New
Office Hours
I have been
practicing at the Willowgate Wellness Centre for 1 year and am happy to
announce that I am offering extended office hours.
My new hours are as follows:
Monday
9 am to 5 pm
Tuesday
9
am to 5 pm
Wednesday
10 am to 8 pm
Friday
9 am to 5 pm
Acupuncture
Demystified
1.
What is acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture
is based on the principle
that our health depends on the balanced functioning of the body’s
energy, known
as Qi. When we are in perfect health all
the energy runs harmoniously throughout our body. When
an illness arises, the flow of energy
becomes disturbed and this can manifest in an array of symptoms. Using very fine needles, acupuncture aims to
correct the flow of energy, and by doing this the symptoms will be
relieved.
2.
Does acupuncture hurt?
First-time
patients typically emerge from treatment with “I can’t get over it. I
hardly
felt the needles at all.”
Acupuncture
needles are as fine as one or two strands of hair. From
patient to patient and from point to
point, however, reactions do vary, from completely painless to very
sensitive,
with most falling somewhere in the middle.
3.
What will I feel?
Generally
two sensations occur during a treatment. During the initial insertion
of the
needle most people feel little or no sensation. If they feel something
it is
usually a quick minor pinch-like feeling. The second sensation after
the needle
is in is usually a feeling of tingling numbness, heaviness, ache or
warmth.
Sometimes there are sensations felt in other parts of the body when the
needles
are in place.
4.
How long do the needles stay in?
Generally
a treatment will last 15 to 45 minutes.
5.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture
needles are very safe! I use sterilized, disposable needles that are
individually sealed, used once, and safely discarded. The area to be
treated is
first cleansed with alcohol, making a sterile field for the needles to
enter.
6 Do
I Have
To Believe In Acupuncture For It To Work?
Acupuncture's theoretical models are not based on faith. Acupuncture
works on
horses, dogs, babies, and people in comas. Its world view arises from
empirical
observation, and the acid test for the validity of the view is the
result of
its application by skillful practitioners. Simply put: faith is not a
requirement.
7.
Will My Health Insurance pay for Acupuncture?
Some Insurance companies will cover acupuncture treatments. Ask your
employer
or insurance company to find out if your policy covers acupuncture. We
will be
happy to provide you with a statement of services so that you can be
reimbursed
by your insurance company.
8.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Everyone is different.
Depending on your individual
situation you might notice improvement starting after the first
treatment, or
it may take five to ten treatments before you see a change. Commonly it
takes
anywhere from five to fifteen treatments to complete a full course.
Sometimes
these need to be repeated depending on the response.
For information on
conditions which can be treated with acupuncture, see the attached
sheet.
Q: I am
a working
mom and keep my child in daycare during the week. Every winter and
spring, all
the kids in daycare get sick, and so do mine. How can I prevent this? I
cannot
afford to take time off every season when this happens.
Now is a great
time to start boosting your immune
system in preparation for winter. There
may be foods you could add to your diet or avoid to help improve your
immune
system.
It seems like
everyone today could use a stronger
immune defense system. It would result
in fewer sick days at work and more productivity. People
under stress, both physical and
psychological, need to strengthen their immune systems.
Immune system
suppressors include:
Allergies,
surgery, prescription medications,
stress, lack of sleep, sugar, nutrient deficiencies, and poor diet.
1 teaspoon of sugar can suppress
your immune system by 50% within 30
minutes of ingestion. This impaired
immunity can last over 5
hours!
Dietary factors
which boost immune function include:
fruit, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds and nuts.
Certain specific
herbs or nutrients may be suggested based on individual need.
Ingredients
¼ onion, chopped
4 carrots, grated
2 parsnips, diced
1 tablespoon oil
2 quarts water
1 cup barley
1/3 teaspoon
ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sea salt
or 1 tablespoon natto miso
Parsley
Directions
Sauté onion,
carrots and parsnips in oil
Add water, barley
and ginger.
Simmer 1.5 hours
Add salt or miso
and simmer 15 minutes
Garnish with
parsley
Serves 8
Book
your appointment today
Dr. Jacks is
currently accepting new patients. Call
the office at 604-533-8660 to book your first appointment.