Overview of Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) first considers the individual, and then attends to treating the source, or root, of an ailment. Initially focusing on relief allows patients to live happier and healthier each day, but an eye toward continued care and long-term health is always present.
At Heaven & Earth Acupuncture, practitioners use a number of natural healing modalities when treating patients:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a very important element of Chinese medicine, and has evolved over centuries; the roots are so old that it predates any written records. Today, the accepted practice requires the insertion of small needles at specific points on the meridians, or energy pathways. The meridian theory establishes that 12 main channels are associated with the 12 major organs of the body, and eight extra channels primarily use the organ points to form their own conduits.
The ability of the meridians to flow uninhibited is what keeps the body healthy. Acupuncture is used to help the body clear away blockages along these pathways, resulting in a balanced flow of internal energy.
TDP
TDP stands for Teding Diancibo Pu, loosely translated as electromagnetic spectrum. It is a device invented in 1980 by a group of scientists and physicians that features a plate coated with a proprietary mineral formation consisting of 33 elements. When heated, this mineral plate emits a special band of electromagnetic waves that simulate the bio-spectrum waves released by the human body itself. By incorporating TDP into our treatments, Heaven & Earth Acupuncture patients experience:
- relief of muscular aches and pains caused by arthritis and
soft tissue injuries - alleviation of inflammation and edema from soft tissue injuries
- accelerated healing of skin disorders
- balance of the nervous system
- improved wellness of internal organs
Gua Sha and Tui Na
Patients often require a combination of modalities to restore balance and promote healing. Often accompanying acupuncture and TDP is either Gua Sha or Tui Na – two practices that can best be described as forms of massage. While Gua Sha relies on friction, Tui Na uses grasping and pushing to dispel energy blockages. Both techniques seek to move stagnant blood, and restore normal circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly beneath the surface. Immediately, patients experience a reduction in stiffness and pain, and an increase in mobility as nutrients are carried to the tissues, and metabolic wastes are taken away.
Herbs
Herbology is another important facet used in Chinese medicine; once the patient has been assessed regarding energy levels, the correct herbs are then prescribed in a specific combination to promote healing. Generally, herbs are prescribed in combination with one another to control or enhance the outcome. Western pharmacology, on the other hand, isolates drugs to treat people, which give rise to many side effects that can potentially harm the individual. Conditions such as asthma, eczema, PMS, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and others respond favorably to herbal remedies. These preparations are best taken under the guidance of a trained professional, so please consult your doctor or Chinese medicine practitioner before self-treating.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method that creates a partial vacuum to open the internal meridians. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. Cupping has also been found to reach up to four inches into the tissues – causing them to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, invigorate the skin, and improve varicose veins. In essence, cupping is one of the best deep tissue massages available.
Did You Know?
Seasonal allergies, food allergies and asthma can all be treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture can resolve digestive acid reflux issues.