At Back in Balance, we are excited to offer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services. TCM is a holistic approach that has been practiced for thousands of years. It focuses on restoring balance and promoting overall well-being by harmonizing the body’s internal energy, or “qi.” TCM techniques aim to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve various physical and emotional health conditions. Our TCM services include Acupuncture, Acupressure, the NADA Protocol, Gua Sha, Cupping, and Tui Na, performed by our experienced Registered Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner.
Acupuncture is a key practice in TCM that involves inserting fine needles at specific meridian points to balance the flow of qi, the body’s vital energy. This treatment helps stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and can address a wide range of conditions, from pain relief to emotional well-being.
Foot Acupressure, a non-invasive alternative, applies gentle pressure to specific points, promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and relieving stress.
The NADA Protocol focuses on five key points on the ear to help manage stress, improve sleep, enhance emotional balance, relieve pain, and support recovery. This specialized form of ear acupuncture is particularly beneficial for those looking to manage anxiety, insomnia, or other stress-related issues.
Cupping involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction, which helps to remove stagnation and stimulate the flow of qi. This technique encourages blood flow, loosens connective tissues, and promotes healing. It’s especially effective for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation.
Tui Na is a dynamic form of massage that uses movement and pressure to release blockages and improve energy flow in the body. For those looking for an alternative to deep-tissue massage, Tui Na provides a similar level of intensity, focusing on reducing pain, improving posture, and enhancing overall physical adaptability. It’s perfect for addressing chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and more.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is designed to treat the body holistically, focusing on restoring balance and encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself. If you're new to TCM, understanding what to expect can help make your experience more comfortable and effective.
Your TCM journey begins with an initial consultation, during which the practitioner will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and specific health concerns. This consultation is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan. The practitioner may also observe your tongue, pulse, and other physical markers, which are important diagnostic tools in TCM.
During an Acupuncture session, very fine needles are gently inserted into specific points on your body. The sensation is typically minimal, and most people experience little to no discomfort. The needles remain in place for about 20-30 minutes while you relax. You may feel a tingling sensation or a mild warmth, which indicates the activation of your body’s qi (energy). With Electroacupuncture, small electrical currents are applied to the needles, enhancing the therapeutic effects and providing a continuous stimulation to the treatment areas.
After your session, you might feel deeply relaxed or slightly energized. It’s common to experience subtle improvements in your condition over several sessions, as acupuncture’s effects are cumulative.
Acupressure is a non-invasive procedure that applies gentle but firm pressure to specific points on your body, often along the meridians (energy pathways). This can be done manually by the practitioner’s hands or using specialized tools. Expect to feel a gentle pressure, which might at times feel intense, especially in areas where blockages or tension exist. The pressure should never be painful, but you may feel tender spots that release over the course of the treatment.
After the session, you should feel more relaxed, and you may notice an improvement in symptoms like stress, digestive issues, or pain relief.
The NADA Protocol involves inserting fine needles into five specific points on the ear. This form of acupuncture is quick and effective, usually lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure is commonly used for managing stress, improving emotional balance, and aiding recovery. You might feel a slight sensation as the needles are inserted, but the process is generally very tolerable. After the session, many people report feeling calmer, more centered, and better equipped to handle stress.
During a Gua Sha session, the practitioner will use a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape your skin in areas that need attention, such as your back, neck, or shoulders. The sensation can range from mild to firm pressure, depending on your comfort level. While Gua Sha may leave red marks on the skin, these are temporary and a sign of the treatment’s effectiveness in promoting circulation and relieving stagnation.
You can expect to feel relief from tension and tightness, and some people experience improved mobility and less discomfort in the days following treatment.
Cupping involves placing special cups on your skin to create suction. This process draws blood to the surface, helping to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and encourage healing. You may feel a pulling sensation during the procedure, but it should not be painful. After the treatment, it’s normal to have circular marks on your skin where the cups were placed—these marks usually fade within a few days.
Cupping can help relieve deep muscle tension, and many clients report feeling lighter and more relaxed after the session.
Tui Na is a hands-on body treatment that combines techniques such as kneading, rolling, and stretching. It is often compared to deep-tissue massage, but it focuses more on the flow of energy throughout the body. Tui Na can be quite vigorous, and you may feel strong pressure in areas that need attention. This therapy is especially beneficial for relieving chronic pain and correcting musculoskeletal issues.
After your session, you may feel some soreness similar to what you might experience after a deep-tissue massage, but this usually subsides within a day or two. Many people notice improved flexibility, reduced pain, and a greater sense of balance in their body.
After any TCM procedure, it’s important to allow your body time to rest and integrate the benefits of the treatment. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and pay attention to how you feel in the hours and days following your session. TCM treatments often work gradually, so multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve the best results.
Each person’s response to TCM is unique, so your practitioner will guide you through the best course of action based on your individual needs.
PHONE: (613) 288-2225
FAX: (613) 288-2226
EMAIL: info@backinbalancechiro.ca
591 Byron Avenue Ottawa
Ontario
K2A 4C4
Monday – Friday:
07:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday:
09:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: We are closed
591 Byron Avenue Ottawa, Ontario
K2A 4C4
Monday – Friday:
07:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday:
07:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
Phone: (613) 288-2225
FAX: (613) 288-2226
One of Albert Einstein’s famous quotes is “Nothing happens until something moves. When something vibrates, the electrons of the entire universe resonate with it. Everything is connected.”
Motion is life… lack of motion is death. It’s a foundational reason why Chiropractors adjust spines – to restore normal motion to joints, mental impulse transmission through nerves and subsequently, life throughout your entire body. When you become ‘connected,’ the Life inside you resonates positively to your loved ones, your community and your planet.
And why wouldn’t you want to reap the benefits of that?
