Traditional Chinese Medicine Services
Acupuncture is a powerful natural medicine able to regulate major body systems, release tense muscles and moderate pain. It is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Chi flow throughout meridians (pathways) that network the body, much like nerves and blood vessels. These meridians form an “informational network” that link or unify all parts of the body.
Insertion of fine acupuncture needles at various points along the body’s meridians enables Chi (and blood) to flow into areas where there is a deficiency and away from areas of excess. These changes in flow create balance and harmony in the body, which allows the body to naturally restore itself.
From a western medical perspective, acupuncture stimulates physiological responses in the body, particularly the nervous system and produces changes in the bioelectrical and biochemical properties of the body. These biological changes have been shown to positively affect the hormonal levels, the immune system, and blood chemistry levels facilitating the body’s ability to restore balance and promote self-healing.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a TCM therapy using moxa, or mugwort herb that is burned either on needles, over an area of the body, directly on the skin, or on salt or ginger. This treatment is excellent to warm an area and strongly move stagnant Chi and blood. We often uses moxa to tonify deficiencies and expel cold. It is beneficial for chronic diseases, physical exhaustion, male sexual dysfunction, complementary cancer care, and to promote longevity.
Cupping
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of TCM. Glass or plastic cups are placed upside-down on the body with either heat or suction creating a vacumn and drawing the skin up into the cup. This is believed to open up the skin’s pores, stimulate the flow of Chi and blood, break up obstructions, and draw toxins out of the body. We use cupping to treat respiratory conditions, any type of congestion or obstruction. Conditions used for include bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders and pain conditions.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
TCM herbal medicine has many benefits for external and internal conditions. It is natural, safe, and proven and has far less side effects than pharmaceutical alternatives. We like to use it in conjunction with biomedicine to protect the body from the harmful “side-effects” of medication.
We have a full pharmacy to customize formulas to meet your individual needs.
Chinese herbal medicine has been used in healthcare for thousands of years in China. Functions of herbals formulas are to improve the immune system, balance the functioning of the internal organs, ease tension and stress, increase the energy level, purify the body by encouraging the removal of cellular waste, balance water metabolism, regulate the internal temperature and humidity, and improve blood circulation and blood hemoglobin (thus oxygen) content.
There is increasing research, that indicates pharmacological action and traditional herbal formula uses are similar in their actions. Herb formulations, however, are more balanced than the isolated active ingredients in pharmaceutical drugs and are less likely to cause adverse reactions or side-effects. This is due in part to the combination of multiple herbs in a formula creating a synergistic effect and balancing itself, thereby resulting in an increase in effectiveness and enhancement of safety. Additionally, herbs are prescribed to treat patterns while honoring the whole body, not specific symptoms.
It is often the case that issues ineffectively addressed by allopathic medicine can be successfully treated with herbal formulas. Some examples include: menopausal symptoms, insomnia, digestive issues, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, arthritis pain, menstrual irregularities and pain.
During your initial consultation, we will take a thorough intake and medical history from which we will determine your individual pattern and diagnosis. You may or may not need herbal medicine. In the case that you do, we can either prepare a customized herbal powered formula or offer capsules or tablets, making herbs convenient for your lifestyle.