Acupuncture Services in Ottawa

Let's answer your questions about the acupuncture services offered at Woodward Health in the Carlington Business Area of Ottawa!

We offer Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, or TCM acupuncture for short. This type of acupuncture aims to restore balance in the body through various mechanisms. TCM also includes other aspects such as nutrition, movement, and lifestyle changes.

TCM acupuncture focuses on understanding the root of the issue. By addressing the root cause, changes can be sustained long term.

Acupuncture works through a variety of mechanisms. Let's explore a few key elements that it addresses.

A treatment will generally work on calming your nervous system. It does this by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), also known as the relaxation response. This is the response that needs to be activated for your body to be in healing mode. Your organs also rely on PSNS activation to function efficiently. Additionally, this helps reduce stress and balance emotions.

Acupuncture also helps improve your circulation. This is important because your blood carries nutrients, hydration, and many immune cells. These immune cells work to reduce inflammation in the body.

Another benefit that can be seen with acupuncture treatment is improved communication between cells. This helps balance hormones. When hormones are balanced, we see a reduction in stress and inflammation, balanced blood sugar levels, healthier cycles, and the list goes on.

In addition, a treatment can help reduce the body's pain perception by releasing feel-good substances in the body such as endorphins and enkephalins.

When you come in for an initial assessment, we'll begin by reviewing your health history. We'll discuss what you'd like to address. This will help your practitioner have a better understanding of how to treat you specifically, since everybody is different.

Then, you'll have the opportunity to get comfortable on a treatment table or a reclining chair. Both the treatment table and the reclining chair can be heated at your request. Your pulse will be taken. If there's a need for a physical exam, this is when it will take place.

The next step is the treatment itself. You can expect to have anywhere between 5 and 12 small needles inserted in various areas of your body. We usually focus on points below the knees, below the elbows, and on the head, though sometimes you may have needles on your abdomen or back.

Once the needles are inserted, you'll get to rest for 20-40 minutes (depending on how much time is left in your appointment). Many people have a little nap or meditate, while others bring earphones to listen to a podcast or audiobook.

At the end of the treatments, needles will be disposed of. You and your practitioner will discuss what to expect after the treatment, and a treatment plan going forward.

Treatments are a collaborative effort between the practitioner and the patient. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always communicate them.

Before your appointment, please make sure to complete your intake forms. They contain a bit of information about your current health. This helps your practitioner come prepared to the session so that more time can be spent on the treatment. The forms will also include an informed consent form. These will include some information about the treatment, as well as the practitioner's policies.

On the day of your appointment, please try to eat something before coming in. It's not recommended to have acupuncture on an empty stomach. If you're not able to eat something before your appointment, we do have dark chocolate at the clinic.

Bring clothing that can comfortably give your practitioner access to your arms from the elbows down and your legs from the knees down. You do not need to shave your legs for treatment. We are not bothered by body hair.

The list of what acupuncture can treat is quite extensive. Here at Woodward Health, our acupuncturist Christina Najjar has a focus in fertility, perinatal care, mental health, and chronic conditions (especially hormonal, digestive, and autoimmune).

It's also useful for general health maintenance.

If you'd like to address other health concerns not mentioned, please get in touch and we can answer your questions.

Many extended health plans include coverage for acupuncture services performed by a Registered Acupuncturist. Your best bet is to check what coverage is included in your plan, as each employer provides a different benefits plan.

Additionally, any portion of your acupuncture treatments not covered by insurance are eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

If you feel ready to get started, you can schedule an appointment with our acupuncturist Christina Najjar.