Well Being Through Balance
The foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the believe that the body and more specifically the energy within our body needs to be in balance to flow freely. The organic nature of our body allows any local pathological change to affect the whole body. Moreover, the pathological changes of the internal organs may reflect on the body's surface. At the first visit, the Chinese Medicine provider will conduct a comprehensive survey of the patient’s body appearance, function and feeling to correctly diagnose the patient's energy imbalance.
Diagnostic methods in TCM include four basic methods:
1. Inquiry or talking to the patient about the ailment
2. Inspection
3. Auscultation or listening to various body functions and olfaction or smelling
4. Palpation or touch of hand
Once the patient's imbalance is determined, the provider can determine methods (acupuncture, herbal remedies, and various other treatments) to restore the balance within the body.
Central to the treatment is the Tendinomuscular Meridian theory. It describes patterns of energy flow called "Qi" or "Chi" (pronounced chee) throughout the body, which are related to the organs and tendinomuscular Meridian system. When the body is in good health, energy flow is balanced and consistent. However, when energy flow is disrupted due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, or other factors, pain and illness result. The goal of the treatment is to restore the free flowing balance of Qi and thereby the wellbeing
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to unblock energy flow and restore the body to a state of balanced Qi. Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into carefully selected points along the body which correspond directly to the energy meridians.
When the needle is correctly inserted in the proper location, your body's energy will actually "grab" the needle and the needle will stand firm. Sometimes the patient will feel very little, sometimes he/she will feel a dull sensation, and sometimes the patient will literally feel an energetic sensation flow briefly through the meridian as a blockage is relieved. In fact, your ability to "sense" the acupuncture working may astonish you the first time.
Sensitive to needles?
Acupuncture needles are very thin. Much thinner than the hypodermic needles used in modern medicine. In many cases, you will not feel the needle being inserted. Nonetheless, if you are sensitive to needles, you may choose from many other options including Acupressure, Herbs, Moxabustion, Gua Sha, Cupping and Nutritional Supplements.
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Tui Na - Therapeutic Massage
Tui Na is an ancient non-invasive healing technique used to maintain health by channeling energy. Form of massage akin to acupressure, Tui Na releases stuck energy and promotes balance of the Qi life force within the whole body. Unlike acupuncture, Tui Na does not use needles but uses gentle touch to stimulate energy flow.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for over 3000 years in China and worldwide.Before pharmaceuticals (and even the use of acupuncture needles) herbal remedies were used to heal and balance the human body. Chinese herbs have shown their effectiveness under the scrutiny of both empirical study and modern clinical trials. These herbs can be used to augment the treatment of a particular imbalance, working together or sometimes in place of acupuncture and other medicines. Unlike most pharmaceuticals, herbal prescriptions in Chinese Medicine are tailor-made for the individual.
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Cupping
Cupping is an old technique performed in both China and the West. The process traditionally uses glass jars, heated to create a vacuum, and placed on the upper back to relieve acute illnesses such as colds and fevers. Cupping can also be done all over the body to invigorate the flow of Qi and to relieve tension and pain. It is often used for treating upper and lower back ache, chronic nausea & vomiting, sciatica, frozen shoulder and more. If cupping is deemed necessary for your condition, it is generally included in an acupuncture visit. A patient can also come in separately for a cupping treatment if he/she wishes.
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion or Moxa often used in conjunction with acupuncture is the burning of dried Chinese mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) onacupoints. "Direct Moxa" involves the pinching of clumps of the herb into cones that are placed on acupoints and lit until warm. Typically the burning cone is removed before burning the skin and is thought, after repeated use, to warm the body and increase circulation. Moxa can also be rolled into cigar-shaped tube, lit, and held over an acupuncture point, or rolled into a ball and stuck onto the back end of an inserted needle for warming effect.
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