About Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive system that looks at the patient as a whole being. The practitioner builds a diagnostic picture which synthesizes all the patterns of imbalance a patient may have into a logical whole. Chinese Medicineʼs efficacy can be partially attributed to the fact that each treatment is individualized to the specific person instead of just to symptoms of disease. Additionally, Chinese Medicine addresses the underlying cause of disease and can even detect and prevent disease before it manifests.

Through thousands of years of study and practice, Chinese Medicine doctors developed the theory of acupuncture. They discovered pathways along the body that relate to the organs and systems of the body, through which life energy, called “qi”, travels. They found that when there is illness, the qi (pronounced chee) is blocked, in excess, insufficient, or is unbalanced. Acupuncture was found to be a way of restoring and balancing the flow of qi. By inserting needles in specific points along the channels and manipulating the qi flowing through those channels, organ function can be regulated. Acupuncture can also release muscle tension, decrease inflammation, and alleviate pain.

Throughout the last two thousand years, Chinese Medicine doctors have recorded their observations and clinical successes, with each generation learning from and improving upon those that came before. Today, that knowledge is being validated by modern research techniques.

Sensitive to Needles?

Since acupuncture needles are hair-thin and solid, they feel nothing like hypodermic needles, which are thick and hollow. Patients who have never tried acupuncture are surprised to discover that acupuncture is quite gentle and comfortable. Other modalities such as moxabustion, cupping, and acupressure can be provided as alternatives for those who are too sensitive for acupuncture.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or moxa, is a technique in which mugwort herb (Artemisia Vulgaris) is used to apply heat to an acupuncture point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. Patients enjoy a warm, soothing sensation. The heat is never applied close enough to burn or cause discomfort.

Cupping

Cupping is a technique where a glass cup is suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about ten minutes. This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and greatly enhances an acupuncture treatment. Cupping is used for many conditions, including: back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds, influenza, allergies, and astma.

Tui Na/Massage

Aimee draws on her many years of experience as a licensed massage therapist prior to practicing Chinese medicine. When applicable for the specific condition, local massage with therapeutic linaments and salves is given, usually for 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Counseling

What we eat on a daily basis has a profound influence on our health. Nutrition is fully integrated into the theories of Chinese Medicine and is integral to maintaining the success of treatments. Specific foods are recommended for specific patterns of imbalance, as well as for individual constitutions. Although patients are not required to make dietary changes, health improvement from acupuncture and herbal treatments are greatly augmented by following dietary advice offered by Chinese medicine.