What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has its origin in ancient Taoist philosophy
which views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are
unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Chinese Medicine
emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person. Many
people have found Traditional Chinese methods of healing to be excellent
tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness. Techniques
used in treatment include acupuncture, herbs and massage. (back)
Why Do You Ask Me to Stick My Tongue Out?
The tongue is a very sensitive organ and its appearance can change
with many physiological changes in the body. By observing the tongue
we can see how our whole body is functioning and able to detect
imbalances in different systems in our body. When we ask you to
stick your tongue out, we are observing the appearance of the tongue
in three distinct areas:
- Tongue Proper - We may evaluate the size of the tongue compared
to the opening of the mouth or observe any teeth marks on the
sides. The color of tongue can give us ideas of the strength of
one’s health.
- Tongue Coating - A normal tongue should have a very thin clear
coating that exhibits proper enzymatic content and salivary secretions.
- Regional Analysis - Different areas of the tongue are represented
by the functioning state of different regions of the body. Area
A of the tongue represents the functioning of the nervous system
and the immune system. Area B of the tongue is represented by
the liver and detoxification function of the body. Area C is represented
by the functioning of the digestive system. Area D is represented
by the urogenital systems as well as the intestines.
(back)
What is Acupuncture and How Does it Work?
Acupuncture is an ancient science that has been around for thousands
of years. Although it can be a complex discipline to learn and practice,
it can be easily explained. Acupuncture is a means of adjusting
the body’s life energy (chi or qi) through the insertion of
fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the
meridians of the body. Acupuncture is gentle, safe and very effective
for:
- Relieving pain
- Stimulating health
- Reducing stress
- Relaxing muscles
- Balancing the immune system
(back)
What are the Principles of Acupuncture?
There are 14 major avenues of energy flowing through the body. These
are known as meridians, much like the reference points on a globe.
These meridians channel through every area of the body from head
to toe, including through the major organs.
The energy that moves through the meridians is called Qi (pronounced
"chee" and formerly spelled as chi). Qi is meant to flow
smoothly
through the meridians to even the most remote cells. When it is
balanced, your health is good and strong. When it is blocked, you
may experience pain, disease, depression, confusion or any other
type of physical or emotional dysfunction.
Acupuncture needles are gently placed through the skin along various
key points along the meridians. This helps rebalance the Qi so the
body systems work harmoniously. (back)
What Should I Expect for My First Treatment?
After the first treatment has been administered, depending on the
ailment being treated, many experiences may occur. Immediate, total
or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced.
Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy while others may
feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction. (back)
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are extremely successful in the
treatment of a multitude of conditions. Acupuncture is also often
used as a preventative medicine. Many people see their acupuncturist
only 2-4 times a year for a "tune up" or "balancing"
treatment. This can prevent disease and promote health, energy and
vitality. (back)
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I
Need?
There is no definitive answer to this question. The length, number
and frequency of treatments will vary from person to person depending
on the conditions being treated, your age and health, and how you
respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture is a natural medicine that is
assisting your body to make changes. This can be a gradual process.
A consultation with an experienced practitioner about you and your
condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment.
(back)
How Long Will it Take for the Acupuncture
Treatments to Work?
A positive response to acupuncture treatments is generally seen
after the first to fourth treatment. If you are being treated for
a menstrual problem or infertility, give the treatments three menstrual
cycles for your body to respond. You will schedule your appointments
further and further apart after you have achieved optimal response.
(back)
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief
moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can
be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness,
traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for
about thirty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely
relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of
the treatment.
It is important to let your acupuncturist know immediately so that
they can make you more comfortable. If you are sensitive to acupuncture
or ‘needle-phobic’ your acupuncturist can use thinner
needles and be gentler. Be sure to speak up and let the practitioner
know how you are feeling! (back)
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture therapy has been used for thousands of years in China.
Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world's
population! The needles are government approved, individually packaged,
pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use. (back)
Are There Risks or Side Effects to Acupuncture?
Acupuncture rarely causes serious side effects. Many people feel
a brief stinging sensation during insertion of the needles. Others
experience a dull ache around the needle after it goes in. (back)
Your original symptoms may worsen for a few days after an acupuncture
treatment. Sometimes other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel
or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These
should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the
acupuncture is starting to work. It is also common with the first
one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or
even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These
effects should wear off quickly. (back)
Can Acupuncture Help With In-Vitro Fertilization?
A study, published in the April 2002 edition of the medical journal
Fertility and Sterility, found that acupuncture increases the chances
of becoming pregnant for a significant number of women undergoing
in-vitro fertilization (IVF). (back)
Can Acupuncture Help Promote Pregnancy?
Evidence that Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine have been used to
aid fertility can be found in early medical literature dating back
to 3AD. (back)
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is widely used for many conditions, including addiction
treatment, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and other conditions.
This medical system emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine,
an approach that treats the whole person. (back)
How is Ear Acupuncture Used in a Treatment?
Ear acupuncture is generally incorporated into a regular acupuncture
treatment. In addition to using acupuncture points on the rest of
the body, your acupuncturist may select a few ear acupuncture points
that they feel will be helpful for your particular condition. (back)
What are Ear Seeds?
Ear acupuncture points may be stimulated for a longer period of
time by using ear seeds or ear tacks. These seeds are held in place
on the ear with a small piece of adhesive tape. Ear seeds may be
left in the ear for a few days or up to two weeks. (back)
What is Cupping?
Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method of stimulating
acupuncture points by applying suction and creating a partial vacuum.
This technique produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore
stimulates it. (back)
What is a Chinese Herbal Formula?
Individual substances are rarely prescribed alone in Traditional
Chinese Medicine. A carefully balanced recipe of several different
herbs is specifically tailored for each person's entire health condition.
Each herb is chosen for its own specific functions. (back)
What is the Difference Between Western
Herbs and Chinese Herbs?
Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just
a specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula has many different
herbs. The herbs are selected to work synergistically to treat the
whole person. (back)
How Safe are Chinese Herbs?
One of the most appealing qualities of Chinese Herbal Medicine is
the low risk of adverse reaction or side effects. Herbal medicine
uses all the constituents of the plant, including the cellulose.
The herb is completely balanced, and therefore has minimal side
effects. (back)
How are Chinese Herbs Taken?
Matching the appropriate type of herbal preparation to the patient
and health concern is very important. Here are several ways Chinese
herbs are taken:
- Herbal Teas
- Liquid Extracts
- Tablets and Capsules
- Granules
- Lotions, Creams, Salves and Poultices
(back)
Will it Conflict With My Other Medications?
TCM treatments and acupuncture are used to complement and supplement
your physician's treatments NOT TO REPLACE THEM. You should discuss
this issue with your physician and acupuncturist. (back)
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