Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2000 years and is the most widely used form of medicine in the world. It consists of placing ultra-thin needles on various points in the body to help redirect the flow of blood and qi (energy). Pain and disease occur in areas where blood and energy get blocked and stagnate. When acupuncture points are stimulated, it helps to unblock these areas to resolve pain, prevent disease, improve immune function, and restore the overall balance of the body.
Sarah McGuire, R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist
Sarah McGuire, R.Ac., knows that the free movement of qi (energy) is vital to good health. Her belief is that treating the root cause of pain or illness is the key to better health. With blockages removed and balance restored, one sees renewed possibility, leading us toward our true potential. Her clients experience a compassionate and effective treatment which utilizes traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, five element acupuncture, acutonics, tuina and cupping. Sarah, R.Ac. also offers microneedling, facial acupuncture and Morpheus8 treatments as part of her practice.
treatments
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body for therapeutic effect. According to traditional chinese medicine, by placing needles at certain points in the body your acupuncturist is able to access meridians and affect the flow of qi (energy) and xue (blood) to restore balance and promote healing.
Did you know?
Acupuncture is covered by most extended health care plans in BC. Contact your insurance provider to find out the details of your acupuncture benefits.
Acupuncture referral
If your medical doctor or other health care practitioner has referred you for registered acupuncture therapy, come see us to schedule your series of treatments. We’ll provide you with receipts for insurance coverage purposes. (A referral is not necessary to receive acupuncture treatment at the IV.)
Conditions treated
- morning sickness
- anxiety and depression
- fertility
- back pain
- weight loss
- allergies and sinus problems
- asthma
- cellulite
- chronic pain
- digestive disorders
- headaches and migraines
- hormonal imbalance and menopause
- insomnia and fatigue
- poor circulation
- sciatica, back pain, stiff muscles and arthritis
- skin conditions
- sports injuries
- stress management
- endometriosis
Ear Acupuncture
Breaking an addiction and looking for extra support? Ear acupuncture stimulates the body’s organs and functions and is especially helpful for addictions, pain management and mood disorders.
Conditions treated
- addictions and smoking cessation
- anxiety and depression
- headaches and migraines
- pain management
- sleep disturbances
Moxabustion
Moxa is the herb Artemisia (mugwort) commonly rolled into a cigar shape, and burned during treatment. Acupuncture practitioners use the hot moxa ember to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation and inducing flow of blood and qi. In the clinic a smoke-free variety of moxa is used to keep the air clear, so patients can breathe freely during a treatment.
Conditions treated:
- Chronic and acute pain
- Common colds
- Immune conditions
- Digestive disorders
- Poor circulation
- Poor libido
- Fatigue
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Tired of those fine lines, dark circles and early wrinkles? Facial rejuvenation is a painless way to eliminate fine lines, soften deep wrinkles, and improve the tone and elasticity of the skin. It can also help minimize dark circles, reduce puffy eyes, and perk up drooping eyelids.
Benefits
- reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- firming of skin around eyes and jowls
- improve tone and integrity of skin
- improve collagen production in skin
- tighten pores
- brighten eyes
- balance hormones and resolve acne
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is a safe & effective, minimally invasive technology that combines microneedling at various depths with radiofrequency to reach the underlying layers of the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin – the building blocks of tight, smooth skin!
What does that mean & what does it treat?
By combining microneedles with radiofrequency the Morpheus8 contours and lifts for overall rejuvenation. Common complaints that can be addressed with Morpheus8 include neck and chin fullness, rough skin texture, large pores, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin.
Who is it for?
The Morpheus8 treatment is safe to be used on various skin tones, types & age ranges, as well as active acne! Even people with darker complexions, have more sensitive skin, and/or struggle with acne can see great results!
While every patient’s skin is unique, Morpheus8 results can be seen in as few as 3 days with the most noticeable results appearing after 1 month. You may continue to see improvements months after treatment as it takes collagen up to 6 months to fully form. In order to see long-term results, a series of treatments is needed and will be recommended based on the area of treatment and concern being treated by your practitioner.
Benefits:
- Increase collagen production
- Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
- Lift and tighten loose skin
- Minimize acne scarring
- Fade stretchmarks
What is it?
Purasomes are the first “purified” exosomes made in Europe, containing over 20 billion Exosomes, 20 most potent growth factors and cytokines. Exosomes are the way that cells communicate with one another; a delivery system of tiny little packages filled with growth factors that cells use to let other cells around them know what to do. They promote the formation of new blood vessels and regeneration of damaged tissue.
Exosomes can be applied as an add-on to the skin after a Morpheus8 or a Microneedling treatment, when there are micro channels that allow the exosomes to penetrate into the skin, to get an even better result.
Benefits
• Provides firmness and elasticity of aging skin
• Enhances and rebuilds skin complexion
Microneedling and Collagen Induction Therapy
Microneedling aka collagen induction therapy, is a holistic skincare treatment, which stimulates our natural healing mechanism to provide the most natural looking results.
The mechanism of the treatment is to cause micro-tears in order to stimulate your own natural healing process by triggering the release of cytokines and growth factors which stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin (the key to youthful skin).
The increase in natural collagen results in skin tightening, reduction in fine lines and deep wrinkles, as well as the restructuring of acne scar tissues.
Why choose microneedling?
- we use the Dermapen, a medical grade, microneedling tool to optimize skin health
- microneedling has minimal downtime
- can be performed on all skin types
- normalizes and restores cell functions to treat stubborn skin conditions such as
- hyperpigmentation and discolouration
Does it hurt?
Typical anesthetic is typically applied prior to the treatment which allows for a comfortable experience for most people.
How many treatments do I need?
Typical treatment series requires four to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. Results are long term (new collagen lasts five to ten years) and accumulative, which make microneedling an excellent choice for holistic and preventative skincare.
