Frequently
Asked
Questions

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS), also known as dry needling, is the needling of contracted muscles that are causing pain.  The needle stimulates the nerve of that muscle, causing it to release/relax.  It can provide the instant release of a muscle and is useful for accessing deep muscles that are difficult to reach by manual therapy (eg massage).

IMS was founded by Dr Chann Gunn, a Canadian, born in Malaysia.  Dr Gunn had a special interest in the study and treatment of pain in British Columbia.  His IMS technique began in 1973 and coincided with his growing interest in Acupuncture from 1974, when he noticed most Acupuncture points related to nerve-muscle junctions. 

IMS needles are usually thicker than the needles used by an Acupuncturist.  IMS compared to Acupuncture is a forceful needling technique.  With IMS the needle is inserted very deeply into the painful muscle and moved up and down until a response is elicited (twitch or fasciculation) from the muscle.  Often it can be a brief painful experience and residual soreness is common.

An IMS practitioner uses IMS in addition to their main scope of practice.  Their courses vary from 200 to 400 hours.  IMS is focused on pain relief.

Acupuncturist have 3-5 years of training in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  They understand the basics of Western anatomy and physiology and are trained to look at your condition from an environmental and systems approach.

An Acupuncturist develops a comprehensive picture of your health (strengths and weaknesses in your systems) to treat not only the immediate problem that brings you in for a treatment, but to address underlying issues that will improve your overall health outcomes over time. 

These underlying issues can be a contributing factor to your pain. I treat your pain and your health at the same time.

Yes of course, Bow Valley Acupuncture can use several advanced Acupuncture techniques to relieve your pain and/or muscle tension.  These techniques are gentler than IMS and often does not involve needling into areas of pain or discomfort!

Bow Valley Acupuncture may combine the Motor Point technique into a treatment for your pain or muscle tension.  The Motor Point technique addresses muscle imbalances, it can reduce muscle tension and spasm as well as help strengthen muscle weakness. 

Many Motor Points overlap traditional Acupuncture points that are located where the motor nerve enters the muscle.  Used with TCM-Acupuncture the treatment is very effective.

Through the study of modern biomedicine today we see TCM-Acupuncture has most likely been stimulating the nerves of muscles as means of treatment for 1000’s of years without understanding the nervous system as we do today.

It is amazing what the Chinese knew 1000s of years ago – they had a very sophisticated understanding of the body compared to the Europeans at the same time.

As the “language” of TCM is so different to Western Medicine, of course they did not call it IMS, but had similar techniques such as needling an “Ashi” point or “black turtle seeking for hole”!

TCM-Acupuncture can treat your pain or muscle tension effectively and comfortably.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine disposable sterile needles into the skin at specific anatomical sites known as Acupuncture points.  Acupuncture stimulates these points to promote various natural self-healing processes.

Modern research has demonstrated Acupuncture’s effects on the body’s various systems (such as the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary systems).  By stimulating and regulating these systems Acupuncture can treat endless conditions.

Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of creating a vacuum on the skin with glass cups.  Cupping is commonly used for muscle pain and tension, to enhance circulation and to draw toxins.

Cupping is effective in treating muscle injuries as it draws the static blood and lymph, cellular debris and toxins to the surface.  This allows for increased blood flow rich in nutrients, living cells and oxygen for faster healing.

Moxibustion therapy consists of burning dried mugwort over particular Acupuncture points or areas of the body.

The herb and its warmth are used for certain disorders such as; pain worse for cold and/or damp weather, fatigue, water retention, weak digestion, loose stools, menstrual cramps and breech babies.

Modern research has shown that it acts as an emmenagogue, ­ that is an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation.  This could explain its effective use in treating a breech baby and menstrual cramps.

The term Tui Na (pronounced “twee na”), which literally means “pinch and pull,” refers to a wide range of Traditional Chinese Medicine therapeutic massage and body work.

