What Types of Therapies does Traditional Chinese Medicine Use?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a 3,000 year old system of medicine that has developed independent of Western science and medicine. It has developed a system of diagnosis and treatment based upon the observations, experiments and clinical results of many generations of Asian physicians.
Acupuncture:
This techniques utilizes a system of specific points located on the human body. Each point has a distinct location and particular function within the framework of TCM theory.
In acupuncture, a few points are selected according to the patient’s diagnosis and very thin, sterile, disposable, stainless steel needles are carefully inserted. According to TCM, this allows the body’s energy to rebalance itself and alleviate or eliminate the patient’s complaint.Moxabustion and Heat Therapies:
Moxabustion is a TCM therapy in which a Chinese herb (mugwort) is used to heat specific points on the body. This therapy works in conjunction with acupuncture and acupressure and helps to invigorate the body’s Qi. It is especially helpful for persons with a chronic sensitivity to cold.
Other heat therapies can also be used, such as hot packs and warming/cooling liniments and traditional cupping.Chinese Herbology:
Chinese herbology formulas are safe, powerful medicines that can address many of today’s ailments. The formulas are individually perscribed for the patient’s unique constitutuion and ailment. They use only natural, non-synthetic medicinal plants, animals and minerals, which have been studied by the Chinese for thousands of years.
There are many different methods of administering herbal formulas, the most common are pils, powders, tea or extracts. Herbal formulas used in this practice are strictly regulated under rigorous GMP standards.Tui Na:
Tui Na is a specialized form of Asian Bodywork similiar to theraputic massage. It can involve deep pressure and gentle joint manipulattions. Tui Na is used to accentuate the effects of acupuncture and herbal medicines.
