Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
With a history dating back over 2000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest continually practiced form of health care in the world. It has been utilized as the primary form of health care for over 25% of the world's population. Over the last 30 years, the practice and understanding of TCM in the Western World has increased a great deal. It is now being increasingly demanded and practiced throughout the United States and Europe and is frequently used as both a complete alternative to as well as a complement to Western Bio-Medicine. TCM is principally aimed at restoring harmony and balance to the body through the application of historically established therapies and modalities. At the core of TCM lies the belief that one must treat the mind, body, and spirit as a whole if one is to truly treat disease and promote long-term well being.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to be a low-cost and effective health care system that has very few negative side effects. Not only is it used to treat illness and disease, once present, it has also been found to be particularly effective as a tool in preventative care. The World Health Organization officially recognized TCM as effective in the treatment of the following:
- Eye, ear, nose, and throat disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Circulatory disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Disorders of the bones, joints, and muscle system
- Urogenital disorders
- Gynecological disorders
- Emotional/Psychological disorders
- Addictions
- Treatment and support for chronic illness and pain
Frequently Used TCM Therapies
The following are some frequently used TCM therapies. Each provides its own benefits and when used alone or in concert can help restore and/or maintain good health.
Acupuncture
The insertion of very fine and sterile needles at specifically located acupuncture points on the human body.
Chinese Herbal Pharmacology
The use of specific herbs, plants, minerals, and animal products in an individually tailored and constructed formula. Herbs can be administered in raw form as either dried or powdered to make a tea or they can be taken in manufactured pill form.
Tui Na Massage
A Chinese deep massage implementing the use of acupressure and manipulative therapy.
Moxibustion
A heat therapy that uses the dried herb mugwort. It is usually applied via a cigar-like stick that is lit and then carefully used to heat specific points on the body.
Cupping
The use of various sized glass "cups" that are applied to larger areas of the body (back, leg, etc.) through the use of suction. Sometimes the cups themselves are manipulated while still attached, thereby providing a deep tissue massage.
Lifestyle and Dietary Applications
The use of TCM theory and principles in the development of dietary and lifestyle recommendations that will assist in the promotion of complete good health.