Many thousands of years ago in china ancient people would pray when they suffered from disease.  At this same time of prayer they would also press certain areas of the body with pieces of sharp stone.  Unexpectedly when the same areas where stimulated with a sharp piece of stone the disorder would be relieved. After a long accumulation of such information the therapeutic method of acupressure and the use of Bian Stones finally came into practice. 

Acupuncture has been a very important part of Chinese medicine which has been practiced for at least 3000 years.  According to findings from ancient records and ancient unearthed artefacts acupuncture may have been practiced even before the creation of Chinese characters. 

“I want to treat disease without using toxic drugs and not using bian stones*, I apply fine needles to remove obstruction and regulate the circulation of blood and Qi”

Miraculous Pivot (2^nd century BC)

*Bian Stone – thick needles used prior to the creation of filiform needles

The aim of Ryan Funks acupuncture treatments is to prevent or treat disease by puncturing certain points on the body with small needles to specific depths treating the cause of a disease.  Each point will be specifically picked after an in depth diagnosis has been completed by a knowledgeable acupuncturist.  Only when your acupuncturist has an understanding of your individual disorder can specific points be chosen.  A successful acupuncturist will choose points not by your symptoms but by understanding your disease. The Aim of traditional Chinese medicine is to treat the cause and not the symptoms.  Acupuncture balances the body by eliminating excess and tonifying deficiencies. 

When explaining the fundamentals of how acupuncture works, it is like any other science , it gets more complicated and detailed once you start getting into the if’s and buts of it. In Chinese medicine, pain and disease is the outcome of an unbalanced body and acupuncture is one of the main ways to regain the body’s natural balance.  One of the most popular uses for acupuncture in the west is pain relief.  The cause of pain in Chinese medicine is due to poor circulation of Qi or blood or phlegm which stagnates and creates a blockage in a specific area (some what like a bruise).  Acupuncture is able to help the body restore proper circulation in the specific area eliminating pain and restoring smooth circulation to balance the body. 

Acupuncture is not limited to pain relief!  Acupuncturists have been treating thousands of disorders which acupuncture can either help or cure!  Many people have found acupuncture to be beneficial to treat such disorders as: infertility, impotence, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, endometriosis, menopause, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, uterine bleeding, leucorrhea,  premenstrual syndrome (PMS), prolonged labour, vertigo, hypertension, paralysis, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), Bi-polar, insomnia, palpitations, common cold, flu, jaundice, urinary disorders, oedema, herpes zoster, …

Sterilized acupuncture needles will be inserted through out your body to a depth of ¼ - 1 inch in depth depending on the area of the body.  The depth that each needle will be inserted also depends on ones age, body size and constitution.  As each needle is inserted by your acupuncturist their should be a cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation which is felt at the insertion point or up or down the meridian pathway.  In china these types feelings are known as “suan” or sensation as it is not a true type of pain. 

A patient will experience less effective results if they come for treatment while hungry, after a large meal, excessively fatigued, emotionally upset (although acupuncture is able to calm people effectively) or intoxicated. 

Cleanliness is also very important before each treatment to help prevent possible bacterial infections (infections are very rare due to acupuncture).  You should wear loose, comfortable clothing which can be easily moved to reach area’s like shoulders, knees, thighs, …   

Generally Acupuncture is needed to be applied 1-3 times per week for a duration of 1-3 months depending on the type of severity of the disorder being treated.  The amount of acupuncture treatments greatly depends on the  age of the patient, the severity of the disorder and the nature of their illness.  Acute problems can be successfully treated in a shorter period when compared to that of a chronic problem that someone has had for months or even years. 

Some patients may experience dramatic results after their first acupuncture treatment with an immediate total or partial relieve of their pain (or other symptoms).  Other patients there may be no immediate relief of their symptoms. 

The acupuncture needles used by acupuncturist Ryan Funk are factory sterilized and immediately disposed of after each use making it very safe.  Every patient treated with acupuncture receives new needles and the needles are never re-used.  

During an acupuncture treatment some people may feel dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath (mainly occurring with nervous first time patients).  If you have any of the symptoms listed above you should inform the acupuncturist (Ryan Funk) right away so he can re-adjust or remove the needles.

After each treatment some of the areas which are punctured may bleed slightly or a small bruise may develop.  These are not harmful but please talk to your acupuncturist if you have any concerns. 

Modern Western medicine is unable to explain exactly how acupuncture works but I believe in time they will develop a scientific device which will provide enough scientific evidence to understand our ancient medicine.  Because modern medicine can’t understand how acupuncture works does not mean it doesn’t work, they just haven’t figured it out yet!

Acupuncture claims are accepted from the WCB, ICBC, VAC and most insurance agencies in British Columbia (BC Canada).