About TCM

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a component of TCM commonly found in Western medicine and has received the most research of all the alternative therapies. Acupuncture involves the inserting very fine, solid, metallic needles on specific points of the body surface to treat disease and to decrease pain.

There are many theories of how acupuncture works. Classical theories are based on “Meridians” (Qi pathways) that run throughout the body in specific paths. Acupuncture points are mostly located on these pathways. These pathways interact with the internal and external environments and allow the Qi to circulate freely throughout the body. Pathologies (diseases and medical conditions) present themselves as disturbances within these pathways and thereby blocking the normal flow of Qi. In acupuncture, special needles are used to unblock and stimulate the circulation thereby restore the natural flow of Qi.

Modern theories of acupuncture claim that the needles affect the nervous system, the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, and the electromagnetic quality of the interstitial fluid at the level of the fascia. This growing body of modern theories of acupuncture indicates that the needle stimulation increases the natural release of endorphins within the body, which mitigates pain and promotes overall health.

Benefits of Acupuncture:

• Reduce pain

• Promote healing

• Cut down the medication

• Enhance the effect of Western Medicine treatment

• Relieve stress and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality

• Accelerate the recovery process after surgery

• Explore alternative method prior to invasive treatments

• Prevent disease and increase immune function

MOXIBUSTION

Moxa is a dried Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) leaves used to warm and stimulate acupuncture points; a process called moxibustion. This therapy has been in use for over 2000 years and is a commonly used adjunctive technique during acupuncture sessions.  It improves the circulation of qi and blood and conditions associated with “cold” or “lack of Yang Qi (warmth)“ in the body that causes, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, disorders such as pain, fatigue, some types of infertility, and digestive disorders.

Moxibustion is also well known for its ability to stimulate a breech baby to turn in 69-85% of cases according to various studies.

CUPPING THERAPY

Cupping has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Cupping has roots in the Middle East, Asia, Northern & Eastern Europe, and North American traditional peoples.

There are many ways to cup, the most common ways are Fire Cupping and Suction Cupping. For Fire cupping, cups are applied to the skin using a flame to create a vacuum in the cup. We often describe it as a reverse massage.  Instead of applying pressure, the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the affected area.  The cups stay in place for around 5-15 minutes and are not painful or uncomfortable. In fact, people often love the feeling of cups, comparing it to a nice deep massage. Suction cupping is almost the same, however, no flame is used. Instead, suction pump is used to create vacuum in the cup. There is no benefit to using one method over the other.

Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. Cupping therapy can be used to treat many kinds of ailments and aches. It is very well known for treating

• Low back, neck, shoulder, knee pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Shingles

• Facial paralysis

• Cough, dyspnea, asthma

• Acne.

What some people might not know about cupping therapy is that it is a great way to help stimulate detoxification, loosen phlegm in the lungs, and improve overall circulation. The cupping action draws toxins to the surface of the skin where the immune system is better able to eliminate them.

Cupping can sometimes result in temporary discoloration of the skin called petechiae. These marks are associated with improved blood flow to the area and naturally, dissipate within a few days. They tend to look like small circular bruises, and often cause more alarm than is necessary. While a bruise may hurt, cupping marks do not.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha improves local circulation and breaks up scar tissue or adhesions in the muscles and connective tissue. It is also a great adjunctive technique for treating respiratory conditions.

Gua sha is a massage technique to relieve pain and muscle tension.  It is applied using massage oil and a rounded edged instrument like a ceramic spoon.  This technique can be performed anywhere on the body, but is commonly done on the back, neck and shoulders.  Like cupping, Gua Sha can produce temporary markings on the skin called petechiae, which naturally dissipate in a few days and are associated with improved blood flow to the area.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Herbs are a safe and natural treatment for many common health conditions. Herbal formulas are prescribed to treat your symptoms as well as your constitutional diagnosis.

Herbal remedies can:

BALANCE AND RELIEVE

Your formula will be adjusted as your condition changes, gently bringing your body back into balance.

NOURISH AND BOOST

Herbal formulas support our acupuncture treatments.