What is Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a natural healing system that has been in use for thousands of years. TCM is still used today in clinics and hospitals throughout China and most of Asia as a primary medical modality. It takes a holistic view of each individual and believes that every body has an innate ability to overcome disease and illness. Using acupuncture, herbs, and other treatment modalities, Chinese medicine works to restore harmony and energetic balance to the body which stimulates natural healing and promotes health.

 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the primary treatments used in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. According the TCM, acupuncture promotes the body’s healing abilities by regulating the flow of Qi (vital life energy in the body, pronounced “chee”) by inserting very fine needles into specific points in the body. Over many years, TCM has mapped out the flow of Qi in the body through a system called meridians. Each of the 12 main meridians connects to one specific organ, or group of organs, that govern particular bodily functions. Illness results when Qi stagnates or is blocked, or when the body has too little, or too much, of it. When energy flows freely, wellbeing is restored.

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What does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Each person is different. During the insertion of needles, some people feel nothing, while others experience a quick twinge, which may be followed by tingling, numbness, heaviness or warmth. Unlike hypodermic needles that are used for injections, acupuncture needles are solid, remarkably thin, and therefore cause very little pain. Needles generally remain in place for 15-40 minutes. During an acupuncture session, individuals often describe a feeling of calm and relaxation. At the end of a session, the acupuncturist quickly removes the needles. This is painless. Symptom relief may occur immediately, or in the few days that follow a treatment. For complex, longstanding complaints, more than one treatment is required. for more information on acupuncture CLICK HERE.

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WHAT IS Cupping?

Cupping is an ancient technique that involves placing jars on the skin, suctioning out the air and creating a vacuum. The underlying tissue is raised, or sucked, partway into the cup. The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, removes “heat,” and pull toxins from your body’s tissue. You usually feel a tight sensation in the area of the cup and that often feels good and relaxing for aching muscles. Cups are generally left in place for 5-20 minutes. Cupping causes the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is an energetic blockage under the cups. The skin discoloration may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. It often gets good results for patients with the flu, colds, back pain, muscle pain, red itchy skin conditions, allergies, fevers, aches and pains. For more information on Cupping CLICK HERE.

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Moxabustion (Moxa)

MoxaUsing Moxabustion (Moxa) in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a common practice. This technique involves burning the herb known as mugwort a safe distance from the skin to warm an acupuncture point. The Moxa plant, in Chinese is called Ai Ye and is made from the wool of the Mugwort plant. Moxa creates a comfortable sensation of heat. It helps warm the meridians, opens channels, regulates Qi and blood flow in the body, expels cold and dampness and warms the uterus. There are many forms of moxa. It can be a stick, used atop a needle or used in conjuntion with ginger or a moxa bowl. Moxa is Yang in nature and is therefore used mainly to restore deficient Yang conditions. Some of the main disorders treated with Moxa include; asthma, diarrhea, rheumatic pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, certain gynecological disorders (it is often used to improve fertility), and any kind of pain due to cold or deficiency. In my practice I will often show my patients, whom I think would benefit from moxa, how to use it on their own so they can keep up their treatment at home. For more information on Moxa CLICK HERE.

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Electro-acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture except that, after the needles are inserted, they are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses. It is often used to treat pain and relax muscular tension as well as to provide extra stimulation to specific points. The sensation is comfortable and most patients find it relaxing. For more information on Electro-Acupuncture CLICK HERE.

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Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the use of plants, flowers and minerals for healing. Herbs are highly specific in their actions and possess diverse qualities and properties to target different aspects of an ailment. Herbs are classified as hot or cold, bitter or sweet, and more. When your illness is warmer in nature, cooling herbs are appropriate. As an example, let’s take the common cold. Your cold may have heat signs, such as fever, yellow phlegm and a sore throat. So, your herb formula would include herbs of a colder nature to clear the heat from you. From this simple example, you can see how herbal formulas are specifically tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Herbs come in many forms, most popularly pills and teas. When used correctly under the guidance of your TCM practitioner, they are generally safe and rarely have side effects.

Chinese Herbs can be very helpful for a variety of problems as well as to maintain overall health. For more information on Chinese Herbal Medicine CLICK HERE.

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Other Treatment Modalities & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine and other forms of treatment are not substitutes for each other, but are often complementary. It is important to inform all your health care providers of the different modalities you receive.

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