Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) / Herbal Medicine

"CHINESE MEDICINE is the oldest, professional, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world.” (Bob Flaws)

Chinese Medicine works by bringing the body back into balance and insuring good health. The way that this is done is through careful diagnosis and treating the root of the disease not just the symptoms. Therefore, preventing the disease from reoccurring. Only when the root is treated can good health be acquired.

TCM Treatments

There are a variety of treatments with which the Chinese Medical practitioner has at his or her disposal. They consist of Acupuncture, Acupressure, Chinese Herbology, Tui-Na (Chinese Chiropractic and Massage), Diet and Nutrition, Moxibustion, Cupping, and Breathing Exercises (Qi Gong and Tai Chi).

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is the insertion of needles that are hair thin into the body to gain a therapeutic affect. There is very little pain associated with the needle insertion.

• Acupressure: Acupressure is similar to Acupuncture yet the practitioner uses their finger to apply pressure on the skin instead of a needle. This technique may be used if the patient has a strong fear of needles.

• Chinese Herbology: Chinese Herbology is a system of using specific roots, herbs, twigs, whole plants, and some animal products as medicine. It was developed more than 4000 years ago and has been tested throughout time for its healing benefits. Today they may come as raw herbs, tinctures, or capsules.

• Tui-Na: Tui-Na is a system of massage techniques that are specific to certain muscular problems. It is used quite frequently with athletes or pain syndromes.

• Diet and Nutrition: Chinese diet therapy is the use of foods to bring about good health and the prevention of disease. The foods are used similarly to the Chinese Herbal Therapy.

• Moxibustion: Moxibustion is the application of heat to the body through the use of external herbs. It is used to increase the immune system, benefit health, relieve pain, and many other disorders. The skin becomes red, but does not burn.

• Cupping: Cupping consists of using glass jars that create a suction cup on the skin, which increases blood circulation to a specific area. By increasing the circulation one has eliminated the pain and stagnation.

• Breathing Exercises: The practitioner teaches Breathing Exercises to the patient for increased quality of health. By breathing correctly one may increase their oxygen intake and increase blood flow therefore preventing disease according to Chinese Medicine.

Background on TCM

The system of medicine dates back more than 4000 years. Chinese medicine is an encompassing medicine. It was developed to treat all aspects of the human body. This system of medicine was the only system of medicine in China until the early 20th century.

Chinese Medicine is a system of medicine based on checks and balances. These checks and balances correspond to a healthy life. If the body is not in balance then disease may occur.

The checks and balances in the system of Chinese Medicine correspond to Yin and Yang, the Vital Substances, and the Zang and Fu Organs. Within the body these checks and balances are maintained usually by emotions, food, air, lifestyle, and the strength that we receive from our parents at birth. When there is extreme change in the environment, lifestyle, emotions, stress, and diet the body’s checks and balances become disrupted. Moderation is very important.