Tui na is not generally used for pleasure and relaxation, but rather as a treatment for specific conditions.

Tui na is applied according to the same principles as Acupuncture, often incorporating Acupressure (finger pressure is used to stimulate Acupuncture points instead of needles).

Auricular therapy is the stimulation of Acupuncture points on the external ear surface.  The ear holds a microsystem of the body, that is the ear represents the whole body.

The basic concept in auriculotherapy is that nerves in the skin overlying specific areas of the external ear correspond to specific parts of the brain which has reflex connections to the body.

Stimulation may be provided by Acupuncture, beads or seeds.  Seeds and beads are applied with adhesive plaster to be worn for prolonged periods of time.

They are excellent for people who do not like needles and provide ongoing treatment/stimulation between your appointments.

TDP therapy consist of a lamp that emits far infrared rays (FIR).  FIR is therapeutic heat/energy that penetrates the body to the deep layers of tissue, providing very effective recuperative and analgesic effects.

The body experiences the FIR from a TDP as a gentle radiant heat.

Far Infrared Rays (FIR) are naturally safe and beneficial rays from the sun.  The body absorbs FIR and reflects FIR when it’s been saturated with sufficient FIR.

When absorbed FIR therapeutically interacts with biological structures to boost your immune system and promote healing; cell repair, pain relief, circulation and reduced inflammation.

A TDP lamp contains a plate coated with 43 elements essential to the human body.  When this plate is heated it emits FIR with an absorption depth of up to 13cm. The body selectively absorbs this energy for its therapeutic effects.  The heated minerals also emit their vibration to the area being treating.  Injured areas are often deficient in minerals and providing them with these minerals appears to also facilitate the healing process.

Electro-Acupuncture (EA) is similar to Acupuncture with the addition of small electrodes clipped to the needles.  The electrodes provide a pulsating electrical current to the needles.

During EA you may experience tingling, a soft humming or mild involuntary muscle twitches.

The frequency and intensity of the electricity used is based on your comfort and the condition being treated.

EA amplifies the powerful effect of Acupuncture and is often used for:

• Disorders and injuries affecting the nervous system
• Chronic pain
• Spasm
• Paralysis
• Injuries

The frequency of the electro stimulation is very important.  Specific frequencies stimulate the release of natural painkillers and anti-inflammatories and promotes cell repair.

EA not only affects the area of injury but can also stimulate the nervous system.  By stimulating the nervous system Electro-Acupuncture is extremely useful for motor and sensory problems

The Pa-Chi Piezo stimulator is perfect for first time patients to Acupuncture.  The Pa-Chi Piezo Stimulator activates Acupuncture points, helping you get the benefit of Acupuncture without the penetration of needles.

Although not as long-lasting as needle Acupuncture, the Pa-Chi Piezo Stimulator will help you experience pain relief while you relax and build trust in your Acupuncturist.

Many clients purchase a Pa-Chi Piezo Stimulator for safe pain relief treatments at home.

Centuries old Chinese herbs are used today under modern pharmaceutical standards and extensive research.  There are over 5,000 medicinal substances currently used in Chinese herbal medicine.  Chinese herbs mostly consist of barks, roots, seeds, flowers and minerals.

Chinese herbal medicine is based on the synergistic effect of multiple ingredients.  Chinese herbal formulas are carefully made specific to each patient’s needs and underlying constitution.

Chinese herbal medicine is drug free, extremely safe and effective when prescribed by a qualified TCM Practitioner.  Bow Valley Acupuncture uses Chinese herbs of the highest quality, purity and efficacy produced by Bema Botanical in Vancouver.

Bema Botanical meet the strictest standards for purity, potency and safety.  They are backed by Certificates of Analysis and fully comply with Health Canada’s Good Manufacturing Practices. (GMP).  Bema Products are free of aristolochic acid and are screened for pesticides, bacteria and heavy metals (such as arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium).