What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine that evaluates the human being as an ecoystem. This medicine draws from observations of the natural world to inform us about our physiology and the interrelations of our systems. It is a wonderful tool for making connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms or disorders. There is a strong focus on identifying and treating the underlying root of disease and illness, rather than suppressing symptoms.

Acupuncture is just one modality within the greater system of Chinese medicine. Other modalities include herbal medicine, nutrition, moxibustion, cupping, massage, and more.

Each Chinese medicine treatment is unique, tailored to the individual patient's needs and wants. Treatments will typically involve acupuncture in conjunction with other therapies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the most commonly known modality of Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body.

There are many different ways and styles of practicing acupuncture. The techniques I use tend to be more gentle and relaxing.

Chinese medical theory describes a network of meridians within the body through which vital life energy flows. Illness and pain can be understood as blockages or disruptions to that flow. An acupuncture needle serves as a tool to unblock those areas.

From a more western biomedical perspective, acupuncture can be understood as acting on microcirculation, stimulating nerve pathways, the vascular system, and muscle and connective tissue.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for 31 medical conditions, diseases, and symptoms, and suggests that it may be a therapeutic option for many more.

Herbal Therapy

Chinese herbal medicine is a safe and effective treatment for many types of medical conditions and symptoms, both acute and chronic. Herbal medicine can be used alone or integrated into a treatment plan with other modalities, such as acupuncture.

At this clinic, herbs are typically prescribed in the form of granules. The granules are dissolved into hot water, and consumed as a tea. Sometimes capsules are also an option.

Topical herbal preparations may be appropriate in certain situations as well.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or moxa, is another very commonly used modality within Chinese medicine. It involves placing a small amount of an herb called Artemesia Argyi onto an acupuncture point, and then burning the herb until the patient feels a warming sensation. The herb is removed before the hot part touches the skin.

Moxibustion treatments are warming, nourishing, and relaxing.