Benefits of acupuncture with massage

Our Edmonton acupuncture services are based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, designed to re-establish the body’s natural flow of energy, relieve emotional and physical blocks and stimulate the immune and hormonal systems. Hair thin needles are applied to specific points on the body which effectively remove blocks and boost the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

Massage Therapy smooths and sculpts your muscles, clears the mind and leaves you with a deep sense of relaxation and clearing. Long strokes, gentle rocking, stretching and joint release, remove tension and also increase your body’s range of movement.

Results of combining both therapies:

Each therapy accesses the body at a different level
Using both together enhances the effectiveness of each, resulting in a more complete treatment
Massage leaves the body relaxed and more receptive, which makes the acupuncture more powerful
In turn the more blockages the acupuncture dissolves, the more the body relaxes
This re-established flow builds a spiral of life-enhancing and long-term benefits

What is a session like?

Sessions are 60 or 90 minutes long. Each starts with massage, followed by acupuncture and finishes with more soothing massage

What is acupuncture?

Based on the principles of oriental medicine, acupuncture works by stimulating and promoting the body’s inherent healing abilities. Acupuncture is effective in treating many common ailments.

Modern science is beginning to verify what acupuncturists have known for thousand of years, that acupuncture regulates the nervous system, the hormonal (endocrine) system as well as boosting the immune system and bringing them back into balance. Increasingly, acupuncture is recognized as a complementary therapy to augment Western medical practices.

Hair thin needles are used on different parts of the body to reestablish the flow of energy, relieve emotional and physical stagnation, and stimulate the immune and endocrine systems.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, acupuncture rarely hurts. You might feel a momentary prick when the needle goes in, which soon turns into a dull pressure or tingling around the area during the treatment. Most people are amazed by how relaxed they feel during and after the treatment. This can only occur if the treatment is comfortable and gentle.

Is acupuncture safe?

As long as it is performed by a competent practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncturists are required to use disposable needles that are discarded after one use.

What conditions are treated with acupuncture?

The World Health Organization lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture is appropriate therapy:

Digestive Conditions: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, hyperacidity and indigestion
Emotional Conditions: anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness and neurosis
Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat Conditions: cataracts, gingivitis, poor vision, tinnitus and toothache
Gynecological Conditions: infertility, menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome
Musculoskeletal Conditions: arthritis, back pain, muscle cramping, muscle pain/weakness, neck pain, sciatica
Neurological Conditions: headaches, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinsonís disease, postoperative pain and stroke
Respiratory Conditions: asthma, bronchitis, common cold, sinusitis, smoking cessation and tonsilitis
Miscellaneous Conditions: addiction control, athletic performance, blood pressure regulation, chronic fatigue, immune system tonification and stress reduction

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

There are many plans that cover acupuncture and you can get it added if not.

How many treatments will I need?

This is unique to the individual. For most chronic conditions, 5-7 once-weekly treatments tend to offer the best outcome. Some people notice an immediate improvement in their health, while for others acupuncture tends to have a cumulative effect over several visits.

I have had acupuncture before but it was from my Physiotherapist/Chiropractor. What’s the difference?

In recent years, Physiotherapists and Chiropractors have helped bring acupuncture to the masses. The difference from having acupuncture from a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor versus a Registered Acupuncturist is their level of education in the particular field of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Most Physiotherapists and Chiropractors have received a few weekend courses on acupuncture and there is no licensing exam. All Registered Acupuncturists (RAc) have taken, at minimum, a 3 year program as well as successfully completed the Canadian licensing exam.

I don’t really have anything ‘wrong’ with me, can I still benefit from acupuncture?

Yes. There is difference between optimal health and just being free from disease. Chinese Medicine helps bring the body into balance allowing you to function at your optimal state. Boosting immune during cold and flu season, improving quality of sleep and helping relieve stress are just a few of the many benefits that come with acupuncture.

