Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing in the world, beginning in China thousands of years ago. In the eastern view of Chinese medicine, an energy or life force known as “chi” flows thought the body along 14 channels. When “chi” is blocked, people may become sick or imbalanced. Placing needles at various points along the channels to remove the blockage allows “chi” to flow and restores harmony and balance to the body. Acupuncture, sometimes referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine, comprises a full range of services. The primary treatment is acupuncture, however other therapeutic procedures which are further discussed below may also be recommended.
Chinese Herbology
Herbology is traditionally a very important tool within Traditional Chinese Medicine.The primary focus of herblism is to support the body’s self healing ability. Each herbal prescription is tailored specifically for each patient. Chinese herbology often uses ingredients from all parts of plants, such as the stem, root, leaf, and flowers. Other ingredients within an herbal formula may be derived from minerals or animals. Herbal formulas that include several different types of herbs are created for specific patterns of disharmony. Chinese medical doctors choose hundreds of prepared herbal formulas for patients based on the principles of tongue and pulse diagnosis and analysis of signs and symptoms.
Some well known names of herbs are Ginseng, Dan Qui, and Astragulus. Ginseng contains gingsenside which gives the body mild stimulus and regulates metabolism. It is widely used in China to treat diseases and increase general health. Dan Qui removes blood stagnation and promotes blood circulation. It is widely used for all women’s concerns as it believed to regulate sex hormones. Astragulus enhances the body’s immune system. Recent studies also indicate it may have anti-cancer function.
Tuina
Tuina is a type of asian bodywork which focuses on balancing the flow of energy in the body. It is one of the oldest forms of massage, dating back to 1700 BCE, in China. It is an important tool within Traditional Chinese Medicine, as it used to treat a variety of conditions. Typically, tuina is used in conjuction with other Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the use of specific exercises to help the patient rehabilitate outside of the clinical setting. Examples may include internal boxing, qi-gong, tai-chi and yoga. Yoga has become a popular term to many people. Medical benefits of practicing yoga mainly comes from the components of moderate muscle exercise and regulated breathing. Studies show that regulated breathing can also help the oxygen supplies to body cells. In chinese medical terms, breathing exercise efficiently promotes free flow of “chi” along body meridians. Physical exercise is mainly muscle exercise, it helps chi to flow but not as efficiently as breathing exercises. Qi-gong is a significant part of Chinese Medicine. Western Medical doctors treat diseases with regards to systems, organs, even specific parts of organs. However, Chinese Medicine treats the person as a whole. Body-mind relaxation and physical exercise combinations are emphasized in chinese medicine. Thus acupuncture, and qi-gong along with herbs and diets are used in conjunction to assist the healing process.
Craniosacraltherapy
All healthy living tissues “breathe” with the motion of life. This phenomenon which produces a rhythmic pulse can be felt by sensitive hands.These subtle rhythms were first discovered by Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopath over 100 years ago. Contrary to previous beliefs, Dr. Sutherland realized that the sutures of the cranial plates were designed to express samll fractional degrees of motion. He spent many years researching this motion, he eventually hypothesized that this motion was produced by the body’s innate life force, which he called the “Breath of Life”.
The goal of craniosacral therapy is to help resolve the trapped forces that govern patterns of disease and fragmentation with the body and mind.
Lifestyle Education
Once a patient has attained their goals of inner balance further guidance in terms of everyday living may be useful. Topics such as nutrition and exercise are all discussed and specific suggestions are given to each patient.
