What Is Acupuncture And Traditional Chinese Medicine?
T
raditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long and rich history, and is the third oldest form of medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine includes: Acupuncture, Herbal medicine,Tui-na(therapeutic massage), Diet, as well as meditational techniques to heal the body. The fact that TCM has existed for thousands of years, and is still used today is a testament to its value as a form of healthcare.
Herbal Medicines form the very foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese Medicine practitioner has hundreds of medicinal herbs at their disposal, which have been used and tested over many hundreds of years. The application of these herbs includes diagnostics and pharmacology, and is specifically tailored to the needs of the individual patient. A very popular tenant of Chinese Medicine is the belief of treating the patients underlying issue or the root of the problem. The branch of symptoms displayed in the patient are the outward manifestations of a deeper underlying cause. Once the root cause of illness is being treated the "branches" will invariably clear up.
Acupuncture is a technique rooted in this vast traditional medical system. It's origins date back to nearly 2,000 years ago, developing in the Han Dynasty. Historically, physicians used acupuncture to balance the bodies natural energy system. When this system was out of balance, patients would experience "Dis-ease". Today in Modern China, as well as in the west Acupuncture is used as an integrative medicine or stand-alone to treat a wide-range of issues. The technique involves placing tiny non-invasive needles that are inserted into specific anatomical points scattered throughout the body. By placing acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points you initiate a naturally-occuring healing response. Receiving acupuncture encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve function.
Cupping is a traditional technique that has been used in the east for hundreds of years. It relieves inflammation and improves circulation to an area. This technique works by creating a vacuum between the cupping glass and the skin. The cup creates suction on the skin, stimulating the area, and increasing blood flow.
How Does Acupuncture Work
|
The Human body. A system so intricate, so complex that is has been the study of scientist, artist, and philospher for generations. It's power to bring health upon sickness, or even sickness upon health is an example of it's fascinating capabilities. Physicians In Early China understood how complex our bodies we're thousands of years ago. They developed many theories conceptualizing just how does acupuncture work.
|
|
Chinese Medicine doctors embraced a whole systems approach to treating diseased patients. They viewed the body as one holistic system; stating that disease accumulates when they body is out of balance. In order to bring the body back into balance they employed such techniques as herbs, food therapy, meditiation, and the most peculiar to the western mindset, acupuncture.
|
Ancient physicians as well as modern practitioners of today realize the many medicinal benefits of acupuncture. But how can placing needles in your body actually benefit your health? Hundreds of years of clinical research and observation demonstrate that by placing acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points you initiate a naturally-occuring healing response innate to both humans and animals. This mechanism in turn overrides the body's physiological response to stress. Eliminating these stress "side-effects" is an integral part in beginning the healing process.
The Stress Response
The Stress Response, or fight-or-flight is your bodies natural defense mechanism to stress. Imagine you are in the jungle and you hear movement behind you. You stop still, heart pounding and turn your head to orientate your eyes and ears to the sound. You see the undergrowth trampled as you hear an animal pounding towards you – then you hear the lions roar.
At times like this you would want every muscle in your body to work to the peak of its ability – and your brain to be super-alert.
Evolution has obliged, and given us the stress response.
In today's modern world it isn't the lion that after you, but the bill collector's, your spouse, the neighbors dog, etc. This type of stress can linger all day, even weeks. What started out as a natural defense mechanism now inhibits you on a daily basis. Putting energy into digesting your lunch, optimising your immune system or ensuring you are fertile all become rather unimportant in stressful situations. By decreasing stress in your life whether it's with meditation, acupuncture treatments, or a new exercise plan you are paving the way to a happy, healthy, and balanced body.
Does Acupuncture Hurt
Acupuncture needles are a different type of needle then most are familiar with. These "needles" are hair thin and made of stainless steel and are specifically engineered not to cause any pain.
Most people feel no pain but will usually feel a slight tingling or heavy sensation around the site of needling. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of relaxation which makes the whole needling process actually quite calming.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The amount and frequency of treatments required depends entirely on your individual condition. Typically, in most circumstances patients will have improvement in just a few sessions. Many will improve significantly after just the first treatment.
The acupuncture healing process is very individualized and may take some time, but with consistency you will see noticeable improvements.
Our team will work with you the whole step of the way so that we may best assist you in obtaining your health goals.
Contact Us >
|
|