Western Medicine can’t find anything wrong with me but I still have symptoms. Can acupuncture help?

Sometimes people can have symptoms that are at the “subclinical” level – meaning they are very real to the patient but do not yet show up on Western lab tests like blood work or ultrasounds. This is no problem for Chinese Medicine, since one’s subjective experience of the problem is a very important diagnostic tool. After all, Western lab tests didn’t exist thousands of years ago when Chinese Medicine was first practiced.

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If you are ready to make an appointment for acupuncture and massage integration please follow these simple steps:

call (780) 432-4803 to talk to someone or book online
your first appointment should be 90 min long so we can do an assessment and discuss your goals
please try to come to your appointment with an empty stomach or at least one hour after eating

fees:

60 min acupuncture with massage $115

90 min acupuncture with massage $165

This treatment can be provided by:

Mariano

“Mariano takes his work seriously, is highly intuitive, and delivers the kind of personalized care and attention that is deeply nourishing. The combination of bodywork involving touch and acupuncture is brilliant—the result is healing energy that is felt at the core of your being.”

Connie

“Mr. Torres is an individual with the power to enhance, or change your life. His knowledge and skill with the mind and body of a patient provide relief from discomfort, peace of mind, and nurturing for the soul. In my times of pain he has been a provider of wonderful relief, spirit, and positive energy.

He is well versed and skilled in traditional western therapies, as well as traditional healing techniques – and whether you are a believer in alternative medicine and therapy or not, Mariano is a practitioner of great warmth. He is truly one of the healers that has made a direct and lasting impact on my quality of life. I cannot recommend him highly enough – as a practitioner, or as a person.”

Greg Scratchley

“Chronic painful headaches led me in search of a massage therapist, a treatment my family doctor recommended after a CT Scan showed my brain was not being subjected to any pressure that would cause the headaches. Called a new clinic near my seniors centre others had recommended but they did not offer massage therapy; two possibilities recommended by a physiotherapist were located too far in the North section of the city (I am car-free); the third recommended by a friend didn’t have an opening for four weeks. Then I Googled to see what was available in my neighbourhood of Garneau/Old Strathcona and found three options. Integrated Therapies had the best informative content-rich website that encouraged me to contact them. I’m very glad I did.

I had a 90 minute session with Mariano Torres that included a thorough assessment and a procedure that included massage AND acupuncture: a good example of what it means to offer ‘integrated’ therapies.

Had excellent results with acupuncture when I lived in Vancouver, and have experienced a variety of massage procedures over the years in various cities where I have lived in Canada that also worked for me. The application of both at one session was a new experience for me and I liked it.

As I do have points of reference from previous experiences it pleases me to say, with confidence, that Mariano Torres is a very skilled and competent massage therapist/acupuncture therapist. More: his personal manner and respect for my sensitivities was professional and appreciated.

Now, place all this is in a fabulous old and beautifully restored house that maintains the history and character of the home … wonderful. I admire and comment on the interior design – colours, textures, art works, lighting – to learn that this marvelous environment is the work of Mariano Torres. Choice of background music is very pleasing and also adds to the relaxing experience.

I left feeling and knowing I’d had a strong and thorough physical and mental experience at Integrated Therapies – and would not hesitate to recommend the centre and Mariano to anyone seeking an enriching experience in the hands of qualified/professional people.”

Regards,
Gail B. B.

“True healing experience with a true doctor! I had so much trouble with my back pain. I have gone to a drop-in clinic doctor for three months, a chiropractor, a physiotherapist (expensive and very well-known) and a masseuse. Nothing made changes. The back pain has only got aggravated over time. And I met Mariano and I finally feel that he really cares for me and is willing to work this out. I have no doubt that with his treatment I will get better and get back to my normal active life. He focuses not only on the regional pain you have, but also on the general wellness and balance of your body. If you are seeking for a more mindful, integrated approach to treating your pain, this is the right place.”

Karen Kang