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Acupuncture

Archive for the ‘acupuncture’ Category

The Numerous Ways Acupuncture Can Benefit Your Body

Posted on: April 29th, 2022 by TouchStone Health

The human body is capable enough to heal on its own most of the time. However, our lifestyles are often preventing that and natural healing is discouraged. While it is true that modern-day medicine is important and we should never neglect it if needed, we should also help encourage our body to enter a state where natural healing is encouraged.

Many Chinese medicine practices embody this practice of natural healing. One Chinese medicine practice that has gained traction is acupuncture.

What Is Acupuncture?

If you don’t know what it is, then you are missing out. Acupuncture is the practice of sticking needles into the body as a means of moving the energy and getting it flowing throughout the human body.

The needles are not stuck in random places. Rather, there are what is referred to as “meridians.” The concept of meridians is not new in Chinese medicine, and it refers to a network of systems wherein the energy, referred to as “qi” flows.

Over the body, there are 12 meridian points. The needles used in acupuncture are stuck into these points to enhance the movement of the qi.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

One common concern among many is whether acupuncture hurts or not. The truth is, acupuncture does not hurt! A lot of times, you won’t even feel the needle going inside. The needles are very thin, often not larger than a strand of hair, and you should not feel them at all. Additionally, the points targeted are often not too susceptible or sensitive to pain.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

There are numerous benefits to getting acupuncture done. These benefits include the following:

1. Reduces Joint Pain

Acupuncture is known to release stress and tension at certain points of the body. It alleviates pain and reduces stiffness all throughout our joints. It is a great way to relieve your body without having to use any sort of drugs.

2. Helps with Migraines

If you are one to be a victim of migraines, you know how annoying they can be. They can get in the way of your work and responsibilities. Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce migraines. This works by acupuncture targets areas with nerves that trigger a response by releasing endorphins and other hormones in the body, reducing the impact of migraines and headaches.

3. Improves Mental Focus and Performance

There may be times when our brain gets a little foggy. These moments are often a result of stress and could affect you greatly. Acupuncture helps with getting your energy flowing throughout the body, revitalizing you and your brain. It helps you with getting your focus back and your ability to concentrate.

4. Better Sleep

Because acupuncture helps you relax and balances out the energy in your body, you are able to get into a pattern where your sleep is much better. Feelings of anxiety and overthinking are greatly reduced with an acupuncture treatment, which allows you to go to sleep peacefully during the nighttime. Proper sleep will improve your life in more ways than you know.

Conclusion

If you are still a non-believer, you should give acupuncture a try. It has multiple benefits and is known to be an effective way of making you feel better. Chronic headaches and body pain can easily be reduced by acupuncture. However, we do not encourage neglect of modern-day medicine, especially for major illnesses. It is still important to speak with a medical professional for illnesses that require intensive treatment.

If you want to get acupuncture in Waterloo, Canada, then you can visit TouchStone Health. At TouchStone Health, we believe in a holistic healing process as we offer not only acupuncture, but also chiropractic services, massage therapy, and even counselling. Get in touch with us to book an appointment.

Preparing for Labour with Acupuncture

Posted on: September 3rd, 2021 by Anna Totzke

Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist

Research shows that Pre-Birth Acupuncture Treatments have many positive effects including:

-A shorter duration of labour

-35% reduction in medical inductions

-32% lower cesarean rates

-31% reduction in requests for epidural

-An overall increase in natural vaginal deliveries

For Research: https://touchstonehealth.ca/…/acupuncture-in-pregnancy/

TUINA – ACUPRESSURE BODY WORK

Posted on: May 3rd, 2021 by Anna Totzke

By Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist

Tuina is a type of bodywork based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Tuina focuses on the pathways in the body called meridians to help encourage circulation in the body. Acupressure is also applied to acupuncture points to promote healing. Depending on the client’s constitution and concern, various Tuina techniques are used to help the body to heal by either: unblocking, nourishing, warming/cooling, dispersing/gathering, stimulating/calming, and helping with circulation throughout the body.

I enjoy applying Tuina along with cupping, acupuncture, or moxibustion but is a wonderful and effective treatment on its own. Tuina is also a great option for people that would prefer a needle-less treatment or a more hands-on approach.

Tuina Can Help With:

Muscle and Joint Pain and Weakness: Back pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, cervical spondylosis, wry neck, chronic neck and shoulder tension, back pain, sciatica, leg pain, hip pain

Menstrual / Fertility: PMS and menstrual problems, painful periods, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, fibroids, infertility

Digestive: Digestive & inflammatory bowel conditions (IBS, colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, Indigestion, poor appetite, epigastric pain, abdominal pain)

Head / Sinus Issues: Headaches and migraines, Sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, facial paralysis, toothache, teeth grinding, TMJ issues

Respiratory / Chest: Palpitations, angina, cough and asthma, plumstone throat, rib tightness

Emotional / Mental: Stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia 

Helpful Resource

Posted on: April 21st, 2020 by TouchStone Health

From: Anna Totzke, R. Ac.

