Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also known simply as Chinese Medicine or Oriental Medicine,
is the name commonly given to a range of traditional medical practices used in China that have developed over the course of several thousand years of history. Here is a brief description of the modalities that we practice:
Acupuncture
Without a doubt the most well known techniques of TCM is acupuncture. Although, the term acupuncture in the west has almost become a synonym for Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is only one of the many techniques under the TCM umbrella.
Following the general theory of TCM in that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances and energy called Chi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of “channels” called meridians, acupuncture attempts to unblock the channels when they become congested. This is done by the insertion of very thin needles in very specific points on the body.
Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized, nontoxic and disposable (single use). Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and are usually left in about 20-40 minutes. The goal is to normalize the circulation of Chi and Blood by stimulating the energy point, which encourages the body’s natural healing process.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is considered by many TCM practitioners a key component of every treatment. Sometimes supplementing an acupuncture treatment, and other times prescribed instead of acupuncture. It is important to emphasize that a TCM practitioner can seldom treat a patient by prescribing an herbal formula without having to administer acupuncture.
There are a number of ways of administering Chinese herbal medicine. Aside from the traditional way of boiling in water the raw medicinal substances, the use of tinctures, powders, and pills are very popular. Liquid extracts are the most bioavailable form of delivery available, surpassing any other type of concentration, including tablets or concentrated powders. Easy to digest, they are ideal for those with weak digestion or difficulty swallowing pills, such as in the case for many older people and children. Liquid extracts are assimilated within 15 minutes of ingestion. We try to use liquid extract whenever possible.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice where a cup is placed on the patient’s skin. The pressure in the cup is removed, using different methods, creating a vacuum allowing the skin and superficial muscle layer to be drawn into the cup. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view, this “pulling” effect on the skin stimulates the acupuncture point where the cup is placed. This regulates the flow of Qi and Blood, and helps to draw out and eliminate pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, Damp, and Heat. From a Western medicine point of view, the functioning of blood vessels within the muscles is activated in response to the stimulation of the subcutaneous capillary vessels created by the pulling effect of cupping. Thus the expansion of blood vessels in the muscles facilitates the flow of blood and has a remarkable effect on stiff muscles, and old injuries.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is an ancient Eastern tradition of heat therapy that is as old as acupuncture. It involves heating up a particular acupuncture point by burning a very specific herb (Artemisia Vulgaris) close to, but not touching the skin. It is interesting to know that the term acupuncture in Chinese is formed by two words; “Zhen Jiu”. The word “zhen” means needle and the word “jiu” means moxibustion. Moxibustion and acupuncture have been traditionally used as a pair since the beginning of TCM, and continues to be a very powerful combination for most practitioners of TCM today.
Guasha
Like most of the different techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gua Sha has been used in the East for literally thousands of years. Gua Sha, which could be translated to mean “the scraping of the skin until a reddish rash appears”, embraces the belief that by scraping the surface of the skin, the toxins that have accumulated under the skin causing pain, will come to the surface and be eliminated.
The technique is used whenever there is pain, either acute or chronic. Some practitioners of TCM prefer Gua Sha over any other technique when there is aching, tenderness and/or a knotty feeling in the muscles. Gua Sha moves stagnant Qi and Blood, releases the Exterior mimicking sweating, and moves Fluids. From a Western medicine view, fluids containing metabolic waste that congest tissues and muscles are brought up to the surface and expelled. Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes
Tui Na
Tui Na is an Oriental bodywork therapy that has been used in China for thousands of years. Tui Na seeks to harmonize or re-establish the flow of Qi through the system of meridians, allowing the body to naturally heal itself.
Like Acupuncture, Tui Na works with the Qi of the patient to bring a balanced state of health. But unlike acupuncture, no needles are used. The work is done entirely with the practitioner’s hands. Pushing (Tui) and pulling (Na) are the most basic and well-known hand techniques used in Tui Na.
