Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny filiform needles into specific points on the body to increase energy flow (Qi), blood circulation, reduce pain and to stimulate the Central Nervous System. These needles are so small that ten of them can fit into the opening of a typical hypodermic needle. Upon insertion, the Acupuncturist manipulates the needles to stimulate the flow of energy to different areas of the body, acting as a powerful analgesic, promoting healing and improving overall circulation. In an acupuncture session, the therapist may use other techniques that they have been trained in such as moxibustion, tuina, cupping and gua sha. An acupuncturist who is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine is able to treat a wide variety of conditions that range from musculoskeletal pain and injury to digestive issues, fertility concerns, headaches, and many chronic health issues.

Learn More about Acupuncture

Our Therapist

Sheila Gray R.Ac - Acupuncturist

sheila@whitbymassage.com

Sheila has been a Zen Shiatsu Therapist since 1996 and registered acupuncturist since 2020. Post graduate studies have included cosmetic acupuncture, electroacupuncture and Daoist Stone Medicine. Sheila believes in a gentle, compassionate approach to encouraging your body’s own innate healing response. 


Sheila’s studies have included Shamanism, One Brain, Brain Gym, Myofascial Release therapy, Reiki and crafting soaps and creams from scratch scenting them with essential oils. She enjoys gardening, walking with her dogs, and reading.


Sheila believes strongly in supporting her clients and helping them co-create health, harmony, balance for themselves. 

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture (also known as facial rejuvenation acupuncture) reduces premature aging naturally without surgical interference and with little pain or side effects. By inserting incredibly fine, disposable sterilized needles into specific points on the face, skin is stimulated creating a healing response from the body including the production of collagen.


As we age, collagen in the skin naturally declines causing sagging, dullness and deepening of fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating the production of collagen we can improve the structure and elasticity of the skin, plump up fine lines, and give the skin a healthy glow. Every session begins with a discussion about lifestyle: sleep and stress, emotions and energy - looking at the internal issues that may be manifesting externally. All cosmetic acupuncture treatments have a holistic approach with additional acupuncture points along the body to address and target the root causes of imbalances.

What to expect

Your initial appointment will review your lifestyle, sleep, stress, emotions and overall energy. You will then relax into your treatment enjoying a comprehensive, personalized cosmetic acupuncture service tailored to your individual needs and goals. Your registered acupuncturist will use a combination of gentle Gua Sha with organic serum, facial cupping and ultra fine needles during your treatment. All cosmetic acupuncture treatments have a holistic approach with additional acupuncture points along the body to address the root causes of any imbalances.

benefits of Acupuncture

There are many reasons to consider Acupuncture. A few key benefits include:

Reduced Stress

Reduced Joint and Back Pain

Improved Eye Health

Fewer Digestive Issues

Enhanced Mental Clarity

Reduction of Headaches

Improves Sleep

Relief from Allergies

What is Cupping?

Cupping is one of the oldest treatment methods known to mankind. It has been used in all cultures for centuries to promote circulation, reduce pain, and increase mobility. Two kinds of cupping could be performed, fire cupping, or moving cupping. Fire cupping uses glass cups and a lit cotton ball is placed inside of the cup for about 2 seconds to remove the air from the cup and create negative pressure. The cup is then quickly placed on specific points on the body and the void inside of the cup is filled with the tissue. Though there may be a sense of tugging, a properly placed fire cup should feel comfortable. When the cup is removed there will sometimes be a reddening of the tissue under where the cup was applied. This indicates that there was congestion in the tissues, and this congestion has been released by the cup. These marks should dissipate within a day or two and depending on the clients body should completely disappear within 3-4 days.

        For sliding/moving cupping, oil is applied to the area and the practitioner will move the cup around, often with massage strokes or specific techniques to move the tissues. Moving cupping most often does not create cupping marks.

Fire Cupping Whitby

Facial Cupping

Facial cupping is an amazing treatment for many conditions such as TMJ, Bell’s Palsy, Headaches, sinusitis, and more. Facial cupping is also an amazing, relaxing and natural way to address fine lines and wrinkles, increase elasticity, and give the face a bright rosy appearance. With regular sessions, clients can avoid invasive chemical treatments and maintain a youthful glow.

Facial Cupping Whitby

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a heat treatment that is used to increase circulation, warm the body and improve immune function. It also helps to stimulate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and repair) It is most often used alongside acupuncture to increase the effect of the needles and clear pain from the body. Mugwort or Artemesia Vulgaris in a very refined form is spun into tiny cones and applied to acupoints. The herb is then lit with an incense stick and it slowly warms the area. The sensation is warm and deeply therapeutic.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is an age old method of scraping the surface of the body to draw out impurities and relieve congestion. It is similar in effect to cupping therapy however gua sha has a specific use for clients who do not sweat, have a lot of scar tissue, frequent headaches and long standing chronic pain. Like cupping, the effects of gua sha can be felt immediately and leave clients with a feeling of lightness and well-being.

Gua Sha Whitby

Shiatsu Therapy*

*NOT COVERED BY MOST INSURANCE BENEFITS - Please check your individual plan for coverage.

Shiatsu is a Japanese style of bodywork that translates as ‘finger pressure’. Different than massage in that it can be applied through clothing or a sheet as there is no oil used in the sessions. Direct pressure is applied to acupoints and meridian lines to improve circulation and flow of those pathways. Stretches, joint mobilizations and pressure is applied to the body to improve circulation, decrease pain, increase mobility, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and can be stimulating and intense at the same time. Treatments should never be painful and clients leave the treatment with a sense of well-being. Shiatsu is beneficial for stress and anxiety, digestive disorders, menstrual problems, musculoskeletal problems and chronic issues.

Shiatsu Therapy Whitby
Indications:
  • acute and chronic pain
  • neck, shoulder and back pain
  • stress management
  • Mood disorders; depression, anxiety
  • Migraines,
  • headaches
  • insomnia and fatigue
  • immune disorders
  • arthritis,
  • allergies,
  • female infertility
  • pregnancy and postpartum
  • menopause and fertility
  • and so much more…

Payment Methods

Health care treatments Whitby
>  Payment is due on receipt of service.
>  All prices above include HST.

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