At The Muskoka Wellness Co, we offer both Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Contemporary Medical Acupuncture.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture?
TCM acupuncture is a fundamental practice within Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years to support the body's natural ability to heal. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points along the body, known as acupuncture points. In TCM theory, these points sit along pathways through which qi -the body’s vital energy- flows; illness or discomfort is understood as a sign that this flow has become blocked or imbalanced. From a modern perspective, stimulating these points also activates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, promoting the body's own healing and pain-relief responses. Whichever lens you view it through, the goal is the same: to restore balance in the body and relieve the symptoms causing a patient discomfort.
TCM practitioners assess your tongue, pulse and overall patterns to identify the root cause behind your symptoms, which allows treatment to address not only pain, but system-wide concerns like insomnia, digestion, menstrual or pregnancy related health issues. Acupuncture can be a powerful component to existing health care plans, working alongside to enhance recovery, reduce discomfort and promote overall long-term health.
At The Muskoka Wellness Co, we have a registered acupuncturist and a naturopathic doctor who can both offer TCM acupuncture.
If you’d like to use your extended health benefits to cover your acupuncture treatments, all treatments with our registered acupuncturist would be covered under your acupuncture benefits.
The acupuncture treatments with our naturopathic doctor would be covered under your naturopathy benefits. Acupuncture treatments with our naturopathic doctor require starting with a regular naturopathic initial appointment before going forward with acupuncture treatments.
What is Contemporary Medical Acupuncture?
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a modern, evidence-informed approach to acupuncture commonly used alongside chiropractic care, manual therapy and exercise.
It uses very fine needles to stimulate specific nerves, muscles and tissues in the body. Rather than simply placing needles in areas that hurt, the treatment is based on a detailed understanding of anatomy, the nervous system, and your assessment findings to determine where and how to apply treatment. Needles are placed at specific locations such as acupuncture points and trigger points, which may be gently stimulated by hand or with a small amount of electrical stimulation. The goal is to use stimulation to help reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore more normal movement and function.
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture can be incorporated into the treatment of many musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions. It may be particularly helpful when pain, muscle tension, nerve sensitivity, or changes in muscle function are contributing to your symptoms.
At The Muskoka Wellness Co, Medical Acupuncture is provided by our chiropractor, Dr. Karissa Wall and requires an initial assessment prior to treatment. If you wish to use your extended health benefits it will typically be submitted under the chiropractic portion of your benefit plan.
