What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a time-tested traditional Chinese medicine therapy that has been practised in the Far East for thousands of years. The theory behind acupuncture treatment is that the healthy functioning of the body is governed by the flow of "qi" (often translated as "energy") through a system of energy channels under the skin. When this flow of qi is impaired, illness occurs.
By inserting fine needles at various points along the channels, the body's balance can be restored and the illness resolved.
Blockages in the flow of qi can manifest as pain, hot or cold sensations, or colour changes. These signs, along with pulse and tongue diagnosis can help determine which points and channels are most suitable for treatment.
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment, which means that it takes into account the whole person, including their emotional and mental well-being, rather than just treating the symptoms of the health condition. This holistic approach can make it an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, as well as a useful complement to other forms of treatment.
The goal of acupuncture is for the patient to experience enhanced health benefits, such as increased blood flow, and an overall improvement in the daily quality of life.
The practice of acupuncture is usually performed by licensed practitioners who have completed extensive training in the technique. The needles used are thin and sterilized, and the practitioner will typically use between five and 20 needles in a single treatment. The needles are left in place for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the condition being treated.
What Acupuncture Can Treat
Acupuncture is particularly effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as low back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that acupuncture is as effective as, or even more effective than, conventional treatments for these conditions.
Additionally, acupuncture is often used to treat conditions such as infertility, addiction, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Some of the other problems that acupuncture can treat include:
- Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy
- Dental pain after surgery
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Low back pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Asthma
- Poor sleep quality
Acupuncture can be an especially effective treatment when combined with the use of conventional medicine, especially in areas such as pain management. Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular in Ottawa, as more and more people are turning to this ancient practice for relief from the ailments above.
Patient's Feedback
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I came here after fracturing my ankle, They are very caring and want the best outcome possible for you! Abdallah is great and helped me to walk again and has... read more
Jess ica
24 October 2024 -
I really enjoyed my treatment with Petra. She is an excellent massage therapist, respectful and very attentive to your needs. Highly recommended. Patricia
Yves Leduc
26 March 2022 -
I have been enduring my back pain/neck pain for as long as I can remember. Pain patches were not helping anymore. I have seen Dr. Stoltz just for the first... read more
Diane Meryl Manulat
14 March 2023 -
A great experience, from the friendly greeting at the door to the excellent physiotherapy treatment I received for my knee condition. I highly recommend this clinic.
Dana Moore
24 June 2024 -
Staff at OPRC are great. John provided the best massage after asking me a number of questions to tailor his approach. Feeling an immediate difference. Can’t recommend enough!
anika chasse
22 August 2025 -
Excellent, as always. I trust Dr. Stoltz. He is a great listener so he gets to the heart of the problem. Also his banter keeps me relaxed... read more
Lorna Kennedy
3 January 2024
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What To Expect on Your First Visit
During the first acupuncture appointment, the acupuncturist will assess your general health. As each treatment is unique to the individual, this will facilitate the most effective treatment for each patient's individual health condition.
During this comprehensive evaluation, the practitioner will observe your emotions, voice and self-presentation. This will further aid in the diagnosis and development of a treatment that will assist in harmonizing your overall energy.
Specific acupuncture points will be chosen and the practitioner begins treatment. The first session may last up to two hours. Subsequent treatments will last approximately one hour. Dietary and other recommendations will be discussed at appropriate times throughout the treatment process.
FAQs
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture in Ottawa:
Hours of operation:
Monday
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday
8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday
By appointment only
Sunday
Closed
