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Traditional Chinese Medicine - Overview
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous history of over 3000 years. TCM has its origins in the ancient Taoist philosophy of the Tao Te Ching. This philosophy views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, always influencing and attempting to balance the other.
TCM emphasizes a holistic approach to health for the whole person rather than only focusing on one particular symptom as if it were isolated from the rest of the body/mind/person. The practice of TCM may include Acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, Cupping, Moxibustion, Tui Na, Qi Gonga and nutritional or lifestyle counseling.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that has been used for over 3000 years to relieve pain and treat a wide range of illnesses. It is based upon an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy  behind all life forms and life processes. They call this energy Qi (pronounced Chee). This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained. If the flow of energy is blocked or depleted, the system is disrupted and pain and/or illness occur.
Imagine a tram that travels along a freeway system throughout your entire body carrying needed energy to each organ and tissues. If emotional or physical trauma cause the trams on the freeway to gridlock or the movement to be haphazard, the tram is unable to deliver the appropriate vital cargo to the right place in the body when needed. Acupuncture works to remove gridlock by stimulating certain points (with acupuncture needles) on this freeway system (meridians) to restore free and normal functioning and allow the free flow of Qi.
What to Expect from an Acupuncture Treatment
Modern acupuncture needles are from one to three inches long, ultra fine and made from flexible stainless steel. We use disposable needles. Ten to twenty needles are typically placed in several acupoints and are usually left in for about 20-40 minutes each treatment. When the needle is inserted into the skin, there is usually a slight prickling sensation that is rarely painful. Once the needle is in place, there is often a tingling, numbness, heaviness or a feeling of warmth around the needle. This is a desired effect, indicating that the body is responding and balancing itself effectively. Acupuncture treatments are usually deeply relaxing and rejuvenating.
HERBS AND NUTRITION
 Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is at least 2500 years old. Over time, Chinese physicians have systematically observed and classified more than 5000 plant, animal and mineral substances according the medicinal effect. Chinese Herbal formulas are traditional combinations of herbs designed to treat specific conditions and are often used as an important adjunct to acupuncture treatment.
They are usually dispensed in pills, capsules, tinctures, or in raw form, which requires boiling as a tea. Herbal formulas are gentle yet potent. They should be prescribed and taken under the guide and supervision of a certified herbalist.
Western Pharmacology is now beginning to acknowledge these natural counterparts without the side effects of processed pharmaceuticals. They are extremely effective in unblocking the flow of Qi and fortifying the internal organs.
CUPPING
 Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin to cause local congestion through the negative pressure (vacuum) created by cups affixed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This produces increased circulation to the underlying tissues. The cup can then be left on the skin whereby blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place and/or runs along the meridians of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue.
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release heat and toxins, disperse swellings, release muscle tension, reduce fever, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help to clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, invigorate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.
 MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of TCM, is to strengthen the blood, disperse scar tissue and maintain general health. Moxibustion applies focused heat from a slow-burning herb over acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of Qi. It may be used to relieve traumatic pain or alleviate debilitating conditions such as weakness and fatigue. Moxibustion is also quite effective for gynecological problems.
TUI NA
 Acupressure is the pressing of acupoints, but Tui Na (pronounced "twee-nah") makes use of many different strokes that are applied to acupoints, channels and muscle groups. Most importantly, Tuina is a physical expression of the flow of Qi energy from one human being to another. When done with correct intent, the strokes and techniques stimulate an exchange of Qi energy between the practitioner and the patient. This is the secret healing power of Tuina.
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