Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for centuries. It is also one of the 55 professions regulated by a professional order in Quebec.
Treatments usually consist of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the circulation of energy. They are done in a calm and restful environment. Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a whole and acupuncture aims to restore balance and harmony to the body's systems.
In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for a variety of health conditions. It can help to strengthen the immune system, improve sleep quality, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain such as back pain, stiff neck, migraines and many others. The needles used in acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
This practice provides relief from pain without the need for medication or surgery. Acupuncture can also be used to treat digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can help regulate digestive function and reduce inflammation in the gut. Treatments can improve digestion and reduce symptoms such as bloating, gas and abdominal pain.
David Milot Acupuncture Clinic offers acupuncture services to help restore your balance and any other problems that affect your well-being. If you are looking for relief from pain, anxiety or digestive problems, acupuncture may be an interesting practice to consider in your treatment plan.
Tools
Acupuncture is an age-old practice that over the centuries has developed the use of various tools. The needle is obviously the most important, but not the only one. During a treatment at the clinic, some other tools could also be used. Each of these has a specific purpose and a different impact on healing.
Needles
Needles are inserted into different areas of the body, usually into the muscles or interstitial spaces. There are multiple needle stimulation techniques depending on the desired results. In general, there is little pain in inserting the needle. And the level of needle stimulation depends on the pathology. The needles are sterile and single use.
Electroacupuncture
This technique uses electricity added to the needles, causing no pain to the patient. The electricity sent to the affected areas increases local microcirculation, thus providing more oxygenation. This process of flooding ions into a tissue ensures healthy cell function. This treatment can accelerate the healing of bones, tendons and ligaments.
Cupping
Cupping has the same beneficial effects as deep tissue massage. However, deep tissue massage puts downward pressure on tight muscles while cupping pulls the skin upward. This reverse technique pulls the so-called fascia to loosen the tight bands, allowing fresh blood to flow to the tissues and nourish them. In addition, cupping can improve lymph circulation.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an ancient technique that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It involves scraping the skin with a specialised tool, which creates petechiae, small round red or purple patches of skin clustered together on the skin. This process has anti-inflammatory benefits and also increases microcirculation and unidirectional stretching of the fascia.
Regulation
In Quebec, the profession of acupuncture has been regulated by the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec (OAQ) since 1995. Only the OAQ can grant the right to practice acupuncture. Furthermore, only the Collège de Rosemont offers the acupuncture program recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation and the OAQ, unless there is proof of equivalence recognized by the Ordre.
Formed in 1995, the mission of the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec is "to ensure the protection of the public, in particular by controlling access to the profession of acupuncture and by regulating its practice. The OAQ ensures the quality of its members' professional activities and promotes the maintenance and development of their skills."
These regulations were put in place to protect the public and ensure the quality of the services received.
Insurance
Many private insurance plans in Quebec recognize acupuncture and offer partial or even complete coverage of treatment costs.
In addition, provincial organizations such as CNESST and SAAQ reimburse acupuncture treatments. At the federal level, Blue Cross insures veterans, members of the armed forces and the RCMP, allowing them to receive acupuncture services. In addition, as of July 2023, Canada Life will provide coverage for acupuncture costs for federal employees.
In order to get coverage for the costs, make sure your insurance covers them and simply send your treatment receipt to your insurance plan.