Methods of treatment
One or multiple methods of treatment may be used for best result. The treatment methods used will depend on each individual’s situation. Please discuss any concerns you may have with your TCM practitioner.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin at specific points in order to activate the body’s Qi and promote natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It can also improve overall function and well-being. Acupuncture is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
Herbal Medicine:
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear excess problems like a cold, fever and acute pain. Herbs help build up your internal strength, so you can receive the full benefits that acupuncture has to offer. Herbs one in several forms, including tablets, powders, liquids, and loose herbs.
Cupping:
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It’s used for sore muscles, tension, neck/shoulder pain, and the common cold. This technique involves glass globes or cups which are heated from within using a small flame to create a vacuum. The cup’s suction pulls at the skin, and helps move blood and Qi. The cups may stay on the skin for few minutes depend on the patient’s situation. Your skin may have a slight redness which will quickly dissipate.
Gua Sha:
Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over the problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage, and it may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
Tuina (Tui Na) Massage:
Tuina (Tui Na) in Chinese means ‘Push and Grasp’. Tuina (Tui Na) works with the energy system in the body (Qi), which flows through channels called meridians. By stimulating the body’s energy, practitioners help bring the patient’s body back into balance.
Tuina is often called ‘acupuncture without needles’. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and inflammation, and to heal injuries.
Moxibustion:
Moxibustion is a medicine therapy using moxa or the mugwort herb on or near the skin at an acupuncture point. The intention is to stimulate circulation through the points and induce a smoother flow of Qi and Blood.
Qi Gong:
Qi Gong is exercise and meditation and it’s believed to optimize the flow of Qi in the body. Qi Gong incorporates posture, movement, breathing, meditation, visualization and conscious intent in order to cleanse or purify the Qi.
Dietary Therapy:
In TCM(Traditional Chinese Medicine), diet and exercise play an important role in maintaining good health by contributing to an optimum balance of vital life energy (Qi). Chinese nutrition uniquely differs from modern western nutrition in that it determines the energetic and therapeutic properties of foods rather than analyzing them solely according to their chemical constituents. Also the Chinese believe that diet is the source of Qi. Therefore, according to TCM, the food we eat directly influence the excesses and deficiencies in our bodies.