ontario requires that every practitioner must be a registered member of the College (CTCMPAO).

Co-Authored by T.H. Tanaka, Ph.D.

Director of The Pacific Wellness Institute.

“Your health concerns will be addressed in the most effective and timely manner possible. The acupuncture treatment system I have developed is designed to relieve your symptoms and improve your overall health simultaneously, which encompasses the knowledge and skills that I have acquired through my extensive research and clinical experience in acupuncture and alternative medicine.”

Original article and pictures take www.pacificwellness.ca site

Acupuncture Soothes Allergies & Sinus

Acupuncture Soothes Allergies & Sinus

Acupuncture relieves sinus problems due to allergies. Research published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy incorporates a meta-analysis of high quality allergy related studies comparing groups receiving acupuncture versus control groups. The researchers documented that acupuncture “produced significantly greater diminution of nasal symptoms” in the acupuncture group. They add, “Our meta-analysis showed that (the) acupuncture group has superior effect(s) in reduction of both rhinitis symptoms and the requirement for antiallergic medication compared with (the) control group.”

The research team notes that allergic rhinitis is a nasal hypersensitivity reaction to allergens. Common triggers include irritants such as dust mites, animal dander, and pollens. Reactions include nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (“runny nose”), sneezing, and pruritus (severe itching). Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 1.4 billion people with increasing numbers. Medications used to combat allergic rhinitis include antihistamines, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, anticholinergics, and antileukotrienes.

Biomedicine And Acupuncture

The researchers note potential biological mechanisms making acupuncture effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. One mechanism is the ability of acupuncture to modulate cytokines, which are immune system cell secretions, and another is the ability of acupuncture to induce anti-inflammatory actions. The researchers identified changes in IgE as a result of acupuncture treatment for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. IgE is a class of immunoglobulins including antibodies that react to pollen, spores, animal dander and othe substances. IgE levels often rise significantly during allergic reactions. The researchers note, “Our meta-analysis of serum IgE levels in three included trials showed a significant decrease of IgE for the acupuncture group compared with the control group. This result showed strong and consistent evidence that acupuncture treatment leads to favorable responses in immunologic outcomes, which have been shown to be helpful in trials of proven therapeutic modalities, such as allergen-specific immunotherapy.”

Quality Of Research

This groundbreaking research distinguishes itself from prior investigations by including the “latest multicenter, randomized, pararallel-controlled trials.” Stringent inclusion criteria included:

• Randomized controlled trials
• Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
• Acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture or other control

A total of 174 abstracts were considered for inclusion but this was narrowed down to a limited number of trials meeting the inclusion criteria. All included trials reported on nasal symptoms, medication relief, quality of life, total IgE, or safety. A total of 2,365 participants made it to the final adoption in the research. This included 1,126 patients in the acupuncture treatment group and 1,239 in the control group.

The researchers conclude that acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis is indicated as a safe and effective modality of care in this meta-analysis. As a result, the researchers encourage continued research on this topic including future randomized-controlled trials to confirm the meta-analysis.

Acupuncture Or Drugs?

Acupuncture has been found equally effective as loratadine (Claritin®, Alavert®) for the treatment of dust mite allergies. Researchers from the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology at the University Hospital Dresden (Germany) conclude that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of allergy related rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. The researchers document that acupuncture relieves symptoms of rhinitis including nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip and sneezing.

An acupuncture treatment group was compared with a medication group receiving loratadine, an antihistamine. A total of 87% of acupuncture study group patients and 67% of loratadine study group patients showed improvements by the end of therapy. A ten week follow-up after completion of therapy documents that 80% of acupuncture study group patients and 0% of loratadine study group patients demonstrated lasting improvement. The researchers note, “Both in the acupuncture and the loratadine group a significant improvement was gained under therapy. In the ten-week period following the therapy, a significant deterioration which led to the recurrence of the allergic symptoms was shown in the loratadine group, while the significant improvement of the symptoms persisted in the acupuncture group.”

Rhinoscopy examinations for nasal concha size and mucosa condition including evaluations of mucosal reddening and swelling of the nasal concha were included in the research. IgE and interleukin (IL-4, IL-10, IFN-y) levels were also evaluated plus an evaluation of nasal obstruction, nasal secretion and sneezing attacks was performed. Based on the results the researchers note “that the effectiveness of acupuncture is comparable to that of loratadine.”

Acupuncture was found to stimulate the production of IL-10, an interleukin that blocks histamine release from activated mast cells. Reduced IL-10 in the nasal mucosa is associated with an increase in nasal allergy symptoms. Acupuncture successfully increases IL-10 levels. The researchers note of acupuncture, “The results indicate the probability of an immunomodulatory effect.”

The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture is a clinically effective form of therapy in the treatment of patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis.” The researchers standardized the acupuncture treatments to include a protocolized selection of acupuncture points based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. The acupuncture points used for all patients were: LI 20, Bi Tong, Yin Tang, BL 2, GB 20, LI 4, LI 11, SI 3, ST 36, auricular 78, auricular 55.

Acupuncture needles were retained for 20 minutes each session. Patients received a total of twelve acupuncture treatments at a rate of twice weekly. Seirin® disposable needles were used: 0.3 X 0.30 mm for body acupuncture, 0.2 X 0.15 mm for auricular acupuncture. Patients taking the drug loratadine received 10mg doses every morning.

In related research, investigators documented a 96.5% success rate of acupuncture for the treatment of rhinitis. Participants received one treatment per day for fifteen acupuncture treatments. A second course of care was administered with the same parameters. A total of 61 persons had a total recovery, 21 showed marked improvement and 3 showed no improvement. Rhinoscopy and symptom improvement measures were used to evaluate the results. A two year follow-up confirmed the results.

Acupuncture needles employed in the study were 0.35 mm x 40 - 50 mm. The acupuncture points were: GB20 (Fengchi), LI4 (Hegu), ST36 (Zusanli). Supplementary acupuncture points were BL12 (Fengmen), BL13 (Feishu), Yintang (Ex-HN 3), GV14 (Dazhui). Supplementary acupuncture points were chosen dependent upon TCM differential diagnostics. In many cases, 20 minutes of manual needle manipulation were applied at each acupuncture session. Tonification and reduction acupuncture needle techniques and moxibustion were chosen dependent upon excess, deficient, heat and cold diagnostic patterns according to TCM principles.

In yet another study, investigators at RMIT University in Melbourne (Australia) studied 80 patients with chronic rhinitis and concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for rhinitis. Acupuncture points LI20, Yintang and GB 0 were the primary acupuncture points. Supplementary points included LI4, ST36, and CV6. The acupuncture group had significantly better outcomes than either the control group or the sham acupuncture group. Each acupuncture session was 25 minutes in length and patients were given 16 acupuncture treatments at a rate of twice per week. Results were tabulated after a three month follow-up. Both nasal and ocular symptoms associated with chronic rhinitis improved significantly for the acupuncture group. Members of the acupuncture group were also able to reduce consumption of relief medications. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is “safe and effective” for the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis.

References:

Feng, Shaoyan, Miaomiao Han, Yunping Fan, Guangwei Yang, Zhenpeng Liao, Wei Liao, and Huabin Li. "Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis." American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy 29, no. 1 (2015): 57-62.

Hauswald, Bettina, Christina Dill, Jürgen Boxberger, Eberhard Kuhlisch, Thomas Zahnert, and Yury M. Yarin. "The effectiveness of acupuncture compared to loratadine in patients allergic to house dust mites."

An Hua, Qinhuangdao Port Hospital, Hebei, China. "Treatment of 85 Cases with Chronic Rhinitis by Acupuncture." J. Acupunct. Tuina. Sci. 2010, 8 (5): 318.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis. An, X 2006, Evaluation of efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis, Masters Thesis, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University.

Original article and pictures take www.healthcmi.com site

Acupuncture Reduces Stress For IVF Fertility Treatment

Acupuncture Reduces Stress For IVF Fertility Treatment

Acupuncture reduces stress for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Research in Fertility and Sterility, an American Society For Reproductive Medicine publication, measured the dose dependent effect of acupuncture on stress for women undergoing IVF.

They discovered that elevated stress levels persist in women receiving only a single acupuncture treatment on the day of embryo transfer. However, stress reduced significantly for women receiving several acupuncture treatments prior to the day of embryo transfer.

The researchers note that “acupuncture appears to be a promising stress-lowering tool for women undergoing IVF.” The research suggests a dose dependent effect. The study compared women receiving a single acupuncture treatment on the day of embryo transfer with those receiving several acupuncture treatments over a period of time greater than one month. The researchers note that one acupuncture treatment was not clinically significant but that “when undergoing multiple acupuncture sessions, stress scores were significantly lower.” Citing research on the impact of lowering stress on fertility procedure positive patient outcomes, the researchers recommend additional studies on acupuncture’s effects on fertility outcomes.

A related study was published recently finding that in vitro fertilization (IVF) live birth success rates may increase with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies, including both acupuncture and herbal medicine. A meta-analysis of over 1,200 IVF patient records was examined. Application of TCM modalities was associated with a significant increase in the live birth rate. The live birth rate was increased for both fresh donor and non-donor IVF embryo transfers.

Another recent study found a positive correlation between the application of acupuncture and stress reduction. Acupuncture was found to successfully improve sleep quality and reduce both stress and depression in the elderly. Published in Neuroscience Letters, researchers note that “the rigorous methodology employed in this study ensured the reliability of the results concerning the improved sleep quality and relaxation effects involved with acupuncture during aging.”

The researchers add that electroacupuncture “had a faster onset of action, better response rate, and better improvement rate than fluoxetine, indicating that acupuncture can be a good intervention method for ameliorating psychological distress and depressive symptoms, thereby promoting relaxation and well-being.”

The effects of stress on positive patient outcomes has garnered great interest in the scientific community. As research continues to demonstrate improved positive patient outcomes associated with stress reduction, the efforts for integrating stress reduction modalities into standard protocols of care appears likely to increase. The recent findings on acupuncture for stress reduction suggest that acupuncture may help provide important therapeutic interventions for patients.

References:

Sutton, C., S. Pentland, and J. Roberts. "A Comparison of Stress Levels in Women Undergoing Single Versus Multiple Acupuncture Session Prior to Embryo Transfer." Fertility and Sterility 103, no. 2 (2015): e36-e37.

Author Affiliations:

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.

Yinstill Reproductive Wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vancouver, BC.

Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Burnaby, BC.

Rubin, Lee E. Hullender, Michael S. Opsahl, Klaus Wiemer, Scott D. Mist, and Aaron B. Caughey. "Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in vitro fertilization outcomes." Reproductive BioMedicine Online (2015).

Zuppa, Carina, Carine H. do Prado, Andrea Wieck, Aline Zaparte, Andressa Barbosa, and Moisés Evandro Bauer. "Acupuncture for sleep quality, BDNF levels and immunosenescence: A randomized controlled study." Neuroscience letters 587 (2015): 35-40.

Original article and pictures take www.healthcmi.com site