The Healing Therapy of Acupuncture

Originating as a centuries-old healing remedy of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture continues to be recognized as an effective drug-free therapy for pain and other physical - and even emotional - complaints and is among the most widely practiced forms of alternative medicine not only in the east but throughout the world. Because acupuncture is designed to increase the level of whole body health, the treatment not only reduces pain immediately but can prevent a recurrence of pain in the same area.

Among the chronic conditions that have benefited from acupuncture are migraine headaches, osteoarthritis, neck and lower back pain, and allergies. Encouraging results have even been seen for those living with fibromyalgia. As well, people suffering from anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia and even adverse chemotherapy side effects and addictions have reported excellent results from this alternative treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to provide positive effects on the nervous system, digestive system, endocrine and immune system and cardiovascular system.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body's various systems. This is achieved by inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in the body, called acupoints. These acupoints connect with certain pathways ("meridians") that carry vital energy (or chi) throughout the body. In treatments for conditions such as arthritis, acupuncture points are stimulated all over the body, not just directly over the affected area. The needles stay inserted in the area(s) for a set amount of time, and are then removed. The length, number and frequency of treatments varies according to the intensity of the pain, and its persistency with the patient.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, physical pain is caused by blockages. These blockages impede the flow of chi and disrupt well-being and ultimately can lead to sickness and infirmity. By stimulating the proper acupoints, acupuncture helps to correct and balance that flow, clearing up blockages and opening the circulation in the affected area to eliminate pain, promote healing, and increase vitality throughout the body.

Acupuncture relief is threefold. First, it causes the body to secrete endorphins and other natural pain relievers, which inhibit the perception of pain naturally. Second, it blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain through the nervous system. Thirdly, it deactivates trigger points. Trigger points are tender and extremely reactivate areas that develop within muscles. The result of acupuncture is the relaxation of both mind and body.

Acupuncture is a safe and relatively painless procedure (with the benefits far outweighing any minimal discomfort you may experience), but the treatment should be carried out by a qualified therapist. The specialists at Academy Massage are trained in the practice of acupuncture and invite you to visit our office where we will work with you to identify your pain and fashion an effective treatment plan designed to heal your body.

In today's active and fast-paced world people are prone to injury or occurrences resulting in physical or emotional distress. Whatever your pain, acupuncture can provide the solution. At Academy Massage we remain committed to strategies and treatments to help keep you on your toes. 

World Health Day 2015 - April 7th

Since it was established in 1948, World Health Day has been celebrated every year in recognition of the founding of the World Health Organization. WHO is the leading global authority within the United Nations.  Each year WHO organizes international, regional and local events on April 7 that focus on a health challenge or theme intended to foster awareness to a current global health issue. In past years such topics as global polio eradication, maintaining healthy blood pressure, ageing and health and even the effects of climate change and road safety have been addressed. The theme in 2015 year is Food Safety, a relevant topic given the increasing globalization of our food supply and the need to reinforce food safety systems in and between all countries. This in addition to widespread concerns at home over unsafe food preparation and handling and the serious if not potentially fatal health problems that can result from carelessness or neglect.

It has been estimated that food containing harmful substances ranging from bacteria and viruses to parasites and chemical substances has been responsible for more than 200 diseases including diarrhoeal disease, reproductive and developmental problems, and various cancers. Contaminated food has contributed to the deaths of some 2 million people each year - children numbering among the highest in this disturbing statistic. Viral disease caused from the consumption of tainted food has been of a specific concern since the first Ebola cases were linked to contaminated bush meat.

A safe and nutritious food supply is essential for maintaining good health. Unfortunately, new food safety threats are constantly emerging, creating greater concerns to the general public as well as drawing greater attention from government agencies. These threats can be attributed to changes in food production, distribution and consumption, along with changes to the environment, new and emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Each pose a serious challenge to food safety.

WHO aids countries in the prevention, detection and in the responding to food disease outbreaks and, together with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, alerts nations to food safety emergencies.

WHO advocates that food safety is a shared responsibility. This year the mandate of World Health Day is to educate not only consumers but all along the food production chain from primary producers and manufacturers to vendors - along with health practitioners and those who work in various government offices - about the importance of food safety so that everyone can play a part in ensuring that the food that we and our families eat is pure and healthy. 

Each one of us needs to be concerned about our health and the health of our community. World Health Day 2015 is a perfect opportunity for you to get involved. Academy Massage encourages our friends and clients to help spread the word about the importance of global health on April 7 using #safefood. Or you can participate simply by taking those first steps to improve your physical well-being through a diet and/or exercise program that will help motivate you to keep healthy and active as the sunny days of summer fast approach.