Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is an ancient healing science used by the Chinese for over 2000 years. It is based on the theory that qi or vital energy flows through a network of channels throughout the body. Acupuncture regulates this flow of vital energy by directing it to areas of deficiency and draining it from areas of excess. In this way it regulates and restores the energetic balance so that the body can heal itself.

Acupuncture's strength lies in its ability to detect and treat early stages of the disease process for example the lower backache before it becomes a herniated disc.

Practitioners of acupuncture often use other healing modalities to reinforce their treatment. These may include: the use of heat, massage, herbs, as well as advising the patient of diet, exercise and possible lifestyle changes.

The number of acupuncture treatments depends on the duration, severity and nature of each complaint as well as the individual's constitution and their biological age. An acute condition may only require one to five treatments.

Some of the possible side effects of an acupuncture treatment are: a feeling of calm and balance, a deep and restful sleep, more energy and the ability to handle stress more creatively.

People generally find acupuncture to be a very relaxing experience.

Acupressure massage is the stimulation of acupuncture points by applying pressure with the thumbs or fingers along the energetic pathways. It strengthens the acupuncture treatments and alleviates stress.

Moxibustion is the use of heat on acupuncture points. This is accomplished by holding a moxa stick (the compressed dried leaves of Chinese mugwort) an inch or so away from the acupuncture point. This has an invigorating effect on the body and is particularly effective with cold symptoms.

Chinese Nutrition is a way of balancing the body by choosing foods that augment the acupuncture sessions. For example, if you have a condition of cold, you feel cold, and being in cold weather makes your condition worse, eating warm, cooked foods will help bring you back into balance.

Qi Gong or Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese healing art using meditation, visualization, breathing and simple movements to calm and center the body as well as improve your energy.

If your particular problem is not listed, no matter how serious or unusual, please call and ask for more information. We often can help where conventional tratment has limited success.

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