Acupuncture Treatment

While acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, most people report minimal discomfort, akin to a slight pricking sensation. Sensations of heaviness, numbness, tingling, or warmth can follow as the practitioner manipulates the needle, indicating that the body's healing energy, or Qi, is being activated. Any discomfort usually subsides quickly. The procedure is generally considered safe and painless when conducted by a trained, licensed professional. It's also worth noting that the needles used are very thin - much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws.

Acupuncture can be a powerful tool when it comes to enhancing fertility. By helping to balance the body, acupuncture creates an optimal environment for conception. A study published in the Fertility and Sterility Journal in April 2002 showed that acupuncture increased the success rate of IVF procedures from 26.1% to 42%. 

Acupuncture sessions that are timed to align with your IVF or IUI protocol can support each stage of your assisted cycle, helping to maintain balance within your body throughout the process. Furthermore, combining acupuncture with lifestyle changes can significantly improve fertility over an average of 2 to 6 menstrual cycles.

At 360 Wellness Okotoks, we work closely with you to understand your fertility journey and create a customized plan that may include acupuncture as a key component. This natural, non-invasive treatment could be the supportive element you need on your path to parenthood.

Acupuncture has a wide-reaching impact on numerous health issues due to its ability to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. One of its primary applications is in pain management - it can effectively alleviate a range of discomforts including nerve pain, migraines, joint aches, and injuries from sports or overuse. Furthermore, acupuncture is renowned for its positive effects on gastrointestinal health, providing relief for conditions like GERD, IBS and IBD by regulating digestion and reducing inflammation. When it comes to women's health, it can address common concerns like PMS, painful periods, menopause symptoms, and fertility issues. The benefits extend to emotional health as well, with acupuncture offering support for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Even general health concerns like fatigue, insomnia, circulation problems, and temperature imbalance can be effectively managed with acupuncture. Essentially, acupuncture's capacity to treat various conditions is extensive, making it a versatile tool in holistic healthcare. 

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is about the needles used in acupuncture. It's important to know that acupuncture needles are vastly different from the hypodermic or sewing needles you may have encountered before. In fact, our needles are so fine that five of them could fit inside a single hypodermic needle!

When these ultra-fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific energy points on your body, the sensation is usually no more than a small prick, akin to a mosquito bite. Some people may experience temporary soreness at the needle sites. However, any discomfort felt is often more attributable to anticipation or nervousness rather than the actual needles themselves. Rest assured, our trained professionals at 360 Wellness Okotoks make every effort to ensure your acupuncture experience is as comfortable and calming as possible.