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What is Medical Acupuncture?
The word acupuncture is derived from the Latin words "acus" (needle) and "punctura" (puncture) meaning "to puncture with a needle".
Medical Acupuncture is a physical therapy performed by health care professionals with training in biomedical sciences whereby very fine needles are inserted
at specific points in the body, with minimal to no discomfort, in an effort to elicit natural healing mechanisms and induce reflex neuromodulatory responses
(sensory, motor, or autonomic) for the therapeutic effect of treating pain, dysfunction and/or disregulation. Single-use, sterile, disposable 0.25mm acupuncture
needles are used in the clinic. Electro-acupuncture is a stimulation technique applied to acupuncture needles to decrease pain and improve physical function.
Medical Acupuncture Education
In Canada, a variety of acupuncture courses are available; however only two are university-based, representing the highest academic standards for acupuncture training: one
at the University of Alberta and the other at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.
In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted guidelines on basic training for physicians and non-physician providers, standards for safe pracitice and clinical indications for acupuncture.
The standards for medical acupuncture practitioners are as follows:
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4.2.1
"For licensed graduates of modern Western medical colleges, who already have had education and training in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and all the other basic and clinical sciences involved in
medical diagnosis and treatment, training in acupuncture can be accomplished following a different training pathway for them to master acupuncture as a special medical modality.
The whole course should be devoted to acquiring the knowledge and skill in acupuncture as well as the related basic theory for at least 200 hours of formal training. By the end of the course the
participants should be able to integrate acupuncture into their medical practices. The proficiency of training and practice should be evaluated through an official examination by health authorities
to ensure safety, competence, and efficacy."
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The Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (CMA) for Health Professionals post-graduate training program at McMaster University is a well recognized 300 hour
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Category 1 American Medical Association (AMA) course. The CMA program is approved by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). Graduates of this
program receive comprehensive, practical hands-on training with emphasis on functional neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pathophysiology, needling technique/skills, problem-solving, safety, patient management and
point location. For more information on Contemporary Medical Acupuncture please click here.
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Safe & Effective Treatment
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Adverse reactions from acupuncture treatment are very rare. Acupuncture treatment is widely recognized as generally safe with minimal to no side effects. Unlike many drugs, acupuncture is non-toxic and adverse reations are
minimal. In traditional Chinese medicine, a sensation of heaviness, warmth, tingling, numbness, and/or aching feeling called "De-Qi" may be experienced; however research states it is not required for therapeutic effect.
In 1997, the Ontario Medical Association officially recognized acupuncture as a 'complimentary medicine', and many medical doctors recommend acupuncture as an effective relief for many medical conditions. A medical referral
is appreciated but NOT required. |
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Where medical conditions exist, acupuncture may compliment or support medical treatment by relieving musculoskeletal pain or discomfort associated with the condition. Acupuncture may also be
palliative, providing symptomatic relief to patients with chronic conditions. As research advances, evidence continues to accumulate to support the benefits of acupuncture for a variety of conditions. For more information on
acupuncture and pain management please click here.
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Acupuncture Regulation
In Canada, only four provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario) currently have laws that regulate the practice of acupuncture. In Ontario, Bill 50 legally recongnizes acupuncture as a
regulated act, permitting the chiropractic profession, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and other qualified health care providers to practice acupuncture as a treatment modality.
Acupuncture Coverage
Acupuncture is a treatment modality used by many health care professionals. Most extended health care plans cover chiropractic care and acupuncture is performed independently or as an integrated therapy.
To find out more on chiropractic/acupuncture coverage, speak to your employer or union. In Ontario, chiropractic/acupuncture is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for work-related injuries and by auto
insurance if injured in a motor vehicle collision.
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Benefits of Medical Acupuncture:
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Decreased headache or migraine pain o
Improved digestive functioning o
Improved muscle relaxation o
Increased endorphin release o
Decreased low back pain o
Decreased arthritis pain o
Decreased scar tissue formation o
Decreased hip-knee-ankle pain o
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o Improved sleep
o Increased energy
o Decreased anxiety and depression
o Decreased inflamation or swelling
o Decreased chronic fatigue
o Improved physical functioning
o Improved Athletic performance
o Decreased shoulder-elbow-wrist pain
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