Acupuncture isn't just jabbing needles into your body.
It's about sending a message to your body to heal itself.
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain,
a difficult diagnosis
or just looking to get your life back in balance,
one thing's for sure:
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years
- on people who are struggling just like you.
So far you've been managing your symptoms and adapting
to your life.
But you're frustrated with a lack of improvement - it feels like you've tried...everything.
You need someone who isn't going to give up just because there isn't an easy answer
or a quick fix.
You need someone who sees you as more than just a case file...but as a person.
Your life is happening all around you and you just want to...participate.
You want to miss fewer days at work,
or tackle that DIY project you've been putting off,
get back to your garden,
or throw a dinner party for your friends and family.
At Acupuncture Works in Lindsay we're dedicated to treating the whole person - not just their symptoms. Acupuncture is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that is believed to stimulate your body to do the work it needs in order to heal itself.
Acupuncture is for anyone wondering if you can combat pain without pills.
Or wondering if managing your health is about more than a waiting list.
Or if there's a natural, holistic way to complement the healthcare you're already receiving.
Because we all know there's more to life than just surviving.
Your body is a complex and dynamic system already capable of healing itself in many cases (think of your immune system or the way your body reacts to a cut). Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nerve bundles and connective tissues that allow your body to begin the work of healing itself.
That's where I come in.
I'm Matthew and I'm the Acupuncturist at Acupuncture Works in Lindsay.
I use super-fine, sterile, single-use needles to tap into your body's message system or Qi.
You get to relax in a darkened room and listen to music. And a not so trivial bonus? The peace of mind that comes from knowing your body is busy at work and you're taking another step towards healing.
Bottom line: I'll use the ancient practice of acupuncture to create an individualized plan to work with you so you can get back to helping your daughter train for her next soccer match.
Contact me today to book your first treatment. After all...life isn't meant to be a spectator sport.
(705) 878-5054 or mcolavecchia@acupuncture-works.ca
FAQ’s
Tell me more about Acupuncture. How exactly does it work?
Eastern Theory - Your body has a vital energy or Qi (pronounced chee) flowing through it. This energy flows along pathways called meridians. These pathways allow a connection between the outer and inner aspects of our bodies. Illness results when these pathways become blocked or out of balance.
Acupuncture needles are placed in specific patterns along these pathways to send “messages” to the inner aspects of our bodies. A combination of points will have an effect on a certain organ or area which will in turn affect the imbalance or symptoms. Sometimes the points needled are far removed from the “problem” area (called distal points) but they’re all linked by the same pathways.
The goal of acupuncture is to return your body to homeostasis or a state of balance by asking it to do the work to heal itself.
Western Theory - Acupuncture points stimulate nerve bundles, connective tissues, increase circulation and release endorphins. It also improves white blood cell activity. Some of the benefits include improved concentration and a sense of calmness. They explain needling distal points to promote a greater response because there are often more nerve endings in your extremities.
Find all of this fascinating? Western medicine is only beginning to understand the mechanism that truly allows acupuncture to work. Check out this research to see the direction they’re headed.
2. What happens on the first visit?
First up is a thorough health history where we chat about everything from what brought you here to diet and exercise - basically your life in a nutshell. Then you’ll lie down fully clothed on a massage table and I’ll only use 5 needles (subsequent treatments use more) to administer the first treatment.
Where the needles are placed will be determined by your unique situation. I’ll put on some ambient spa music, turn off the lights and you’ll relax for the last 30 minutes. I’ll check on your periodically to see how you’re doing. It’s okay if you doze off - I won’t tell. And that’s it. You decide if acupuncture is right for you. Subsequent visits usually only last 30 minutes.
3. Is Acupuncture covered by my insurance?
Acupuncture is covered by most insurance companies. Some plans may require you to have a prescription first, please check with your insurance provider.
Our policy at Acupuncture Works is that you would pay for your treatment when you have it. When possible, we will contact your insurance company and have the refund sent directly to you.
Here is a list of some of the insurance companies that we deal with. Keep in mind, some policies do not allow 3rd party billing. In which case, we will issue a receipt and YOU get to chase your insurance company!
Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance
Cowan
Desjardins
Great-West Life
Greenshield
Industrial Alliance
Johnson Inc.
Manulife Financial
Maximum Benefit or Johnston Group
Standard Life
Sun Life Financial
4. Is it painful?
There’s a slight prick - nothing like a regular needle though because acupuncture needles are a fraction of the size. Think mosquito bite, without the itch.
Most points can be stimulated on the surface and needles are not inserted deeply. Once inserted you might experience a variety of sensations such as tingling or numbness, warmth or coolness.
Overall the experience is usually very relaxing.
5. How many treatments are needed?
Otherwise a treatment plan which usually involves 3 stages of care.
Relief care: is to deal with immediate acute pain. This is the most intensive period and depending on the severity of the issue could mean 1-3 visits / week over a short period of time usually 2 - 4 weeks.
Corrective Care: is for conditions that are more severe or chronic. The frequency of the visits trail off until function and mobility are restored.
Maintenance Care: is optional but highly recommended to help preserve the benefits of the care you’ve received. Periodic check ups can help catch “problems” in the early stages before they have become painful or disruptive to your life.
6. Other questions?
Contact me today to book your first free treatment. So you can miss fewer days at work and finally earn that promotion.
(705)878-5054 or mcolavecchia@acupuncture-works.ca