Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of single- used disposable filliform needles inserted throughout the body for ᴛʜᴇʀᴀᴘᴇᴜᴛɪᴄ and ᴘʀᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ purposes.

On a physiological level - acupuncture needles stimulate nerves, muscles + connective tissues. Acupuncture points contain dense networks of nerve endings that, when stimulated, trigger the release of key neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and norepinephrine. These acupuncture points lie along meridians—pathways of connective tissue connecting the body's surface with its internal organs. The treatment naturally guides your body from a sympathetic (fight or flight) state into parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode, creating the optimal internal environment for healing and restoration. This ancient practice serves both as preventative care to maintain wellness and as an effective treatment for existing conditions.

Benefits:

EXPERIENCE NATURAL RELIEF FROM:

  • CHRONIC PAIN

  • STRESS & ANXIETY

  • HEADACHES

  • INSOMNIA

  • DIGESTIVE ISSUES

BENEFITS BACKED BY RESEARCH:

✓ EFFECTIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT without medications
✓ PROMOTES RELAXATION and mental clarity
✓ BOOSTS IMMUNE FUNCTION naturally
✓ REDUCES INFLAMMATION throughout the body
✓ IMPROVES ENERGY and overall wellbeing

Eryn is a registered member of:

  • College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA)

  • Alberta Association of Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors (AAATCMD)

Additional TCM Modalities

Ear Seeds + Auricular Therapy

Ear seeds (also called auricular seeds) are small seeds or beads that are placed on specific points of the ear as part of auricular therapy, which is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear contains microsystem points corresponding to different parts of the body.

Common uses:

  • Pain management - for chronic pain, migraines, etc.

  • Stress reduction and anxiety management

  • Promoting relaxation and parasympathetic tone

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the burning of mugwort (aka. Moxa, Ai Ye, or Folium Artemisiae) near acupuncture points or on specific areas of the body.

Moxibustion is particularly beneficial as we move into the fall and winter months. By warming specific points on the body, moxa can help strengthen your overall health, reduce the risk of illness, and promote recovery if you do happen to fall under the weather.

What to expect at your first appointment

Intake Process
For your first treatment, you will need to complete an in-depth intake form, which will be sent to you electronically at the time of booking. Upon arrival, we will review your health goals and findings from the intake form.

Health History Discussion
Be prepared to discuss your current medications, therapies, digestive health, and sleeping habits. These are just a few aspects of your health history that we will review to assess how your body is functioning internally.

Treatment Setup
Your acupuncturist will settle you comfortably on the treatment table, providing a warming heat lamp and your choice of music playlist. They will then place the needles, which will remain in for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

Relaxation Period
You will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the session, with many patients falling asleep during this time. You can reach your practitioner at any point using our paging system.

Post-Treatment
Once the session is complete, the needles will be removed, and you can continue with your day as planned. We recommend staying hydrated after your session, but you may resume your normal activities.