Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy aimed at naturally promoting health and alleviating sickness by restoring the energetic balance of the body. This is achieved through the stimulation of very specific anatomical points, known as acupuncture points. To stimulate these points very thin, hair-like sterile needles are superficially inserted into the skin. Many studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating a wide range of conditions such as musculoskeletal issues, pain problems, digestive disorders, anxiety, addictions, and much more.

 

Electro-Acupuncture

 

Electro-acupuncture involves the application of gentle electric current to acupuncture needles to further stimulate the acupuncture points.

 

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM)

 

TCHM can be a very effective form of treatment. Along with acupuncture, natural herbal supplements can help bring the body back into balance.

 

Cupping

 

Cupping is a type of therapy that involves the use of cups, which are suctioned onto the skin for a few minutes at a time. This therapy is used to pull toxins out of the body, eliminate obstructions of qi (energy), and relax the muscles. It is most often used for muscular pain and tightness, but can also be used to treat cellulite, colds, digestive disorders, and more. Cupping massage is applied to the problematic areas of the skin, such as the back and outer thighs. The negative pressure created by heated cups along with herbal cream work to break down the fat deposits that give that cottage cheese like appearance as well as drain toxins and excess fluid in the area. This effective natural form of therapy feels much like a deep massage, and results can often be seen in as little as two treatments.

 

Gua Sha

 

Guasha is a healing technique that involves the cutaneous stimulation of the skin in strokes using a round-edged instrument. The purpose of gua sha is to remove blood stagnation, which is considered pathogenic and a cause of pain. This results in increased circulation and metabolic processes, and often, the patient experiences immediate improvement of pain, stiffness, or respiratory issues.

 

Tui Na

 

Tui Na is a form of massage based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. It is generally more vigorous than a massage you might experience at a spa. It involves various massage techniques and passive movements and like acupuncture, it is aimed at alleviating pain by correcting imbalances and removing obstructions in the energy pathways. Special oils and balms that contain pain-relieving herbs can be used in conjunction with the massage.

 

Heat Therapy

 

Heat therapy is often used by acupuncturists to promote circulation and induce the smoother flow of qi (energy) and blood in cases of muscle pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, headaches, and more. The TDP lamp is a medical device that is a safe, relaxing, and effective way of applying heat therapy. This therapeutic device features a plate coated with a mineral formation consisting of 33 essential elements to the human body. When activated by its heating element, the mineral plate emits deep, penetrating waves that are readily absorbed into the tissues. This promotes faster healing by stimulating micro-circulation, which delivers higher levels of oxygen and nutrients to injured cells while eliminating toxins and cellular waste.

TCM diagnostic skills

 

Diagnosis involves four main techniques to effectively evaluate the quality, quantity, and balance of qi flowing within the body.

 

1.  Feeling the Pulse - Over 28 subtle variations in the quality of the pulse are felt at six different positions on each wrist.

2.  Looking - A person’s appearance, demeanor and tone of voice, as well as the color, shape and size of the tongue, provide an acupuncturist with vital clues about internal health.

3.  Asking - By asking questions, information is gathered about past medical history, present health, lifestyle and emotional state.

4.  Physical examination - Palpation to specific areas and acupuncture points can reveal imbalances.

 

Once the problem affecting the flow of qi has been detected and corrected by acupuncture or herbs, the intelligent, energetic, self-healing powers within the body begin restoring health and balance to our lives. When qi is balanced and flowing freely, the body’s natural self-healing abilities are activated, enabling internal stability and harmony to occur. The body will flourish, and true health and well being can be achieved.