What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief (for which it can be very effective), it is in fact used to treat people with a wide variety of illnesses from migraine to menopause. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi (pronounced 'chee') - moving in a smooth and balanced way in a series of channels throughout the body. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities, Yin and Yang and when these become unbalanced illness may result.
By inserting fine needles into the well documented channels of energy, research has shown an Acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and so help restore its natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, fear, grief or anger, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.
The principle aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Contact us now to discuss how acupuncture can help you.
An initial telephone conversation can help decide whether acupuncture may be of benefit to 
you. Should you choose to have acupuncture the first consultation can take between 1 and 1 ½ hours. This involves finding out in detail about your presenting condition and other factors reflected in your general health, lifestyle, diet, medical history which may have a bearing on your present state of health.
Your pulse will be taken and your tongue examined to help determine the nature of your condition and your progress. We may also need to physically examine particular channels and muscles through palpation.
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What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Research has supported the following effects:
- acupuncture harmonizes the body without chemical or secondary effects
- It strengthens the immune system
- it helps to prevent illness and promotes the recovery of health
- it increases circulation of Qi & blood that is impaired in chronic illness
- it promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killer
- it balances the Mind, Body & Spirit
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Conditions treated
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and TCM as being effective in the treatment of acute and chronic problems involving the following:
- Respiratory Disorders , such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, allergies, sinusitis, laryngitis, cough, common cold and flu.
- Circulatory Disorders such hypertension, anemia, arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris.
- Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders such as spasms, tendonitis, torticolis, RSD, Carpal Tunnel, weakness, rheumatism, arthritis, low back, neck & shoulder pain.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders such as peptic ulcer, constipation, chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal weakness, indigestion, anorexia, gastritis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, bloating, vomiting and food allergies.
- Urogenital Disorders such as prostitis, stress incontinence, hesitancy, urinary tract infections and sexual dysfunction.
- Gynecological Disorders such as painful menstruation, infertility in both men and women and menopause.
- Many Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders such as deafness, decreased vision, glaucoma, tinnitus and vertigo.
- Post-operativeproblems such as scars, nausea, mental fogginess and depression.
- Other disorders such as fatigue, burn-out, headaches, insomnia, addiction and skin problems.
Frequency of Treatments
For Prevention
Regular sessions, monthly or as requried, releases the build-up of daily pressure & tension and helps prevent a multitude of stress related problems.
For treatment of ailments
The number of sessions varies depending on the nature of the individual's problem. One or two treatments per week may be necessary, with decreasing frequency as the condition improves.
For athletes
Before, during and after competition, treatment aims at tranquilizing the mind, strengthening the muscles, imporoving flexiblity of tendons, relieving muscular fatigue, spasms & rigidity of joints an increasing energy level. The number of sessions depends on the individual needs of each athelete.
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How much does it cost?
Initial Consultation: $95
Follow up Consultations: $80
Please enquire about our pre-bookked discounts.
please add GST to all fees.
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How do I choose my Acupuncturist?
One of the best ways is to find an Acupuncturist who has been recommended by word of mouth. Other questions to ask are:
... how long the Acupuncturist has been in practice? Like all skills the longer one practices the better one usually gets. Real understanding of the principles which underpin Oriental Medicine develops slowly over time and requires a great deal of practice in the art. Continued personal development on the part of the practitioner is a must. Learning to work effectively with the energy of the body can take many years to master and can often take as many to develop a consistent level of competancy.
A practitioner in Alberta may only call themselves and 'Acupuncturist' if they have trained for a minimum number of hours and obtained Registration (see below). Many therapists train for short periods of time in order to add acupuncture to their existing practice eg. physiotherapists, chiropractors, medical doctors etc. but cannot call themselves Acupuncturists.
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Why should I use only a REGISTERED Acupuncturist?
The Government of Alberta stipulates:
"Acupuncturists in Alberta are registered and governed under Alberta’s Health Disciplines Act and Acupuncture Regulation. [soon to be a self regulated College]. This means only individuals who are registered under the Act are entitled to present themselves to the public as acupuncturists.The Acupuncture Regulation establishes criteria for registration as an acupuncturist in Alberta. The purpose of these criteria is to ensure that acupuncturists have the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective practice."
Most benefit plans from insurance companies cover Registered Acupuncturists.
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About Neil Blacklock
Neil successfully graduated with the first ever intake in the UK for the Master of Science Degree from the University of Wales and has been in practice now as an acupuncturist for almost 20 years. Before qualifying as an acupuncturist he trained in hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and NLP. He is currently Secretary of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors.
In 2003 Neil set up the Canmore Health and Wellness Centre (the first of its kind in Canmore) in Mistaya Place to bring together talented and gifted therapists so as to offer a comprehensive service in complementary, alternative and integrative medicine.
Neil is the author of 2 peer reviewed and commercially published books in the field of elder care and management.
Further details ...
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Only single use, sterile, disposable needles are used in this clinic.