|
Acupuncture is one of the therapeutic treatments of TCM (others are Tui Na and herbal medicine) that involves the placing of very fine needles into acupuncture “points” along the invisible energy pathways (or Meridians) in the body. These needles either increase the flow of Qi in certain Meridians or calm it, restoring the balance of energy in the body and facilitating health. Acupuncture needles are very flexible and thin. They vary in size, depending on what part of the body they're being applied to, but they're typically not much thicker than human hair and thinner than a hypodermic needle.
back
- Simple, cost-effective and without adverse side effects.
- Works well in conjunction with Western medicine.
- May provide relief for conditions not responsive to conventional therapies.
- Can reduce feelings of stress and produces a sense of calm.
- Encourages more active patient participation in health care.
- Enhances natural healing.
back
Acupuncture offers health care that is centered
around you as an individual. For that reason, we will ask a number of questions at your first visit, which
allow us to tailor a treatment plan for your specific needs and
goals.
During a treatment, the practitioner inserts the needles and then lets you rest for 20-40 minutes, checking on you at 10-15 minute intervals.
Most people use this time to relax, some even fall asleep!
back
This is dependant on your condition. Some patients feel better after the first treatment, sometimes it may take several treatments before an improvement is noticed. Generally most people feel an elevated sense of well-being after being treated.
back
Acupuncture needles are very much thinner than injection needles -
not much thicker than a human hair. They are also extremely sharp; therefore, they enter the skin with little resistance. While the needles can feel uncomfortable for some, they rarely hurt.
back
Traditional Chinese Medicine is 5,000 years old, and is based on an ancient Chinese philosophy known as Taoism. It is a path for achieving a long life full of good health and relatively free of disease, and also for achieving mental and spiritual well-being.
back
Yin and Yang are the opposing and yet complementary forces that, governed by the laws of the universe, sway between balance and imbalance. Like everything in the universe,
the human body is a combination of Yin and Yang. If Yin or Yang is out of balance, illness may result.
back
The basis of interrelatedness in TCM is Qi, the vital energy of the universe. Strong and free-flowing Qi in all its manifestations is what animates us and gives us health. Illness and symptoms are reflections of disharmony in the movement of Qi.
back
Herbal medicine, an integral part of TCM, harmonizes the movement of Qi in the body, bringing Yin and Yang into balance, and in so doing, produces a bio-chemical affect as well. 'Herbs' used are sourced from plant extracts, as well as animal and mineral products, all from the natural world. Generally, TCM practitioners combine herbs to produce remedies that are specifically designed for a patient's unique constitution, emotional and physical health, and environment. There are also
'Patent' remedies available, which are packaged herbal pills based on classical formulations.
back
Herbs can be very powerful, and so you should be careful about which herbs you take. You should also be careful about where you buy them, because herbal remedies are not regulated and the quality can differ greatly depending on the source. Your
Acuhealth practitioner can offer herbs directly or make appropriate recommendations.
back
According to TCM, foods have qualities that can be used therapeutically to balance internal Yin and Yang and have been promoted as the basis for maintaining health and countering disease in the daily lives of Chinese people. From a Chinese perspective, it’s best not to focus on a lack of nutrients, but rather on
the types of food we consume too much or too little of, and which will impair or disturb the balance within our bodies. Food, with its therapeutic attributes, is
also medicine, and an unbalanced diet can be the origin of disease.
back |
