The Mental Health Service of South Shore Health offers relaxation sessions that include auricular acupuncture.

Auricular acupuncture, as part of a relaxation program, is helpful with anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties including addictions.

Participants report better sleep, more energy and better focus and concentration.  Others find they are are less agitated and tense, feel more calm and relaxed.

Auricular acupuncture has also been successfully used for many years in treating cravings associated with withdrawal from addictive substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

HOW IT WORKS
The explanation for the wide range of symptom relief is that auricular acupuncture has what is known as a ‘balancing effect’ on the body. In other words, what ever might be out of balance (e.g. low energy in one person or a sleep problem in another) will tend to return to a healthy state.

RESEARCH
A recent study, completed in our Mental Health Service, showed significant results for people suffering from anxiety or sleep disturbance. Mental Health Service is continuing research in this area.

SESSIONS

The Mental Health Program offers daily acupuncture sessions to the general public. Acupuncture was developed in China over 3,000 years ago and has been used successfully to treat a variety of illnesses.

No referral is necessary and the service is free of charge.

Could this help me?

Acupuncture, as part of a relaxation program, may be helpful with:

• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep problems
• General relaxation and balancing
• Cravings associated with withdrawal from addictive substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

What our acupuncture clients have said:

“It has helped me stay calm instead of being all tensed up when something bad happens.”

“I don’t need to take sleeping pills anymore.”

“I wake up refreshed.”

“My blood pressure has improved.”

“ I have fewer  menopausal hot flashes”

“ This has been very helpful in dealing with my anxiety”

What will happen when I come?

• Acupuncture is done in a group setting. Personal information is not discussed; counseling is not provided.
• 1-5 new, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted just under the skin at specific points in the external ear. Needles remain in place for about 30 minutes as you sit in a quiet room, often with soft music playing.
• Staff will remove all needles and may provide you with acupuncture ‘seeds’ which can stay in place up to one week.

Will it hurt?

• Inserting the extremely fine needles in the ear  may cause slight discomfort.
• You can ask staff to remove them if you are not comfortable.
• You can have fewer needles if you prefer.

ACUPUNCTURE SCHEDULE

FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS PLEASE COME 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLINIC BEGINS.

Bridgewater- South Shore Regional Hospital, 90 Glen Allan Drive,
Link Room, Mental Health Unit, 1st floor
Tuesdays - 3:00pm

Dawson Centre, 2nd Level, 197 Dufferin Street Bridgewater:
Mondays - 1:00pm
Wednesdays 1:00pm
Friadys - 1:00pm
        
Chester - Mental Health Service, #3762 Hwy 3 (behind Staci’s Place Restaurant):
Tuesdays - 1:00pm

Liverpool - Queens General Hospital (Former Nurses Residence behind hospital):
Tuesdays - 3:00pm
Thursdays - 11:00am

Clinics normally start at the times listed and last 30 minutes. 

• Always be on time for clinic; no one can enter once the session begins.
• If you are a first time participant, please come 10 minutes early so that staff can meet with you to explain the procedure.
• Avoid caffeine or nicotine for ½ hour before and after treatment for more effective results.
• Bring drinking water
• Please do not wear perfume or other scented products when you come for an appointment.

For further information:
Please call 543-4604 extension 2305 or 2258