What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. Traditional Chinese medicine is largely based on the philosophical concept that the human body is a small universe with a set of complete and sophisticated interconnected systems, and that those systems usually work in balance to maintain the healthy function of the human body. The balance of yin and yang is considered with respect to qi ("breath", "life force", or "spiritual energy"), blood, jing ("kidney essence", including "semen"), other bodily fluids, the Wu Xing, emotions, and the soul or spirit (shen). TCM has a unique model of the body, notably concerned with the meridian system. Therefore, the imbalance of human body can manifest outside. Chinese medicine doctors collect those manifestations and make the diagnosis. Treatment is based not only on the symptoms, but also on differentiation of syndromes. Therefore, those with an identical disease may be treated in different ways, and on the other hand, different diseases may be treated in similar ways. The main principle of treatment is to adjust the balance of the body’s qi, blood, yin and yang, and therefore, keep the body, the small universe, in harmony. The typical methods of TCM treatment include acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, tuina, electroacupuncture, and ear acupuncture.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatment is accomplished by stimulating certain areas of the external body by inserting fine needles to balance the energy system of the body. The purpose of acupuncture is to prevent or modify the perception of pain, and is thus a form of pain control. In addition, through the normalization of physiological functions, it may also serve in the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body such as stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, autoimmune diseases and internal disease.
What is herbal medicine?
Chinese herbal formulas tend to be much gentler than western medicines; they are natural and work not only to help relieve symptoms, but to help return the body to balance and equilibrium.
What is cupping?
Cupping is a therapy in which a cupping jar (cup) is attached to the skins surface by creating a vacuum. Cupping has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians, dispelling Cold and Damp, and diminishing Pain and Swelling.
What is Moxibustion (Moxa)?
Moxa treats and prevents diseases by applying heat to points. The material used is mainly moxa-wool in the form of a cone or stick. The functions of Moxa are warming the meridians and expel cold, inducing the smooth flow of qi and blood, strengthening yang from collapse, preventing diseases and, keeping the body healthy.
What is Tuina (Tui Na)?
Tuina is a Chinese bodywork therapy based on Chinese medical theory and is an integral part of TCM. It has been used in China for over 2000 years. The functions of tuina include opening the body's defensive (wei) qi, to get the energy moving in both the meridians and the muscles, and to promote the flow of qi through the meridians. It is widely used for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive system.
What is Electro-acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture was developed in China as an extension of hand manipulation of acupuncture needles 50 years ago. A pulsating electrical current is applied to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupoints. The procedure for electro-acupuncture is to insert the acupuncture needle as it would normally be done, attain the qi reaction by hand manipulation, and then attach an electrode to the needle to provide continued stimulation. It can promote metabolism and blood circulation, improve tissue nutrition, and eliminate inflammatory edema. It is good for arthritis, pain, paralysis, and muscle problems.
What is Ear Acupuncture (auricular therapy)?
Ear acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The acupuncture points found on the ear help to regulate the body's internal organs, structures, and functions. Ear acupuncture points may be stimulated by needles or very small ear seeds. Ear acupuncture is widely used for addiction treatment, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and other conditions.
I know acupuncture involves needles, does it hurt?
Acupuncture treatment is the practice of inserting fine needles into the body; most people think it is very painful. However, since acupuncture needles are very fine, most patients feel a little prick similar to a mosquito bite sensation when the needle is first inserted and then it quickly goes away. After insertion of the needle, patients may feel certain level of soreness, numbness, heaviness and distension around the points. Occasionally they may feel cold, warm, itchy and mild pain.
How often should I come? Typically, you may come once a week. If the condition is acute and very painful, you may come 2-3 times per week for the first couple of weeks. Once the condition has been controlled, you may come less frequently.
Are needles sterile?
The needles are both sterile and disposable.
How long does acupuncture treatment take?
The first acupuncture treatment usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The follow-up acupuncture treatments are generally around 45 to 60 minutes.
