Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a highly popular form of complementary health care in Canada because of its effectiveness, relatively low cost and its non-invasive nature. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed acupuncture treatment for over 40 conditions, including pain management, stress, digestive disorders, depression, allergies, sleeping disorders, addictions, headaches and menstrual disorders.
During acupuncture treatment, the Registered Acupuncturist gently inserts sterile hair thin needles at specific points on the body to help restore harmony. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience renewed vitality.
Acupuncture channels or meridians are located on the body, limbs and head. These meridians help circulate Qi throughout the body and to all the internal organs. In TCM, there are also acupuncture micro systems of the ear, scalp, hands, foot and eye that can be used to diagnose and treat the person. In BC ear acupuncture is frequently used in addiction and mental health clinics.
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kb/content/special/aa77639spec.html
Auriculotherapy – Ear Acupuncture
Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture, stimulates specific points on the ear to treat health conditions throughout the body. The ear acupuncture “ map” integrates traditional knowledge from China with modern research from Europe ( France & Germany) and clinical experience from USA. Ear acupuncture is used for pain relief, addictions, mental health problems, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), TMJ dysfunction, headaches, anxiety, in short many of the same problems that traditional acupuncture addresses.
The Registered Acupuncturist gently inserts fine, one-time-only disposable needles into specific points on the ear. The person relaxes with the needles in place for about 45 minutes. This is a very healing experience that clients value.
Qualifications: In BC, Registered Acupuncturists who work in addiction clinics have specialised training (NADA = National Acupuncture Detoxification Assoc. Inc) and expertise in working in a group setting.
Ear Seeds and Magnets
Tiny seeds or pellet-like magnets provide acupressure stimulation to ear acupoints. They are attached to tape and can stay in place for several days. The ear seeds are literally seeds – vaccaria seeds – which are naturally very energetic. The magnets have a calming effect.
The acupuncturist chooses the point that requires treatment and gives the client instruction for self care. Often the back of the ear is chosen as many people find this more comfortable for sleeping. This is a very popular self-help strategy.
Magnet therapy is popular with babies and children because of its gentle nature. Tiny gold-plated magnets can be applied to specific acupoints with small pieces of tape. The baby’s parents or caregivers are then instructed how to monitor the magnets at home, massage them gently, and enjoy some quality bonding time. Magnets are also proving an effective calming treatment for hyperactive children.