Acupuncture
Naturopathic Doctors in Toronto, ON
Dr. Tara Andresen provides acupuncture treatments at both of her Toronto naturopathic clinics. She is a highly trained in acupuncture and is dedicated to providing the most effective, pain-free treatment possible. Only ultra-thin acupuncture needles are used to maximize comfort and give patients a positive acupuncture experience.
Your initial acupuncture appointment with Dr. Andresen will last 45 minutes and includes a health assessment, followed by your first acupuncture treatment. Follow up treatment appointments last 30 minutes.
When treating patients at NDcare, Dr. Andresen uses two different acupuncture techniques which include:
1. Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) for Acute & Chronic Pain Management
2. Traditional Acupuncture Protocols
(1) Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) for Acute & Chronic Pain Management
Intramuscular Stimulation is also known and trigger point dry needling and is a western medical approach to acupuncture and is often used to address acute and chronic pain concerns. At NDcare, Dr. Andresen effectively uses this treatment technique regularly to treat muscular and myofascial pain. The treatment works by using acupuncture needles to deactivate trigger points found in overused muscles. Trigger points are literally tangled muscle fibres that form knots and cause acute or chronic pain as well as decreased range of motion.
CHRONIC PAIN
Some of the acute and chronic pain concerns that Dr. Andresen effectively treats with technique include:
(2) Traditional Acupuncture Protocols
Acupuncture has been a trusted natural treatment method for thousands of years, and is a strong complement to a naturopathic treatment plan. Dr. Andresen typically might recommend traditional acupuncture for the following health concerns: Digestion; Stress & Insomnia; Reproductive Health & Fertility Support.
DIGESTION
Acupuncture works to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes gastrointestinal muscles and improves digestion. This can be helpful in those who experience regular stomach pain, bloating, gas and bowel movement irregularity. It has been shown to:
STRESS MANAGEMENT
By calming the nervous system, acupuncture helps to decrease anxiety and mitigate the effects of stress. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the body’s glutamate receptors to balance glutamate release which is linked to anxiety and depression. Glutamate is an excitatory amino acid.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & FERTILITY
Acupuncture can be used to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and support cycle restoration when it is absent. It can also improve PMS and painful menstrual cycles. It does this by helping to regulate the flow of blood to the uterus and ovaries, thickening the uterine lining, and normalizing ovarian function. Acupuncture also boosts the circulation of endorphins, a neurotransmitter that can relieve stress and alleviate pain. In addition, research suggests that acupuncture affects the hypothalamus, a part of your brain that affects menstrual cycle hormones.
Acupuncture fees are covered by most employer extended healthcare plans. Check with your employer or insurance company for details on your eligibility for coverage.
Book your acupuncture appointment with Dr. Andresen at one of our conveniently-located Toronto naturopathic clinics or if you have questions, call or email us today.