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Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with recorded instances dating as far back as two thousand years before the birth of Christ. This is in sharp contrast to the American or Western forms of health care, which have been in existence for a much shorter time span (the American Medical Association, the largest health care member association in the United States, was formed in 1847, some 3,800 years after the first mention of traditional Chinese medicine).
Chinese medicine is quite complex and can be difficult for some people to comprehend. This is because TCM is based, at least in part, on the Daoist belief that we live in a universe in which everything is interconnected. What happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body. The mind and body are not viewed separately, but as part of an energetic system. Similarly, organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning.
Many of the concepts emphasized in traditional Chinese medicine have no true counterpart in Western medicine. One of these concepts is qi (pronounced “chi”), which is considered a vital force or energy responsible for controlling the workings of the human mind and body. Qi flows through the body via channels, or pathways, which are called meridians. There are a total of 20 meridians: 12 primary meridians, which correspond to specific organs, organ systems or functions, and 8 secondary meridians. Imbalances in the flow of qi cause illness; correction of this flow restores the body to balance. Other concepts (such as the Yin/Yang and Five Element Theories) are equally important in order to have a true grasp of traditional Chinese medicine, and will be discussed at length elsewhere on this site.
Many people often equate the practice of acupuncture with the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. This is not entirely true. While acupuncture is the most often practiced component of traditional Chinese medicine, it is simply that – a component, an important piece of a much larger puzzle. Traditional Chinese medicine encompasses several methods designed to help patients achieve and maintain health. Along with acupuncture, TCM incorporates adjunctive techniques such as acupressure and moxibustion; manipulative and massage techniques such as tuina and gua sha; herbal medicine; diet and lifestyle changes; meditation; and exercise (often in the form of qigong or tai chi).
Traditional Chinese medicine should not also be confused with “Oriental medicine.” Whereas traditional Chinese medicine is considered a standardized version of the type of Chinese medicine practice before the Chinese Revolution, Oriental medicine is a catch-all phrase for the styles of acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and exercise that have been developed and practice not only in Asia, but world-wide.
Although the principles of traditional Chinese medicine may be difficult for some to comprehend, there is little doubt of TCM’s effectiveness. Several studies have reported on traditional Chinese medicine’s success in treating a wide range of conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis elbow and back pain. Many Western-trained physicians have begun to see the benefits traditional Chinese medicine has to offer patients and now include acupuncture — at least on a limited basis — as part of their practice. More Americans are also using acupuncture, herbal remedies and other components of traditional Chinese medicine than ever before. The reasons for this vary, but the increasing interest in, and use of, TCM is due in large part to its effectiveness, affordability and lack of adverse side-effects compared to Western medicine.
By inserting very fine, no larger than a strand of hair, sterilized, single use needles into specific acupuncture points – Qi is then stimulated allowing the energy to be coursed in its correct and harmonious way. Acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s overall health- bringing what is out of balance into balance, nourish what may be deficient and clear what may be stuck which then may be resulting in pain or illness, as well as enhance the body’s overall ability to heal itself.
Musculo-skeletal Conditions
• Arthritis
• Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness
• Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendinitis, contractures
• Work and sports related injuries
• Low back and/or neck strain
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis elbow
• Sciatica
Neurological Conditions
• Headache and migraine
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Facial palsy (early stage, within three to six months)
• Paresis following stroke
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Meniere’s Disease
• Nocturnal enuresis
• Cervicobrachial syndrome
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Disc problems
Psychological Conditions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Hypersomnia
• OCD
• PTSD
• Somatization disorder
Respiratory System Conditions
• Acute sinusitis
• Acute rhinitis
• Common cold and allergies
• Acute tonsillitis
• Acute bronchitis
• Bronchial asthma
Conditions of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth
• Acute conjunctivitis
• Central retinitis
• Myopia (in children)
• Cataract (without complications)
• Toothaches, post extraction pain
• Gingivitis
• Acute and chronic pharyngitis
• Gastrointestinal Conditions
Spasms of esophagus and cardiac
• Irritable bowel and colitis
• Grstaoptosis
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Gastric hyperacidity (acid reflux)
• Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
• Acute duodenal ulcer (without complication)
• Acute and chronic colitis
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Acute bacillary dysentery
• Paralytic ileus
Gynecological Conditions
• Infertility
• PMS
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Menopause syndrome
• Benign irregular menstruation
• Benign amenorrhea (absence of menses)
Cardiovascular Conditions
• Essential hypertension
Other Conditions
• Withdrawal from street and pharmacological drugs
• Appetite suppression
Stimulating an acupuncture point is an energetic prompt to the body’s innate healing intelligence. Each session sends a targeted message about how the body could better manage itself.
