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.

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Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique that involves attaching jar on to the skin by way of a vacuum. The underlying tissue is raised, or sucked, partway into the cup. Its purpose is to restore circulation, help relieve pain and pull toxins from the body tissue. You will feel a tight sensation in the area of the cup. It often feels very good on tight, achy muscles. The cups may be left in place for 5 – 15 minutes. Cupping causes the skin to 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 up to two weeks.

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Moxabustion (Moxa)

This technique involves burning the herb known as mugwort a safe distance from the skin to warm an acupuncture point. It creates a comfortable sensation of heat. It helps warm the meridians and aid the smooth flow of Qi.

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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.

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Herbal Medicine

Herbs, which include plants, flowers and minerals, are highly specific in their actions and possess diverse qualities and properties to target different aspects of the ailment. Herbs are generally safe and rarely have side effects. However, they may not work as quickly as Western drugs.

Herbal formulas are specifically tailored to the individual needs of each patient and come in many forms, most popularly pills and teas.

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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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