Welcome to Dr. Christa Angell Acupuncture
Independent Clinical Acupuncture Practice – Calgary
Welcome.
At Dr. Christa Angell Acupuncture, care is grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and informed by modern clinical and biomedical understanding.
Dr. Christa Angell has practiced acupuncture since 2008, with a clinical focus on neurological regulation and reproductive health. Her work integrates traditional acupuncture theory with evidence-informed, interdisciplinary care, supporting patients with complex, chronic, and sensitive health concerns.
A Clinical, Integrative Approach to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to support the body’s natural regulatory systems, including the nervous, circulatory, endocrine, and immune systems. In TCM, this regulation is often described as the balanced movement of Qi; in modern terms, it reflects coordinated physiological function.
Treatments are gentle, individualized, and trauma-informed, with an emphasis on safety, consent, and clinical appropriateness.
How Acupuncture Works: What Research Suggests
Contemporary research has explored acupuncture through physiological and biochemical frameworks. While mechanisms continue to be studied, evidence suggests acupuncture may influence the body in several key ways:
Nervous System & Neurotransmitter Regulation
Acupuncture may interact with the central and peripheral nervous systems, influencing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins—chemicals involved in pain modulation, mood regulation, and stress response.
Pain Modulation & Inflammatory Pathways
Studies suggest acupuncture may stimulate endogenous pain-modulating compounds (including endorphins) and influence neurochemical pathways related to pain signaling and inflammation.
Circulatory Effects
Acupuncture may promote localized blood flow, supporting tissue oxygenation, nutrient exchange, and recovery processes that can contribute to improved comfort and function.
Immune System Modulation
Emerging research indicates acupuncture may affect immune activity, including cytokine signaling and immune cell response, particularly in conditions associated with chronic inflammation. This remains an active area of investigation.
Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Acupuncture may influence the autonomic nervous system, supporting parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. This can promote relaxation, stress regulation, and improved autonomic balance, relevant in stress- and anxiety-related conditions.
Who This Care Is For
Patients commonly seek care for:
Chronic pain and migraine
Neurological and stress-related conditions
Women’s and reproductive health concerns
Nervous system dysregulation
Complex or medically layered conditions
Acupuncture is offered as complementary care and is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. Collaboration with physicians and allied health professionals is encouraged.
Dr. Christa Angell TCM D.Ac R.Ac
"Acupuncture treatments send information to our bodies cells to signal homeostasis. This information is used to restore balance and regain health "