Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced in varying forms for over 2000 years. This system of medicine uses a combination of theories that view the world as an interconnected whole in a constant state of change and transformation. Seasons, weather, living activities, diet, constitution, and emotions all play an important role in the health of the individual living in that world.

Disease or disharmony is observed as a living process, rather than a distinct unchanging entity. Two patients with the same biomedical disease may manifest completely different symptoms due to their unique biological makeup and differing lifestyles. Chinese Medicine recognizes these differences in symptoms and signs between individuals and creates treatment plans that are unique to each patient.

TCM uses the following main treatment types below within this framework: Acupuncture, Moxabustion, Cupping, and Herbal Medicine, and Massage.

Research in TCM
Q. Is there any research to show that acupuncture really works?
A. Yes!
Read about current research in acupuncture.

Chinese Herbs
Q. Are Chinese Herbs all strange?
A. No Way! You may not know all of them by name but I bet you are already familiar with many of them. Tumeric, chive, peppercorn, mint, and ginger are not only great spices, but they are also some of the herbs we regularly use in Chinese Medicine.
Read about some of the herbs we use that may be in your kitchen.

Acupuncture

Small, thin needles are inserted in acupuncture points on the body to reduce pain, treat disease, and harmonize the body. The needles are thin, solid, and flexible and do NOT resemble needles used for injections and drawing blood. They are usually inserted without pain.

Cupping

A flame is used to create a vacuum inside a glass cup. The cup is placed on the surface of the skin and the negative pressure creates a comfortable lifting sensation on the skin. Many people find this technique that increases circulation both therapeutic and pleasurable.

Moxabustion

Rolled sticks of Mugwort are burned and held close to the skin to stimulate acupuncture points and regions of the body with heat. This increases circulation and warms the tissues. Smokeless moxa is used for those with sensitivities to smoke.

Herbal Medicine

Preparations of herbs in capsule, powder, or raw form are taken daily to support the body and treat disease. The benefits of taking herbs include getting treatment everyday and nourishing your body from the inside to out. Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture work best when used in conjunction.