Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a natural healing system that has been in use for thousands of years. TCM is still used today in clinics and hospitals throughout China and most of Asia as a primary medical modality. Chinese Medicine helps to relieve symptoms and signs of many health problems. It can also uncover the underlying root cause(s) of those symptoms. TCM takes a holistic view of each individual and believes that everybody has an innate ability to overcome disease and illness. Using acupuncture, herbs, and other treatment modalities, Chinese medicine works to restore harmony and energetic balance to the body which stimulates natural healing and promotes health. Acupuncture is a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to get well and stay healthy.

TCM practitioners use various treatment methods to restore and maintain health such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the primary treatments used in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Einstein showed us that everything is made of, and radiates, energy. This subtle form of energy supports shapes and enlivens our physical body and activates our lives. For the past 5,000 years, practitioners of TCM have called this intelligent energy, Qi (pronounced "chee").

Acupuncture promotes the body’s healing abilities by regulating the flow of Qi by inserting very fine needles into specific points in the body. Over many years, TCM has mapped out the flow of Qi in the body through a system called meridians. Qi flows through meridians in our body like a river, nourishing and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland. Illness results when Qi stagnates or is blocked, or when the body has too little, or too much, of it. When Qi is balanced and flowing freely, the body’s natural self-healing abilities are activated, enabling internal stability and harmony to occur. The body will flourish and true health and well being can be achieved.

What does Acupuncture feel like?
Each person is experiences acupuncture differently. Acupuncture needles are tiny, disposable, sterile needles placed gently into specific acupuncture points. During the insertion of needles, some people feel nothing, while others experience a quick twinge, which may be followed by tingling, numbness, heaviness or warmth. These responses are completely normal as some points or areas of the body may be more sensitive or reactive due to the nature of the patients’ health and condition. Needles generally remain in place for 15-40 minutes. Patients will feel relaxed during the treatment and feel revitalized and rested after the session. Symptom relief may occur immediately, or in the few days that follow a treatment. For complex, longstanding complaints, more than one treatment is required.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is the use of plants, flowers and minerals for healing. Herbal formulas work in conjunction with acupuncture. They are especially necessary for chronic conditions that require the synergistic effects of combined acupuncture and herbal therapies. While acupuncture stimulates and moves the energies within the body to elicit physiological response, herbs are more nourishing and are essential in treating the body from inside-out. Herbal formulas are made up of many herbs that are tailored to the each individual patient. Herbs are highly specific in their actions and possess diverse qualities and properties to target different aspects of an ailment.

Herbs come in many forms, most popularly pills and teas. When used correctly under the guidance of your TCM practitioner, they are generally safe and rarely have side effects. Chinese herbs can be very helpful for a variety of problems as well as to maintain overall health.

Moxibustion (also called "moxa")
Moxibustion is a Chinese herb commonly know as mugwort. When dried it is rolled into a stick or placed on the end of needles, then burned as a warming therapy during treatment. Moxa is widely used for conditions such as hemiplegia, aphasia, stiff neck, cold, weak back, frozen shoulder, and fatigue and has an invigorating and warming effect. Research has shown that it also acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. Moxa helps to eliminate cold and dampness in the body and can serve to turn breech and posterior babies.

Cupping
Cupping is the uses of glass or plastic cups to create a vacuum on the patient's skin in order to create warm and improve local circulation. Another healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in your body. The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins. It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.