Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a history of over 3000 years and formed a unique diagnostic and healing mechanism fundamentally different from that of Western medicine. It is a holistic medicine that treats the human body as a system which is composed of Zang-fu organs and tissue, meridians and Qi (pronounced “chi”, meaning life energy), blood and fluid. Among the above-mentioned components, Zang-fu organs are the core of the human body and connected with tissue through the meridians. Qi, blood and fluid are made from the physiological activities of the Zang-fu organs and carried to every corner of the human body in the meridians. They are vital elements for the human body, and any of their unbalance or stagnation in the body can cause minor or serious illnesses.

The clinical diagnosis and treatments in TCM are mainly based on the Yin-Yang and Five Element theories which are evolved from ancient Chinese philosophy. TCM applies the Four Diagnostic Methods (looking, hearing and smelling, asking, palpating) to dig into the root of an illness. Various TCM therapies include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, acupressure and herbal medicine. Single or combined use of the above therapies helps to restore the balanced and flowing state of the human body.

Services offered include:

Acupuncture - restores balance to the flow of body’s Qi and blood through insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridians of the body.
Cupping - regulates the flow of Qi and blood by placing vacuum glass or plastic cups on meridians or regions of body affected by pain. It is used to treat stiff muscles, colds, muscular pains and to detoxify the body.
Gua Sha - a gentle scraping of the skin surface along the meridians of the body by means of a Gua Sha tool. It is used to treat and prevent illnesses by removing blood stagnation and promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. Patients will feel immediate relief from pain, fever, chill, cough, stiffness, cough, nausea, and etc.
Herbal Medicine - various substances derived from plants, animals and mineral sources to treat and prevent illnesses. These substances are in forms of tea, liquid extracts, powder extracts, granules, tablets, capsules, creams, lotions, salves or poultices.
Moxibustion - helps to regulate the flow of Qi and blood which in turn will increase metabolism and stimulate the immune system. This treatment involves the burning of mugwort close to specific acupuncture points.

New Patients - What to Expect

Normally, the initial visit will take longer than subsequent ones (90 min). During the first part of the visit, information will be gathered to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your current health concerns and medical history. Physical exams will be performed by means of TCM approach. You will receive a treatment on your first visit.

Generally, a minimum of three treatments is required for the best outcome. The time period between subsequent visits depends on the severity of the condition and the therapies used. When symptoms and signs are obvious, frequent visits are encouraged to promote quick recovery. As symptoms and signs disappear and you begin to feel better, visits are less frequent. Finally, monthly, bi-monthly or seasonal visits may be offered to preserve all the progress you have made and maintain your well-being.

Before any TCM visit