The efficacy of acupuncture speaks for itself through its longevity and proliferation. Meanwhile, 21st science is beginning to understand the mechanisms of that efficacy in a way that satisfies the modern, western mind:
Acupuncture calms stress, stimulates the body’s natural pain killers, promotes circulation, regulates the central and autonomic nervous system, regulates the endocrine system. Here is what Acupuncture does:
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is how the body fights problems, but more and more we are learning that lingering inflammation causes some of our most stubborn ailments – chronic disease, joint pain, depression and fatigue, among others. In recent years, medical researchers have validated that acupuncture actually down regulates pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body.
REDUCES STRESS
Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system switching the body into an environment where it can heal and rest. Acupuncture also triggers the brain to release endorphins. Peace- and pleasure-inducing endorphins make us feel good — better than any pill you can buy in a store.
INCREASES CIRCULATION
Your limbs and organs need all the nutrients and oxygen rich blood your heart can pump. Yet the vessels that distribute your blood don’t always work at maximum efficiency. Acupuncture regulates vascular dilation and constriction making sure your body gets the blood it needs. Improves circulation in the body, thereby improving function where needed.
DECREASES PAIN
Pain is just a message to our brains, telling us something is wrong in our body — a nagging message that often lingers longer than it needs to. By releasing endorphins and other endogenous analgesics, acupuncture reduces our brain’s perception of pain and promotes relaxation. interrupting pain signaling and acting as a natural analgesic.
PROMOTES HEALING
It offers a small electrical prompt to the body to restore homeostasis and balance.
RELEASES BLOCKAGES
It releases areas of blocked energy to stimulate organ function and promote health.
BALANCES BODY CHEMISTRY
It influences the body’s biochemical responses via the nervous system.
Although the effects of acupuncture have been argued over the years, there are certain mechanisms that have been studied and confirmed.
Back pain, disc problems, SI joint pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, joint pain, arthritis, neuropathy, carpal tunnel, sciatica, shoulder and neck tension pain, cramps, plantar fascitis, shin splints, tendonitis, knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, heel pain.
Diarrhea, constipation, food allergies, bloating, reflux, poor digestion, nausea, low or excessive appetite, stomach pain, ulcers, hernia, irritable bowel syndrome / disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, slow digestion, high blood sugars, metabolic syndrome.
Hot flashes, irregular cycles, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, painful periods, PMS, infertility, low ovarian reserve, high FSH, postpartum syndrome, prostate issues, urinary difficulty / frequency, incontinence, low libido, uterine prolapse, erectile dysfunction.
Allergies, asthma, chronic cough, frequent sinus infection, breathlessness, lack of energy, shallow breathing, anxiety, palpitations.
Stress, anxiety, depression, lack of focus, foggy-headed-ness, poor memory, difficulty making decisions, creative block, lack of motivation and drive, difficulty finishing projects, ADHD.
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, chronic fatigue, weight gain or loss, endocrine disorders, feeling cold, neuropathy, autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, side effects of diseases and their treatment, such as cancer, MS, stroke, Lyme Disease, Epstein Barr.
Insomnia, easy waking, nightmares, sleep apnea, snoring, difficulty falling asleep.
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, cysts, rashes, dry skin, hives, and wrinkles (Cosmetic Acupuncture).
Aging well and with vitality, neuropathy, balance, fatigue and lack of energy, memory loss, vision problems, loss of smell or taste, pain, frequent urination, high blood pressure, restless leg, medication-induced side effects, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, hemorrhoids, prolapse, depression.
Digestive issues, constipation, teething pain, irritability, ADHD, learning challenges, nightmares, bed wetting, food issues, frequent colds, earaches, injury recovery (breaks, sprains), mental health.
I will often use a heat lamp on certain parts of your body during an Acupuncture treatment. Here is what it does:
The heat lamp improves circulation, helps heal local tissue, and helps the body achieve a parasympathetic state, which is best for healing
TDP heat lamp therapy combines the use of a mineral plate over an infrared heat element. The formulation of the mineral plate is based on the composition of a black clay that was found in a factory in rural China. Despite the harsh and extreme weather conditions, workers in this clay factory had a very low incidence of illness. Researchers found the mineral composition to enhance microcirculation and loosen tension in the fascia. TDP can also encourage healthy blood flow, assist with the treatment of pain conditions, fatigue, gynecological complaints, tension, and impaired circulation. TDP is very soothing to the nervous system and can help create an even more relaxing experience during your treatment.
