The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine that dates back over 3,000 years and is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is usually translated as energy. Acupuncturists assess a patient’s syndrome or pattern of disharmony by using a set of diagnostic skills that involve questioning, palpation, visual inspection, and olfactory-auditory data collection. By discriminating the exact pattern of the body’s physiological response to pathogenic factors, an acupuncturist determines the necessary treatment strategy to prompt healing process. These therapeutic interventions include acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, manual therapies such as acupressure, moxibustion, and exercises such as tai chi or Qi gong, as well as Chinese herbal preparations and dietary therapy.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is oneof the branches of Traditional Chinese medicine. It employs fine needles to stimulate, redirect or influence the flow of “Qi” (bio-energy) at various points and in the various meridians of the body.
What is Qi?
Qi is the vital force, the presence of which separates the living from the dead. Its balanced, unimpeded flow is critical for health. Any nmmisdirection, blockage, or imbalance of the amount, flow, or imbalance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction, and ill health. Proper stimulation helps restore the normal Qi flow so organs and bokily systems can work together in harmony. This allow the body to repair itself and maintain its own innate balance and health.
What are meridians?
Meridians are energy channels through the human body including the head, arms, hands, legs, feet and internal organs. Meridians form a high complex, invisible network that transports and directs Qi to every part of the body. Qi or bio-energy circulates via the meridians to all parts and cells of the body.
What are needle treatments like? Are they painful?
Patients who have received injections with a hypodermic needle are sometimes fearful that acupuncture treatment will hurt. But that is not the case. Medical hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow, and thick, designed for forcing liquid into the patient’s flesh. This is usually an uncomfortable and painful procedure. Acupuncture needles are very fine, and they rarely hurt when they are inserted.
What are the Main Objectives of Acupuncture and/or herbal therapy?
Balance the body’s substances and functions
Relieve pain and stimulate the pain modulators
Regulate the immune system
Regulate the circulatory system
Regulate the metabolism
Increase the production of red and white blood cells
Stimulate bone regeneration
Inhibit viral replication
Inhibit microorganisms
Antioxidant and anti-Aging
