What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing that was developed as part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan and other Eastern countries. Its spread to the West has been relatively slow but steady, and in recent years acupuncture has found increasing acceptance in Western medical practice, particularly in pain relief. 

The current practices have evolved into a system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles into points (called acupuncture points or acupoints) just below the surface of the skin. These points are in very specific locations.  In modern acupunture the needles are stimulated by using a small electric current. This is called electro-acupuncture. This is the type of acupunture practiced at the East End Multidisciplinary Pain Management Program (EMP).

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture and acupressure (the stimulation of the points with the fingers and hands) treatments are aimed at easing muscle tension, and stimulating the energy and blood flow in a patient so that their natural healing mechanisms of the body are adjusted, striking a balance in the body.

Acupuncture treatment

When the patient is seen for the first time, an assessment is completed and a treatment plan developed. When the acupuncture needle is inserted, an electrical-like sensation may be felt which is called the De Qi sensation.  Once the needle is in place, no further discomfort should be felt. In actual fact, often there will be an occasional tingling or warm feeling experienced in the area of the needle. 

The needles are usually left in place for between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the conditions being treated. The removal of the needles usually causes no discomfort. The inserted needle may also be stimulated by manually rotating the needle or through electrical stimulation.  The needles can also be stimulated electrically using various frequencies and intensities. Typically, it takes about four sessions to determine if a patient will respond to treatment.

What is acupuncture used for?

The WHO, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Medical Association (AMA) and various government reports have also studied and commented on the efficacy of acupuncture. There is also general agreement that acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners.  In the near future acupunturists will be licensed.  Our therapist meets all of the standards required for licensure. 

Traditionally, acupuncture practitioners have treated a large number of different illnesses.  The primary use of acupunture at the East End Pain Clinic is to help in the management of pain.  Below, please find a bibliography outlining double blind randomized control trials testing the effectiveness of acupunture.  There is now reasonable evidence to support its use in the treatment of a number of painful conditions.

Chronic pain is often associated with a major depression.  We can treat chronic pain with antidepressants.  Dr. Ennis has had many years of experience treating chronic pain and depression.  He is an expert in the use of opioids, or narcotics.  Antidepressants can help with the pain, but Dr. Ennis recognizes that it typically does not help with the chronic pain.  Dr. Ennis has struggled for many years with chronic pain.  Learning to cope with pain is the most important skill you can learn to manage your chronic pain.  Dr. Ennis has been written up in newspapers and journals.  Dr. Ennis has had multiple surgeries and serious illness that he has learned to cope with.  He he can do it, so can you.  Chronic pain does not have to end your enjoyment of life.  Dr. Ennis will teach you how to cope with chronic pain, and depression.  If necessary he will prescribe narcotics or opioids, or antidepressants.  
The EMP is fortunate to have a physiotherapist with over twenty years experience in treating patients with chronic pain.  She is a graduate of McMaster University's Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and is our program's acupuncturist.  Acupunture offers patients a safe alternative or adjunct to medication management.  In the near future, acupunture will become a licensed practice.  Our therapist meets the requirements for licensure.