Yoga for Upper Back, Neck, and Shoulders

During the last month or so I’ve been missing my regular massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture/cupping treatments. I found this yoga video that really helps with upper back, shoulder and neck tension. It is also super relaxing! Enjoy!

Helpful Resource

Posted on: April 7th, 2020 by TouchStone Health

by: Anna Totzke, R. Ac.

Acupressure is a wonderful tool that can be can be used to help ease tension in the body. It is easy to use and you can apply on yourself anytime. Here are a few videos that demonstrate how acupressure can be used to relieve headaches:

Please be sure to wash your hands and face before and after you do apply the acupressure points. If you are currently pregnant, please only use the facial points.

For tension headaches:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J8Ue5i5wDI

For different types of headaches:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NX1N6r17IY

 

Encouraging Words for your Day

Posted on: April 1st, 2020 by TouchStone Health

from Anna Totzke, R. Ac.

bad times

Cold and Flu Season: Strengthening Your Immune System

Posted on: September 30th, 2019 by TouchStone Health

By Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist

As the colder air and shorter days of Fall arrive, our patterns of exercise, diet, and sleep change. We are more prone to colds and flu. These seasonal changes can affect our immune system and it is therefore important to adjust our daily patterns during this season:

Diet——> Eating warmer foods (soups, stews, etc) helps strengthens the immune system. Stay away from raw vegetables and cold foods at this time of the year as it will weaken the immune system. Limit your sugar intake but incorporate “sweet and warm” foods like squash, pumpkin, and cinnamon. Make sure you are drinking enough water.

Stay Warm ——> Make sure your head, upper back neck, and feet especially stay warm. A warm body helps protect itself from outside “pathogens”.

Manage Stress ——> Stress weakens the immune system

Exercise ——> During the colder months most people tend to exercise less. Add Yoga and stretching into your exercise routine. Exercise help keep the circulation moving and helps decrease stress levels.

Sleep——> As the daylight hours get shorter, it is important to allow yourself to get more sleep. Getting adequate sleeps is very important to help manage stress, keep your body strong, and therefore keep your immune system strong.

Acupuncture:
-Help prevent colds and flu by boosting your immune system
-Can help you recover from a cold or flu faster if you are already sick
-Reduce chills, fever and body aches
-Relieve sore throat and congestion
-Can help relieve stress

Cupping:
-Can help stop or reduce upper respiratory symptoms
-Can help strengthen the immune system
-Calms the Nervous System
-Improves Blood and Lymphatic circulation
-Can help clear sinus congestion and sinus headaches

Learn more about Acupuncture and Cupping.

Anemia During Pregnancy: How Acupuncture/Moxibustion Can Help

Posted on: May 21st, 2019 by TouchStone Health

by Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia women develop during pregnancy.  The most vulnerable times for developing iron deficiency anemia is around the 20th week (the blood volume increases at this point), and the last 4-6 weeks (as the baby is developing its own iron stores).

Acupuncture and Moxibustion*:

When iron levels are low during pregnancy, women are generally advised to take an iron supplement. Studies have shown that doing a series of moxibustion and acupuncture treatments significantly helps increase the absorption rate of iron while taking an iron supplement.

*Moxibustionis a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort (an herb) on particular points on the body

For more information about Acupuncture in Pregnancy or to ask a question, feel free to contact Anna Totzke, R.Ac. annatotzke@gmail.com

Acupuncture for Headaches

Posted on: April 25th, 2019 by TouchStone Health

by Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist

Most people experience headaches at some point. They are one of the the most common physical complaints in North America! The most common type of headaches are tension-type headaches and migraines. Some headache triggers are: sinus issues, muscle tightness, stress and tension, dehydration, medication, high blood pressure, and postural issues. Most people resort to taking over-the-counter medication to help relieve the pain but unlike synthetic drugs, acupuncture has no side effects. Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all headaches. Depending on the location, type, and trigger of the headache, small acupuncture needles are placed accordingly. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as one of the most natural way to ease pain and relieve stress.

If you have any questions about acupuncture, feel free to contact Anna. annatotzke@gmail.com

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: Acupuncture Can Help

Posted on: February 1st, 2019 by TouchStone Health

by Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist

Most women at some point during their lives struggle with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). The symptoms usually appear around 7-10 before the menstrual period is due and disappear when the period arrives. Some women have mild symptoms that they barely notice while others feel a huge change that can have a negative impact during that phase of the menstrual cycle.

PMS Symptoms vary from:

Breast tenderness/swelling

Mood changes – anger, frustration, weepiness, Anxiety, Depression

Bloating

Food cravings/Increase in appetite

Cramping

Headaches

Fatigue

Muscle stiffness/pain

PMS is a sign that your body’s energy is out of balance. Acupuncture can help bring the body back into balance and can relieve PMS symptoms. Acupuncture also helps with stress, and calming your mind.

Please contact Anna if you have any questions: annatotzke@gmail.com.

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Waterloo, Ontario
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