Desmond Fung, RPT, MSc.PT, H.BSc., CCAMA
Senior Staff Physiotherapist – LifeSpring Physiotherapy

Invented by the Chinese 2500 years ago, spread to Japan, Korea, Europe in 16th century
1995 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture as a medical tool and affirmed it’s safety and effectiveness
1997 US National Institute of Health reported that acupuncture is very useful in treating many conditions and has less adverse effects than many conventional medical procedures
1997 Ontario Medical Association officially recognized acupuncture as complimentary medicine

Acupuncture means to “puncture with a needle”
The Dreaded Word: “Needle”

Acupuncture Needles

- “Atraumatic” Needles
- Fine and Flexible
- 0.12mm to 0.30mm diameter
- Stainless Steel
- Rounded at the Tip
- Threads through skin and muscle limiting damage to tissues

Acupuncture Works

The “Traditional Concept”
Acupuncture points were mapped out thousands of years ago on Meridians or Energy pathways. These pathways run along side blood vessels and nerves.
Healthy = good energy flow, good balance through your body.
Illnesses/Health Conditions = poor energy flow, too much energy flow, wrong direction of energy flow leading to swelling, pain and/or other illnesses

The Scientific Concept

How It Relates to Your Health and Running

Endorphins = Natural pain killers produced by the body to alleviate pain and allow the individual to continue to function in spite of injury or stress

“Runner’s High”

Brain imaging studies have shown that running stimulates the release of endorphins while running binding to the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. These centers in the brain are emotional processing centers and thus the feeling of happiness/euphoria is created.

Acupuncture can help release additional endorphins to break the cycle of pain, sending signals to and from the spinal cord to eliminate pain in the injured area.

Some Conditions That Acupuncture Can Help With…

World Health Organization (WHO) provides a list of conditions acupuncture is useful for. http://apps.who.int/medicindocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html
Some running related conditions: Knee Pain, Low Back Pain, Sprains, Sciatica, Neck Pain, Post-Operative Pain, Headaches, Osteoarthritis, Stiff Neck, Spine Pain
* Remember: there are no quick fixes – you don’t get healthy after just one run! It takes effort and patience. Acupuncture aims to reset your own body, allowing you to heal naturally. Be patient and fix the root cause of your problem*