Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture originated in China over 3000 years ago and is presently used as a primary healthcare system throughout the world. It is a method of balancing and building the body’s life force or energy known as QI. Acupuncturists recognize particular pathways called “meridians” through which this energy circulates, connecting all major organs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s natural energy flow. Such imbalance manifests in physical, emotional and psychosomatic stress related disorders. Very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted into specific points along meridians in order to disperse the blockage and mobilize the body’s natural immune response.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of 3000-4000 years. Needling is one of a number of energy balancing techniques. Also included in traditional therapies are dietary counseling, various Oriental massage techniques, herbal remedies, cupping, and moxibustion.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike Western medicine which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person.

Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue, observation of the patient’s facial colors and sometimes gentle palpation of the abdomen. Once a diagnosis is made, your acupuncturist will choose the most appropriate treatment.

Do I have to choose between acupuncture and other types of healthcare?

Acupuncture is compatible with other systems of healthcare. We are glad to work in conjunction with you and other healthcare practitioners. Please inform us of any other health system and /or medications which you are currently using so that we may integrate our efforts. Our wish is that you receive maximum benefit from all sources.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient Chinese method. Cups are placed on the skin and a partial vacuum is created either by means of heat or suction to draw up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, stagnation like soreness in stiff muscles will be released and localized healing takes place. Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians' or energy pathways of the body.

Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, help activate the lymphatic system, clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, and activate the skin.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion.  Moxa is used to warm channels, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.

Herbs

Herbology is traditionally one of the more important modalities utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Each herbal medicine prescription is a cocktail of many herbs tailored to the individual patient. The practitioner usually designs a remedy using one or two main ingredients that target the illness. Then the practitioner adds many other ingredients to adjust the formula to the patient's conditions. These steps require great experience and knowledge, and make the difference between a good Chinese herbal doctor and an amateur.

Unlike western medications, the balance and interaction of all the ingredients are considered more important than the effect of individual ingredients. A key to success in TCM is the treatment of each patient as an individual.

Chinese Medicine treats: