What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
How does acupuncture work?
Is acupuncture safe?
Is acupuncture painful?
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
How many treatments will I need?
What conditions can Chinese medicine and acupuncture treat?
Are Chinese herbs safe?
What are Chinese herbs like and how much will they cost?
Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic medical model which combines the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, bodywork to bring the body into balance.
Emerging from China over 2000 years ago it is now used around the world as an effective and reliable medical system. The framework of Chinese medicine developed through careful observation of nature combined with a long accumulation of empirical understanding. The natural therapies it uses ensures with very low incidence of side effects.
Our body is a concert of intricate relationships that must be in harmony in order to maintain health. Chinese medicine offers a unique language to describe the subtle workings of these interactions. The Chinese concept of Qi (pronounced -chee) can be seen as a beneficial product of free flowing communication. As long as the nerve impulses and fluids in our body can move freely then health is maintained. When there is a blockage or disruption than the flow of energy is disturbed and there is disruption in health that can result in pain or illness. Stimulation of acupuncture points influences the flow of qi, restoring communication and bringing the body back into balance.
Modern scientific research has shown that acupuncture triggers the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It also has been shown to positively affect the endocrine and nervous systems, helping the body achieve physical and emotional well being.
When practiced by a trained and certified acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. Only sterile, single-use and disposable hair-thin needles are used.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and don’t cause much discomfort at all. There may be a slight pinching sensation as the needle passes through the surface of the skin, however, once the needles are in place the sensation fades very quickly. Common experiences with acupuncture are a sensation of heaviness, warmth and a profound relaxation. Many people fall asleep while receiving a treatment.
Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing ability and can correct or improve most health problems. The effectiveness of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic. Because Chinese medicine is a holistic medical system it is able to treat the root cause of the illness as well as the presenting symptoms. Aiming not just to for relief but to prevent them from returning.
Each patient is unique and the number and frequency of treatments will vary according to the individual. Some symptoms are relieved within the first several treatments, while other more chronic conditions can take longer. In some cases, consistent treatments may be necessary for successful results. While a specific problem is being worked on, you may visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week, and gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a month. To simply maintain good health, you may limit your treatments to once every season – four times a year.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can successfully treat many conditions with holistic and natural therapies. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization have recognized TCM to treat nearly four-dozen common ailments.
In addition to this list, Chinese medicine treats many symptomatic complaints that do not fall under current allopathic diagnoses. If your complaint is not easily diagnosed or treated by conventional means, Chinese medicine may be able to provide effective treatment.
Chinese Medicine has been used as front line medicine by the majority of the worlds population since before recorded history, and is still the most widely utilised medical system in the world today. Adverse reactions to Chinese herbs are extremely rare and are negligible when compared to those commonly produced by pharmaceutical drugs.
Herbs are now available in a number of formats, both traditional and modern. The herbs will taste unusual at first to anyone who has not tried them before, hut most people will get used to the taste very quickly There are no standard prices for treatment or herbs. This will depend on the dosage and supply of herbs that you receive. The average cost of a herbal prescription is about $35 for a weeks supply.