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  Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive health care system having originated more than 3000 years ago. A practitioner of TCM seeks to achieve balance in the human system by addressing both the root cause of the disease and the accompanying symptoms. Chinese medicine can be effective in addressing most health conditions whether they manifest physically, psychologically, emotionally, or spiritually. TCM consists of several componets including acpuncture, herbs, dietary therapy, massage, and energetics. It is through the appropriate administration and application of these modalities that physical and energetic balance is restored in the body, thereby returning the patient to a state of health and well being. |
 Acupuncture Acupuncture is the use of tiny, disposable, sterile needles placed gently into specific acupuncture points. The body is made up of meridians which allow the Qi to flow freely through. Each meridian is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridians are like rivers inside the body. Qi flows through meridians as an invisible current, energizing, nourishing, and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland. When Qi is balanced and flowing freely, the body's natural self-healing abilities are activated, enabling internal stability and harmony to occur. The body will flourish, and true health and well being can be achieved. What is Qi? At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (chee), or Life energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain, and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of qi. How does Qi move? Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. When meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue, and muscle in the body. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi.  Cupping Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, I will place small glass "cups" over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office with large rond red marks on your body. There is no need for alrm, the slight redness will quickly dissipate. |
 Chinese Herbs Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build, and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever, or acute pain. Herbs are also used to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer. I am trained as a Traditional Western Herbalist and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so with the two knowledges, I find the right combination to suit you and your family best. Herbal formulas can be a combination of as many as 15 herbs, and can be given in several different forms. I will work with you to find the form that will be most beneficial for your needs. Why did you recommend herbs? Herbs can be a owerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build, and support the body or to clear it of excess problems ,ike a cold, fever, or acute pain. Moxibustion Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, or directly on the skin. This is used to "warm" acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process. Gwa Sha Gwa Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. A specialized tool (chinese spoon) is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.  Tui Na Tui Na translates as "push grab". It is a massage techique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, inflammation, and to heal injuries. |
 Dietary Therapy Our diets essentially make up who we are. Physical ailments are seen as a result of a poor diet. I have a nutritional background in both Western and Eastern philosophies, and have combined the two to give my patients the best information I possibly can. If you are working with not only acupuncture, but diet as well, you will see faster, more life changing results. To make an appointment or get on the mailing list, please go to:contact information, and for more information on the first treatment got to: |
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