What is Acupuncture?
Restore health, relieve pain, and rebalance your body with evidence-based acupuncture in Mississauga.
What is Chinese Acupuncture?
Chinese acupuncture is a key modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for over 2,000 years.
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of fine, sterile, disposable needles into strategic points just beneath the skin’s surface. These points, known as meridian points, have been meticulously mapped by Chinese medical doctors over thousands of years due to their effectiveness in treating various conditions. According to Chinese Medicine Theory, “Qi”—the body’s vital energy—flows through twelve major pathways or meridians, each internally connected to specific organs such as the lungs or liver. By stimulating acupuncture points along these meridians, practitioners can influence the function of the associated organs and help restore balance. When Qi flows smoothly and is balanced, the body experiences health, ease, and vitality.
Acupuncture is generally not painful; in fact, most people feel deeply relaxed and refreshed during and after their treatments. The insertion of needles helps stimulate the flow of Qi in areas where energy may be stuck or deficient, encouraging the body’s natural healing response.
From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture induces several physiological changes, including increased blood flow (vasodilation), stimulation of hormones and neurotransmitters, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes deep relaxation. It can also trigger the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms by modulating its endogenous opiate system.
Acupuncture often produces fast results, with many patients reporting significant symptom relief even after their first session.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is gaining popularity across the globe, with increasing recognition of its benefits. If you’re in the Mississauga area and considering acupuncture, here are some compelling reasons to try it:
Benefits of Acupuncture Treatments:
- Effective Results Without Negative Side Effects
- Unlike many drugs and surgical procedures, acupuncture rarely causes unwanted side effects.
- The most commonly reported side effect is a noticeable sense of well-being.
- Personalized Treatment Approach
- Every individual is treated according to their unique needs—no two treatment plans are alike.
- Even if two people have similar symptoms, acupuncture addresses the underlying causes specific to each person.
- Quality Time With Your Practitioner
- Initial consultations with acupuncturists may last up to an hour.
- Needles typically remain in place for 30-45 minutes, allowing for highly personalized, patient-focused care.
- You won’t feel rushed — they take the time to listen and address your concerns.
- Treating Symptoms Beyond Western Medicine’s Scope
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be effective for unusual or confusing symptoms that may not fit into standard Western diagnoses.
- Many patients find relief through acupuncture after being told that nothing can be done through conventional medicine.
- Preventative Medicine
- You don’t have to be sick to benefit from acupuncture.
- It’s a powerful tool for maintaining overall health and well-being.
- When combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, regular acupuncture can help prevent illness and reduce reliance on conventional medicine.
- Most patients report fewer illnesses and improved resilience to stress.
- Effective for Physical and Emotional Health
- Acupuncture can help manage stress, anxiety, grief, and depression as effectively as it treats physical symptoms like chronic pain.
- Widespread Use and Integration
- About one third of the world’s population relies on Acupuncture and TCM as their primary healthcare method.
- In China, Acupuncture and TCM are commonly used in hospitals alongside Western medicine, with both systems working together for better patient outcomes.
What Acupuncture Can Treat
Evidence-based acupuncture may help address a wide range of health issues, including but not limited to:
Chronic and acute pain (back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, arthritis)
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Women’s health concerns (menstrual pain, irregularities, fertility support, perimenopause, menopause)
- Men’s health concerns (erectile dysfunction, prostate issues, testosterone imbalance)
- Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, acid reflux, nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
- Lung issues (Chronic cough, asthma, breathlessness)
- Allergies and sinus problems
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, hives, rashes, shingles, wrinkles)
- Low energy/fatigue
- Aging (blurred vision, ringing in the ear, dementia, urinary incontinence)
- Endocrine disorder (Diabetes, thyroid issues, children stunt growth)
- Sports and work-related injuries (tennis elbow, tendinopathy, contusions, rotator cuff injury,)
If you have a specific health issue, you are welcome to discuss your needs to determine if acupuncture is suitable for you.
Your TCM Journey: What to Expect
Your acupuncture journey at Bernadette Yu Wellness begins with a thorough assessment of your health history, current concerns, and lifestyle.
What to expect:
- Personalized consultation: We listen to your story, review symptoms, and provide a TCM diagnosis.
