The traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture – where a series of thin, metal needles are inserted into the skin at specific points on the body – is increasing in popularity for treating chronic conditions.
Jay McCoy, practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine at AJM Acupuncture, said acupuncture theory was developed thousands of years ago in China, but has since been explained using Western principles.
“The Chinese … used the language of the world around them to explain what was going on,” he said. “They used metaphors like hot and cold and wind and dampness.”
He said the concept of qi (chi) also dictated much of the theory behind acupuncture.
“Qi is the stuff that flows through the body, helps connect the inside of the body to the outside of the body. It helps the organs and the tissues to function,” he said, adding acupuncture would be used when qi stopped flowing.
Western medicine explains acupuncture as releasing endorphins to relax muscles, bringing blood flow to a local area and regulating the endocrine system.
McCoy said most practicing acupuncturists in Canada use a combination of Chinese and Western theories, with an emphasis on anatomical knowledge of muscles and the skeleton.
By far, acupuncture is most commonly used for pain relief but individuals with insomnia, depression, digestive difficulties and gynecological concerns can also experience relief.
“Our culture doesn’t really support preventative medicine,” he said. “It’s not really a priority, so generally, we’re crisis management.”
On average, eight to 16 single-use, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are inserted into the skin for roughly 20 minutes. The needles are 32 gauge, measuring a quarter of a millimetre in diameter.
McCoy said the treatment is relatively painless, although the pain level varies for each individual and condition being treated.
Typical length of treatment depends on the extent of injury or ailment, although McCoy said an average length of treatment is four to six weeks.
He said acupuncture is suitable for all individuals when administered by a trained professional.
“There was some controversy in years past about pregnant women because there are some things that you’re not supposed to do by some traditions, but there’s no real evidence to support that there’s any danger in pregnancy,” he said.
Over the last 10 years that he has been practicing acupuncture, people have become more accepting of it while others have remained skeptics.
“Skepticism is a really, really important tool when you’re approaching any of the alternative medicines,” he said, adding that all practicing acupuncturists must be members of the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta.
McCoy has been practicing acupuncture for 10 years in St. Albert, with a focus on women’s gynecological problems.
