RELATED THERAPIES

 

Although acupuncture is the best known modality, Chinese Medicine is made up of a number of treatment methods to restore and maintain good health:

 

 

ACUPUNCTURE

 

Originating in China more than 4,000 years ago, acupuncture is the insertion and manipulation of very fine needles into various points on the body. These points correspond to pathways, called meridians, where energy (Qi) flows. When Qi is flowing freely, a person is healthy.When Qi is blocked or stagnant, pain or disease can occur. Acupuncture stimulates the meridians so that proper Qi flow is restored.

Acupuncture is effective in addressing any number of acute and chronic conditions.  Endorsed by the World Health Organization, here is a list of diseases and disorders that can be treated with acupuncture.

TUI NA

 

This traditional Chinese massage uses brushing, kneading, stretching and applied pressure to meridians and acupoints to restore a balanced flow of Qi throughout the body. Liniments and compresses are sometimes used to enhance the therapy.  Most patients find Tui Na (which translates to “push” and “pull”) to be the perfect balance of relaxation and invigoration.

Tui Na is used in cases of pain, muscle injuries, digestive problems, circulatory issues, neuralgia, neuropathy and more.

 

 

MOXIBUSTION

 

Moxibustion is the burning of a dried herb (mugwort, also known as artemesia)  over specific acupuncture points to warm qi and blood in the meridian channels.  Most often the practitioner will use a moxa stick, which resembles a kind of mugwort cigar,  and move it back and forth a few inches above the skin to stimulate circulation and promote healing.   Moxibustion is used to address cold, dampness and stagnation in the body,  which can result in conditions like arthritis, joint stiffness, poor digestion, back pain, poor circulation and more.

 

CUPPING

 

Cupping is a suction therapy used to unblock qi and blood stagnation, and expel toxins.  The practitioner will briefly heat the inside of a glass cup with a flame, which creates a vacuum, and then will affix the cup to the patient’s skin for a few minutes.  The suction from the cup stimulates acupoints and brings toxins to the surface.   Although it sounds slightly medieval, most patients find it rather relaxing, like a deep tissue massage.  Cupping can leave red or purple marks for a few days.   It is effective for back pain, detoxification, lung problems like asthma and coughing,  gastrointestinal issues and more.

 

 

HERBAL REMEDIES

 

Chinese herbology uses ingredients from plants, minerals, shells and animals in its formulas. Most Chinese herbal medicines are a combination of ingredients which must be properly balanced to enhance or offset each other. A skilled practitioner is needed to tailor formulas for the patient’s particular conditions.  Herbs can be taken as a tea, a syrup, a powder or in pill form.

 

 

DIET (ALSO KNOWN AS FOOD HEALING)

 

Just as the wrong foods can make you sick, the right foods can make you well. Indeed, the first course of treatment in Chinese Medicine is usually diet. While Western Medicine views food in terms of nutritional value,Chinese Medicine looks at food for its energetic properties, which are used to harmonize the body for good health.  Instead of a “one size fits all” approach to eating, Chinese Medicine tailors the diet to correct imbalances which manifest as disorders or disease.

 

 

MEDITATION

 

The body, mind and spirit are inextricably linked in Chinese Medicine–a person is all three and must tend to all three to be healthy.  Meditation does that: it relaxes the body so that it can restore and repair itself; it focuses the mind so that it can let go of extraneous and often damaging thoughts; it centers the self so that spirit can reconnect with higher source.  Meditation helps us to communicate with all parts of ourselves.

 

 

MARTIAL ARTS

 

Most people don’t think of martial arts when they think of Chinese Medicine, but they are used to enhance the flow of Qi. Qi Gong (which loosely translated means “energy cultivation”)trains the mind, and helps with focus and breathing. This form of martial arts incorporates gentle movements, somewhat like yoga, and is attracting a growing following here in the States as a healing therapy. Combative martial arts (Wushu) build strength and agility. These styles are as much about battling our inner demons as they are our opponents.