We are excited to announce that the Legge Health Clinic will be opening our doors on Saturdays (10am-12pm) for community acupuncture starting this weekend! Our goal is to make acupuncture accessible for all Truro (and area) residents and tap into the therapeutic benefits of group treatments. Dr. Stephanie Millett, ND will be completing intakes, assessments and providing acupuncture services for members of our community in a group setting. This program is targeting individuals with chronic pain—including but not limited to migraines, back pain, arthritis and TMJ syndrome. Fees will be on a “pay what you can” basis with a minimum cost of $10.00 to cover supplies.

Who is the practitioner?

Dr. Millett, ND is a licenced naturopathic doctor and a registered member of the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA). Dr. Millett is in her second year of practice at Legge Health and has four years of combined training and clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture.

Does it work?

In short—yes! Acupuncture has been a well-known part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. To date, numerous clinical trials of acupuncture have been conducted to explore safety and efficacy for a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal pain. As the research in acupuncture continues to expand, so too does the quality of information supporting evidence-based acupuncture.

How does it work?

Several different theories have been proposed to explain the mechanism of action of acupuncture therapy for pain relief. Many of these proposed theories are from the western biomedical acupuncture perspective rather than the classical concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For further reading on these proposed theories including the role of endorphins in pain pathways of the CNS, please refer to the research cited below. To understand the mechanism of acupuncture from a TCM point of view we must first talk about “qi”. Qi is the Chinese word for life force. This energy flows through channels in our body called meridians similarly to blood or lymphatic fluid moving through a vessel. Acupuncture points reside along these meridians and each point is associated with particular functions. Insertion of the (very fine) needle into an acupuncture point stimulates the flow of qi which can act as an analgesic, tonify qi/energy, clear heat, stimulate the immune system, resolve inflammation etc., depending on the particular point selected.

What do I bring?

Patients are encouraged to either wear/bring shorts or wear pants that can be rolled up above the knee. Tank tops and t-shirts are adequate for upper body.  We also will have gowns available to allow for access to any necessary acupuncture points.

What to expect:

You will be asked to complete an intake form and sign a consent form before your visit begins.  The practitioner may ask you questions, look at your tongue or check your pulses in order to complete your assessment and diagnosis.  You will be assigned a room with anywhere from 1-5 other patients and asked to sit or lie (depending on the treatment area), in a comfortable position.  Most patients report a slight pinch when the needle is inserted which fades very quickly.  Acupuncture is not painful!  Some of the most common sensations reported include mild pressure, aching, itching, buzzing, tingling or heaviness around the location of the needle.  Other times there is no sensation at all.  Occasionally there is mild pinpoint bleeding and/or bruising at the location of the needle insertion.

Contraindications to acupuncture treatment:

Seizure disorders
Bleeding disorders
Drug or alcohol intoxication
Certain infections/skin conditions
Please let your doctor know if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, are currently taking blood thinners or are experiencing any of the other contraindications listed above.