Frequently Asked Questions — Acupuncture, Fascia, Pain and Inflammation

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture consists of inserting thin needles into specific points in the body in order to re-establish blood circulation and physiological balance. The needles stimulate the neurological, endocrine and immune systems to induce a physiological and energetic response that aims to restore health and relieve pain. Acupuncture can be used preventively or curatively and is recognized in the treatment of numerous acute or chronic conditions.

Can acupuncture help with pain and inflammation?

Yes. By stimulating the neurological, endocrine and immune systems, acupuncture induces a physiological response aimed at relieving pain. Many of the conditions commonly treated in clinic — tendinitis, bursitis, sinusitis, gastritis — are inflammatory in nature, and acupuncture is part of an approach that seeks to relieve symptoms as much as to address their underlying causes.

What are fascia and what is their connection to acupuncture?

Fascia form the system of connective tissue that envelops and connects muscles, organs and structures throughout the body. Simon Bélair is the founder of IFARI, a research platform on fascia and acupuncture active since 2021. He has completed 48 hours of Fascial Manipulation Level 1 training with Dr. Carla Stecco, participated in a week-long fascia study with Carla Stecco at McGill University’s Department of Anatomy, and taught several « Acupuncture and Fascia — Traditional and Contemporary Approaches » courses for acupuncturists registered with the Ordre des Acupuncteurs du Québec. His approach draws parallels between the anatomical and physiological reality of fascia and that of the meridians as described in classical Chinese medicine texts (the Nei Jing).

What happens during an acupuncture session?

During treatment, the patient lies down so the acupuncturist can place the needles, which are left in place for 10 to 30 minutes. A session lasts about an hour on average. At the first visit, a health questionnaire is completed and an energetic assessment is established to determine appropriate treatment strategies. In addition to acupuncture, patients may also receive lifestyle advice, Qi Gong exercise prescriptions, or Tuina massage sessions.

Is acupuncture painful?

Contrary to what one might think, the insertion of the fine acupuncture needles is practically painless.

What is Tuina massage?

Tuina massage (Tui « push » and Na « grasp ») is a Chinese manual therapy that uses the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts to treat a wide range of acute or chronic physical conditions. Tuina acts both physically, on soft tissue and joints, and circulatorily, on the meridians. It can treat conditions such as chronic and acute pain, tendinitis, joint problems, lower back pain, stiff neck, sports injuries, fibromyalgia and headaches.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is a form of moving meditation that aims to develop and cultivate vital energy (Qi). Through slow movements, deep breathing, visualization, stretching and postural exercises, Qi Gong helps maintain good health and a healthy lifestyle. Simon Bélair has taught Qi Gong for over 15 years.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

The clinic treats a wide range of conditions, including: fatigue, migraines, insomnia, anxiety, stress-related issues; pain such as tendinitis, back pain, stiff neck, sciatica, lower back pain, carpal tunnel, bursitis, fibromyalgia and rheumatism; urinary, respiratory (asthma, allergies, sinusitis), digestive (constipation, gastritis, liver issues), skin (acne, eczema, psoriasis) and reproductive conditions (menstrual pain, pregnancy support); as well as circulatory issues such as high and low blood pressure.

Who is Simon Bélair?

Simon Bélair has devoted himself to acupuncture and the study of traditional Chinese medicine for over 20 years. A member of the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec since 2003, he is co-director of the Clinique des Médecines Alternatives de la Petite-Patrie (Clinique MAPP) in Montreal since 2004, a teacher at the Collège Ostéopathique du Québec and for the Ordre des Acupuncteurs du Québec, and founder of IFARI, a research platform dedicated to fascia and acupuncture. He has completed over 1,500 hours of post-graduate training, including internships at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and the study of classical medical texts (Nei Jing) with Dr. Edward Neal.

How long does a treatment last?

An acupuncture session lasts about an hour on average. A Tuina session also lasts about an hour, while a Qi Gong class lasts 30 to 60 minutes.