- Acupuncture session: Fine, sterile needles are strategically placed for effectiveness and symptom relief.
- Integrated care: Your plan may be enhanced with TCM herbal medicine, nutritional support, or other therapies if needed.
- Ongoing reassessment: Progress is reviewed to ensure continuous improvement and lasting results.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture is almost painless for most people. The needles are very fine—much thinner than an injection needle. Some describe a mild tingling, warmth, or gentle pressure, which are signs of Qi movement. Many clients find acupuncture deeply relaxing, with some falling asleep during their session.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
From a TCM perspective, acupuncture restores the smooth flow of Qi through the meridians. Modern research suggests that acupuncture stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, and triggers the release of the body’s natural pain-relievers (for example, endorphins). This can help calm inflammation, regulate hormones, and enhance physical and emotional wellbeing.
How Do I Prepare for My Treatment?
For a comfortable experience and optimal results:
- Have a light meal 1–2 hours before treatment
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Arrive a little early and bring medication or supplement details
- Avoid vigorous exercise, caffeine, and alcohol just before your session
Can Acupuncture Help Improve My Health Condition?
Acupuncture can benefit many acute and chronic health conditions, supporting both symptom relief and overall wellness. Scientific studies reinforce its effectiveness for pain relief, stress management, digestive health, women’s health, and more. Every treatment plan is fully personalized—contact us to learn how acupuncture may help your unique health goals.
Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture Treatment?
Acupuncture is suitable for most adults and teens, and may even be adapted for some children’s or baby’s concerns and alleviate pregnancy related symptoms, depending on their needs.
It is especially of benefit to those who:
- Seek natural, non-medicated symptom relief
- Desire a holistic approach to chronic or complex health issues
- Want to complement conventional medical treatments
- Value preventative care and health optimization
Consult your healthcare provider or contact us if you’re uncertain if acupuncture is appropriate for you, especially if you have bleeding disorders or are pregnant.
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Yes—most extended health benefits in Canada cover acupuncture with a Registered Acupuncturist. Check your policy for coverage limits and provider requirements. We supply detailed receipts for reimbursement from your health insurance.
Why Choose Bernadette Yu Wellness for Acupuncture?
Expertise You Can Trust:
Bernadette Yu is a Registered, experienced acupuncture provider in Mississauga for over 15 years. She is also a Holistic Nutritionist with extensive formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. She has advanced TCM training, undergoing rigorous education and clinical internships to master both classical and modern acupuncture techniques.
Specialized Skills for Lasting Results:
Bernadette combines her deep understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology and TCM with specialized knowledge in pain management, stress relief, women’s health, and complex chronic conditions. Her integrative approach weaves together evidence-based acupuncture, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, and lifestyle coaching to deliver comprehensive care.
Results-Oriented, Compassionate Care:
Clients of Bernadette Yu Wellness consistently experience significant improvements in pain reduction, quicker recovery from injuries, hormonal balance, enhanced energy, and overall wellness. Many report feeling deeply relaxed, restored, and empowered after their sessions, with long-term results achieved in both physical and emotional health.
Commitment to Your Wellbeing:
Bernadette is known for her thorough consultations, personalized treatment plans, gentle technique, and ongoing support. She stays current with acupuncture research and best practices to ensure each session is safe, effective, and tailored to your unique needs.
Convenience & Support:
Benefit from a comfortable, modern clinic, easy online booking, detailed insurance receipts, and a compassionate practitioner dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness goals.
Choose Bernadette Yu Wellness for acupuncture care that’s rooted in expertise, delivered with compassion, and focused on real, lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe with minimal risk of side effects.
How many treatments will I need?
Treatment frequency depends on your condition and goals. Many people feel improvement within 1–5 sessions; chronic or complex issues may need more.
Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
Absolutely! Acupuncture complements both Western medicine and other holistic therapies such as herbal medicine, nutritional supplements.
What should I do after an acupuncture treatment?
Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy physical activity for the rest of the day if possible to maximize benefits.
Is there an age limit for acupuncture?
Acupuncture is generally safe for most age groups, but treatment techniques may be modified for children, babies, pregnant women or seniors.
Ready to begin your journey to better health? Book your acupuncture appointment with Bernadette Yu Wellness today!
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