What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed in ancient China and has evolved over thousands of years as a critical tool to both treat illness and to boost whole body wellness. Rooted in Taoist philosophy, TCM blends a number of techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, diet consultation, cupping, tui na (a form of therapeutic massage) as well as several energetic movement practices including qi gong and tai chi. Inherent to the philosophy of TCM is the belief that the body is an inherently integrated holistic system with the capacity to self-heal and that cultivating wellness is the best method of treating disease.
TCM operates on the world-view that the human body is a microcosm of the universe, and that wellness is established when the basic energetic components of the body are balanced. As such, treatments seek to create balance between the basic, opposing forces in the body, Yin and Yang, and to support the functioning of the 6-elements: Wood, Water, Fire, Air, Metal and Earth. Central to the practice of TCM is supporting the flow of qi, the body’s vital energy that supports and maintains life.
TCM utilizes a complex map of the body that tracks how energy moves along channels or meridians in the body. In acupuncture treatments, needles are applied to specific points along these channels to stimulate and regulate flow. TCM practitioners use full medical intakes, along with pulse diagnosis to create holistic treatment plans for a wide variety of conditions. Complementary treatments are often also utilized to balance and optimize the flow of qi in the body. Read more about the different applications of acupuncture and other complementary treatments below.
TREATMENT LOGISTICS
Initial Acupuncture Treatment
Your initial acupuncture appointment is a 90-minute session that includes a detailed health intake and acupuncture treatment. Using your health concerns and health history, we will come up with a treatment plan that is uniquely catered to your needs and goals.
Follow Up Acupuncture Treatment
All follow up acupuncture appointments are 60 minute appointments. During this time we will continue to treat you according to the treatment plan we have devised together, as well as addressing anything else that arises. This involves a check-in and discussion followed by an acupuncture treatment
NADA Protocol
This 30-minute general treatment supports whole body wellness for anyone, requiring no initial intake. The NADA protocol is designed to increase the flow of qi in the body and support general relaxation. It is a great complement to other holistic therapy methods and is often used in clinics and in the general treatment of PTSD.
Other TCM Treatments
Cupping
Cupping is a common treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine where therapeutic cups are applied to the skin through a partial vacuum. The cups may be moved around the treated area with oil to produce a massage-like effect, increasing circulation and reducing pain or tension. Cups also may be left stationary in the treated area to focus the treatment on a more specific spot. The overall effect loosens muscles, promotes blood flow, and calms the nervous system. Cupping is an effective treatment for stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, and poor circulation. It targets the deeper tissues of the body and helps the body eliminate toxins as well as treat specific ailments such as respiratory disorders. Cupping is often used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture treatments.
Moxibustion
“Moxa”, as it is commonly referred to, is an herb from the Chrysanthemum family (Folium Artemisiae Vulgaris) that is commonly known as Mugwort. The dried Mugwort is rolled into sticks, or cones and burned on or near the skin. The use of moxa, applied in this way brings warmth to the area, which increases circulation, reduces pain, and strengthens the immune system. Acupuncture and moxa are commonly used together as complementary therapies.
Ear Acupuncture
Auriculotherapy, or ear acupuncture, utilizes the microsystem of the ear to treat the whole body. It has been used by many different elements of society, including the military and addiction clinics, to treat such things as Post-Traumatic-Stress-Syndrome (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also be used to treat other disorders of the body including pain, fatigue, and digestive disorders. Ear acupuncture can be done in a variety of settings including community clinics, private clinics, corporate offices, and events. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Chinese Herbal Consultation
Chinese herbal medicine is part of the integrated system of Traditional Chinese Medicine dating back over 5000 years. Chinese formulas are effective at treating a wide range of health issues as well as taken for general health maintenance and illness prevention. During this consultation we will discuss and match a Chinese herbal formula to treat your individual health issue.
Trigger Point Needling (Dry Needling)
In combination with a full body constitutional treatment, acupuncture can target specific areas of the musculature that may be tense or painful. These areas may be caused by muscle spasms, overuse, or other influences. Similar to a deep tissue massage or “dry needling,” the needles target these areas to provide quick relief and relaxation of the area. This can be used in conjunction with electronic stimulation to help address injury and promote recovery. The area may feel sore after use, similar to a hard workout, and this soreness can vary from person to person and depends on the area treated.
Applications of Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Injury and Recovery
Recovering from injury, surgery, or other similar instances, can be long and difficult. With acupuncture this journey can be dramatically shortened, with significant decreases in pain and trauma. Acupuncture targets the specific areas in need of treatment to restore function, increase blood flow, reduce pain, and encourage healing.
Acupuncture for Women’s Health
Acupuncture is a helpful and effective therapy for women’s health concerns. Women’s bodies go through many changes over the course of a lifetime. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine work to restore hormonal and emotional balance and overall vitality to the female body during any stage of this journey. Menstruation imbalances, PCOS, pregnancy, pre- and post- natal care, menopause, weight loss, anxiety and depression, and hormonal regulation are just of few conditions that can be successfully treated using acupuncture.
Acupuncture for Fertility
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have great success with increasing fertility. If you or your loved one are looking for support with this process, acupuncture is a tool that can greatly increase the success of fertility treatments and likelihood of pregnancy. The first appointment will be spent going over your health history and other factors related to fertility. This intake will be followed with a fertility protocol treatment that is uniquely designed for your needs. These treatments can be performed in conjunction with medical treatments such as In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), fertility drugs, or surgeries. Acupuncture is also an effective way to treat other conditions of the reproductive system that may be contributing to fertility issues, such as cysts and endometriosis.
Acupuncture for Stress
Acupuncture is an extremely effective tool for treating stress, anxiety, and depression. These conditions can be addressed through full body acupuncture or ear acupuncture. Using the full health intake, we will devise a treatment plan that can address your individual concerns. From this plan, we can discuss how to return balance and relaxation into your life through acupuncture, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
Acupuncture for Addiction and Recovery
Recovery from addiction and trauma can be a long and difficult process. Acupuncture stimulates specific points to target emotional and physical balance, mental stability and general well being. The goal is to relax and detoxify the body while easing the system into recovery. The process of healing from addiction often includes difficult moments. Acupuncture can make the transition smoother and gentler with both addiction and recovery from emotional, physical, or mental trauma.
