Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment method using the insertion of thin filiform needles into specifically identified points of the body in order to help rebalance biological energies. The underlying belief in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that illness is an expression of an imbalance of physiological energies, whether they are engendered by external pathogens or internal stresses. The insertion of needles can redirect and rebalance these energies to allow a movement towards regaining health.

The WHO (World Health Organization) has recognized and recommends acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of over 40 types of illness including:

• Internal illness:
  colds, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis, digestive disorders, colitis
• Ear-eye-nose-throat disorders:
  deafness, tinnitus, poor eyesight, sinus infections, allergies
• Dermatological disorders:
  eczema, acne, herpes, psoriasis
• Neuro-muscular disorders:
  arthritis, neuralgias, bursitis, tendonitis, headaches, migraines, cerebral palsy, polio
• Reproductive issues:
  infertility, impotence, vaginitis, irregular menstruation, morning sickness
• Mental-emotional disorders:
  anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress

Moxibustion

Moxibustion was developed earlier in China than acupuncture but has since evolved side-by-side with it. Like acupuncture, it uses specific point on the body to influence a person's health. Moxibustion is the indirect, or occasionally direct, burning of a medicinal plant known as moxa or ai ye (Folium Artemisiae argyi or the common mugwort). Its purpose is to warm an area of skin, increase circulation of blood and nutrients to an area, or to warm the 'meridian channel' through which it believed that qi (pronounced "chee") or energy flows along with the blood in order to alleviate pain, expel 'COLD', and relax muscular tissue. Indirect moxa carries almost no side effects. Direct moxa, generally not used within the United States except in the form of 'thread' moxa, can occasional create burn blisters which are treated by applying a gentian violet or other antibacterial ointment to promote healing.

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Cupping & Scraping

Cupping and scraping are two methods used in TCM and parts of acupuncture treatments. These are literally as they sound.

Cupping is performed using a cup, usually made of glass or bamboo, which is placed on the skin in such a way as to create a partial vacuum. This induces an increase of blood and nutrient flow to the area and can massage a layer of muscles. The cups can be moved over a larger area or placed over a single spot depending upon need.

Scrapping is a treatment method performed by scrapping a spoon or horn bone over an area of skin. Blood flow is increased, and capillaries are broken so that new passageways for blood flow can be grown, and thus can alleviate pain due to poor circulation of qi and blood. Both of these cause bruising of the skin due to the disruption of blood vessels. This bruising tends to disappear over the course of a week.

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Tui Na Massage

Tui Na (pronounced "two-AY nah") is a traditional adjunctive therapy in both the treatment of and prevention of disease. Tui Na literally means push and hold. It can be used in painful syndromes, abdominal and digestive complaints, women's and men's issues, colds and flus, and many other types of illnesses. It is based upon channel and muscular meridian theory. There are several techniques that can be used from simple massage techniques to more acupressure styles. Simple tui na techniques can be used by patients at home and can be a powerful adjunctive method in their recovery.

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Herbal Medicinal Therapy

The administration of Chinese medicinals is probably the most frequently prescribed method of treatment used in modern China, especially for complex, internal illnesses like autoimmune disorders, allergies, or mental-emotional disorders. It should be noted, however, that in many parts of the Far East, this treatment method is used to treat almost all forms of illness and can be very effective when carried out in its traditional manner.

The formulas are made from groupings of 3 to 25 medicinals, put together in such a way as to alleviate the condition and mitigate potential side effects. Their effectiveness has been proven by literally up to 2500 years of clinical practice. Although all formulas are tailor made for each unique individual, the modifications are made based upon proven methods for mixing and matching these medicinals as well as being based upon the original formulas themselves. Formulas can be taken as raw medicinals that are decocted into water, wine, or tea or powdered and mixed with honey or other binders to form pills. They are also presently available as powdered or tinctured extracts, which can then be placed into capsules or vials for administration.

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