acupuncture in Markham

Acupuncture in Markham: what it is, how it works & what it treats

Looking for acupuncture in Markham? Acupuncture is a safe, evidence-informed therapy that helps relieve pain, reduce stress, and support your body’s natural healing. Here’s a quick overview of how it works and what it can treat.

Quick guide: acupuncture in Markham

What it is:

A therapy using ultra-fine, sterile needles to stimulate healing responses in the body

Common conditions treated:

back and neck pain
headaches and migraines
sciatica
shoulder, hip, and knee pain
tendonitis and sports injuries
stress, anxiety, and sleep issues

How it works:

Stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and releases endorphins

Treatment time:

15–30 minutes

Pain level:

Minimal — most patients feel little to no discomfort

Acupuncture: a complementary, evidence-informed therapy

Acupuncture is a time-tested, natural therapy used for centuries to support physical, mental, and emotional health conditions. Today, it is it is commonly integrated with chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation to enhance recovery and promote overall well-being.

At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, acupuncture is part of our targeted treatment approach to help reduce pain, restore function, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe, evidence-informed therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body.

These points lie along meridians—pathways that help regulate the flow of energy (“Qi”). From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and triggering physiological responses that:

reduce pain
improve circulation
decrease inflammation
relax muscles

It is commonly used for musculoskeletal pain, stress-related conditions, and injury recovery.

Does acupuncture work?

Yes. Research shows acupuncture can help:

reduce pain
decrease inflammation
improve mobility
regulate the nervous system

Many patients experience relief within a few treatments, especially when combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitation.

How acupuncture works

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and activates natural healing responses in the body.

It helps to:

release endorphins (natural painkillers)
improve blood flow and tissue healing
reduce inflammation
relax muscles and decrease tension
regulate the nervous system

In simple terms: acupuncture helps your body heal itself more efficiently.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained professional. Sterile, single-use needles are used, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Musculoskeletal Conditions

back and neck pain
headaches and migraines
shoulder pain and impingement
tennis and golfer’s elbow
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
sciatica
hip and knee pain tendonitis and bursitis
osteoarthritis
ankle sprains

Beyond Musculoskeletal Care

Acupuncture can also support:

digestive issues (IBS, nausea)
respiratory conditions (asthma, sinusitis)
women’s health (menstrual pain, fertility support)
sleep disorders (insomnia)
mental health (stress, anxiety)
addiction support (cravings and withdrawal)

Acupuncture is especially effective for conditions involving pain, inflammation, and muscle tension.

Benefits of acupuncture

Acupuncture offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits:

– pain relief for acute and chronic conditions

– reduced muscle tension and improved mobility

– stress reduction and promote relaxation

– improved sleep quality

– enhanced circulation and tissue healing

– support for immune function

Who can benefit from acupuncture?

Acupuncture is suitable for people of all ages and is commonly used by:

individuals with chronic pain
patients recovering from injury
athletes
people experiencing stress or burnout
patients seeking a natural alternative to medication

Acupuncture as a complementary therapy

Acupuncture works effectively alongside other treatments, including:

This integrated approach helps improve outcomes and supports faster, longer-lasting recovery.

A natural alternative to medications and surgery

For patients seeking a non-invasive, drug-free option, acupuncture provides a safe and effective alternative.

It can also:

– help reduce reliance on pain medications

– support post-surgical recovery

– accelerate healing after injuries or fractures

What to expect during your appointment

Your visit begins with a comprehensive assessment of your health history and current condition.

During treatment:

1) fine needles are inserted at targeted points

2) needles remain in place for 15–30 minutes

3) you rest comfortably during the session

4) most patients feel relaxed, calm, and at ease

What does acupuncture feel like?

Most patients feel little to no pain. You may experience:

a slight tingling sensation
warmth or heaviness
a feeling of relaxation

Preventative care & long-term wellness

Acupuncture is not only for treating existing conditions—it is also effective for preventative care.

Regular treatments can:

detect and correct imbalances early
support ongoing health and recovery
promote long-term wellness and vitality

Acupuncture + holistic health

At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, we take a whole-body approach—addressing both symptoms and the source of the issue to help you achieve lasting results.

About Dr. Kirsten Thomas | Certified Acupuncture Provider in Markham

Markham chiropractor Dr. Kirsten Thomas, has extensive training in medical and neurofunctional acupuncture, including:

1) Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program – McMaster University (2004)

2) Advanced Neurofunctional Acupuncture Program – McMaster University (2015)

3) Functional Integrated Acupuncture – Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (2016)

Focusing on functional assessment, micro-conditioning and advanced needling techniques for upper and lower limb sports injuries, Dr. Thomas has earned the designation of Neurofunctional Sports Performance Practitioner. She has completed additional courses in acupuncture for headaches, sports injuries, stress-related problems and women’s health issues.

Her clinical focus includes:

sports injuries and performance
headaches and migraines
stress-related conditions
acute and chronic pain management

Complementary therapies at in balance

In addition to acupuncture, we offer:

chiropractic care
soft tissue therapy
cold laser therapy and electrical therapy
rehabilitation exercises
kinesiology taping
nutrition and lifestyle counselling

FAQs about acupuncture in Markham

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients feel little to no discomfort. The needles are extremely thin, and sensations are typically mild and brief.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on your condition. Acute issues may improve quickly, while chronic conditions may require a series of treatments.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Many extended health plans in Ontario include acupuncture coverage. Dr. Thomas provides acupuncture as part of chiropractic care, so please confirm that your plan includes chiropractic benefits.

Can acupuncture be combined with chiropractic care?

Yes. Acupuncture works very well alongside chiropractic and rehabilitation therapies.

What should I do before my appointment?

Eat a light meal, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothing.

Key takeaways: acupuncture

1) acupuncture is a safe, natural therapy for pain and overall health

2) it works by stimulating the nervous system and improving circulation

3) it is commonly used for musculoskeletal pain, stress, and recovery

4) it can be used alone or alongside chiropractic and other therapies

Is acupuncture right for you?

Acupuncture is suitable for patients of all ages and activity levels.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to improve your overall health, acupuncture can play an important role in your care.

Acupuncture in Markham – book your appointment

If you are looking for acupuncture in Markham, Dr. Kirsten Thomas at in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic is here to help.

We provide personalized, evidence-informed acupuncture care designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support your long-term health.

Conveniently located in Markham, we serve patients from York and Durham Regions and across the GTA seeking natural, effective solutions for pain relief and wellness.

Book an appointment today to find out how acupuncture can help you feel better, move better, and live better.