Chinese Medicine

In TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE diagnosis is achieved from analyzing a complete medical history, extensive questioning about all aspects of the patient’s health concern and lifestyle, and physical examination.

Orthopedic tests, X-Ray, MRI, blood tests and other western medical assessments are also addressed as needed.

Please see below for the extensive tools used to aid in PERSONALIZED LIFESTYLE WELLNESS  MANAGEMENT.

Acupuncture Needles

  • Only disposable, sterile, stainless steel Acupuncture needles are used in this clinic. Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, and are nothing like the hypodermic needles people are familiar with.
  • There is very little, if any, discomfort during their insertion.  Needles are placed in various locations in the body along meridian pathways to treat specific conditions.
  • Once inserted, people report a variety of sensations including: heaviness at the point of insertion, tingling, warmth, or a dull aching sensation, which are all signs of energy movement.
  • Overall, people feel a deep sense of relaxation, and often fall asleep.   This deep sense of relation and rest is critical in the healing process allowing the body to rebuild itself.

Qi characterMedical Qigong Therapy

  • Medical Qigong Therapy is the eldest therapeutic modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • The practitioner often works about a foot away from the patient’s body, as well as lightly touching the patient to guide and manipulate the movement of energy throughout the body.  As the stagnant energy releases, patients may feel sensations as the energy moves, such as warmth, tingling, coolness, vibration, and sometimes twitching.

Gong characterMedical Qigong Prescription Exercises

  • Medical Qigong exercises are specific movements that move energy throughout the Acupuncture Meridian system, stimulating the Lymphatic system, enhancing the breath, and calming the Nervous system.
  • Medical Qigong prescription exercises are tailored specifically to each patient’s health condition.

Tuina and Myofascial Therapies

Tuina literally translates as “push pull.”

These are hands on techniques that unblock the tissues in the body and enhance the movement of blood, and lymphatic fluid.

Through massage, stretching, and gentle mobilization, we can better treat injuries, arthritis, sciatica, stress, constipation, and headaches.


Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

The use of hands to produce gentle and rhythmic strokes done to increase the distribution of proteins and nutrients, removing waste, and water.  The Lymphatic system is the structural foundation of the Immune System.

The benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy have shown to:

  • Increase blood circulation, without increasing blood pressure.
  • Promotes relaxation and anti-spastic effects by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Reduces Edema ~ Adequate lymphatic drainage is needed to prevent the accumulation of excess tissue fluid.
  • Post-surgical effects of Manual Lymph Drainage creates anastomosis (alternative drainage paths) helping the healing process.
  • Scarring has been shown to improve with Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.
  • Acne can be a lymph blockage.  Clearer skin and more radient color tone can be created.

Moxibustion

The Chinese herb known as Ai Ye (Folium Artemisia Vulgaris ~ commonly known as mugwort) is applied as indirect heat over a single acupuncture point, or a group of points.

  • This generally produces a warm pleasurable sensation of relaxation.  In some cases the area may be red for several hours after treatment, and are not indications of complications or injury.

Cupping

The application of round glass cups over a large muscular area, such as the back, to enhance blood circulation to the designated area.

Cupping has also been found to have deep tissue benefits.  The suction can draw toxins from stagnant tissues to flush the area.

Cupping is used to treat a variety of disorders such as colds and flu, and upper respiratory infections. It is also highly effective in treating muscular pain, bone pain and spasms, particularly in the back and shoulders.

Gua Sha

A Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves stimulation of the surface of the skin with a round-edged instrument.   The appearance of the “sha” (toxins) is a desirable confirmation of the efficacy of the treatment.

  • Gua Sha removes blood stagnancy, which is considered to cause harm to the body by disallowing healthy circulation of blood through the tissues.  Immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever/chills, cough, and nausea is commonly experienced.  Gua Sha also treats muscle and tendon injuries, headache, digestive disorders, breathing problems, and sluggish circulation.

Electrical Stimulation

The use of a small, battery-powered stimulator with wires that are attached to acupuncture needles, which then induces a slight pulsing sensation.

  • This modality is excellent at moving stagnant energy, and is most often used for the treatment of injuries, pain management, and addictions.

Treatment for Addictions

Auricular (ear) acupuncture techniques are used to aid the post-withdrawal effects of ending addictions to Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol.

The NADA protocol technique stimulates the neurotransmitters in the brain to ease the post-withdrawal effects.  In addition to acupuncture, Qigong, breathing techniques, nutrition, and herbal formulas are also prescribed for complete system support.


Herbal Medicines

Made mostly from roots and barks, herbal medicines are used to facilitate the body’s own restorative health process.  Herbal medicines are taken in various forms such as tea, capsules, tablets, tinctures, or powders.