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Traditional Oriental MedicineTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach that dates back about 2,500 years. It incorporates both acupuncture and the use of Chinese herbs. The focus is on the interaction of all bodily systems to restore the health and well being of the whole person--body, mind and spirit. This means to balance yin and yang, balance between the five phases, balance between the viscera and bowels, and the balance between Qi, blood, and bodily fluids. Some of the physical benefits of acupuncture include pain reduction, restored health from a recent or long-standing illness, shorter recovery time from injuries, decreased symptoms of stress, strengthened immune system function and improved circulation. How do the Chinese medical practitioner determine what is out of balance?
The Chinese medical practitioner determines what is out of balance in the body by employing four basic examinations. The first is questioning about one's signs and symptoms and taking into account the whole persons health and family history. The second is by visually inspecting one's face, body and especially the tongue. The concentration is placed on the coating, color and any demarcations on the tongue. The third is by listening to one's voice and the sound of one's breathing as well as any odors emanating from their body or excretions. The fourth method is by palpation. They palpate various parts of the body and also take pulses on both sides of the wrists. Incorporating all four of these methods, the practitioner can determine the pattern of disharmony and rebalance the body. How are rebalancing accomplished and what methods are used?
If the body has too much of something, where it may be heat or stuck energy, through the insertion of fine, thin, sterile stainless steel needles in selective points, the practitioner is able to move that energy or release the heat. Vice versa, if the body is deficient, where it may be cold or does not have good blood circulation, the practitioner can tonify the body through the same method. Acupuncture as well as moxibustion or herbs may be employed. In addition, Chinese practitioners may also used Tui Na massage and they may prescribe preventative exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. A strong emphasis on diet and lifestyle is also discussed. What is Chinese Medicine good for?
Chinese medicine is a non-invasive, natural, holistic approach for treating many disorders and illnesses. Each area of our being: physical, mental and emotional are treated. If a disease is extremely advanced and there are changes in the organ tissue, Chinese medicine is not strong enough to treat it alone, although it may still be used to support the body's immune function. TCM is excellent as a preventative and curative measure. It is highly recommended for chronic medical conditions that western medicine has been unsuccessful in treating. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used together with Western treatment without conflict. Acupuncture is a component of TCM that is recognized all over the world for its effectiveness in treating a wide variety of ailments. It is a healing art used to treat almost anything. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment modality for many conditions, including: Musculoskeletal Disorders
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
Respiratory Disorders Gastrointestinal Disorders
Urogenital Disorders Gynecological Disorders
Psycho Emotional and Neurological Disorders
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