Acupuncture

Acupuncture, one of the most recognized TCM therapies, has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It treats diseases by activating specific areas called acupoints on the patient's body. When these acupoints are fully activated, sensations of soreness, numbness, fullness, or heaviness called De Qi or achieve Qi are felt by patients or acupuncturist . Qi is an inner energy of human beings and is vital for health according to the TCM theory. Once a state of imbalanced Qi happens, the illness and disease occur. Acupuncture stimulates the acupoints through needles and specific needling manipulations, and regulates the Qi flow into rebalance.

During the past 50 years, acupuncture, a therapeutic technique of Traditional Chinese medicine, has become more and more popular, evolving into one of the most utilized forms of complementary integrative medicine interventions in the United States. In fact, more than 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually in the United States alone.

Acupuncture is normally applied to the body, scalp, and ear according to the specific location of acupoints. Needles penetrate the skin at varying lengths from millimeters to a few inches depending on the thickness of flesh and muscle at a given location and illness condition.  For example, the scalp acupuncture is mostly adopted in the treatment of nervous system diseases and pain management, while ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is often used in the treatment of endocrine system diseases and psychological disorders. Like reflexology, auricular acupuncture points correspond to specific areas of the body. These micro-system modalities have their own unique indications and are used in different cases in the clinic according to the practitioner's discretion. In recent years, ear acupuncture has also been used for weight control, smoking cessation, and detoxification.

Acupuncture treatment can also include electro-stimulation, the use of mild low-voltage electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles. This method is generally used for analgesia, apoplexy hemiplegia.

Acupuncture is relatively painless and produces no side effects. However, on occasion, a needle placed in a hair follicle can cause pain. If that happens, tell your practitioner and he or she will re-position the needle. Since acupuncture needles have very thin gauges compared to hypodermic needles, only a minimal pinch is felt as the needle breaks through the skin. After the needles are inserted to the proper depth, the patient may feel tingling of the skin, distention, soreness or pressure radiating from the acupoint. In fact, the correct needle sensation creates a dull, heavy distention, which is well tolerated by adults and children alike. Patients' fears usually subside after their first treatment. Of course, laser, electrode and finger acupuncture can be applied instead of needles, for those patients who are very sensitive to needle sensation. 

Acupuncture is a well-established medical procedure that is safe and effective when practiced by a trained professional. The acupuncturist inserts small, disposable metal needles in the body along the intricate network of meridians or channels. It works by stimulating the body's own restorative and recuperative powers so that good health can be restored. Many people are surprised that acupuncture is employed successfully in both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from such mild issues as headaches to serious medical conditions.  It can treat signs and symptoms as well as the root cause of the problem. 

Patients often wonder whether they can visit a TCM practitioner even if they show no obvious signs of disease. The purpose of visiting a Chinese medical practitioner is not merely to treat an ailment, but more importantly, to support the body's source of Qi and blood so that disease may be prevented. Acupuncture restores balance and prevents disease. Patients who are susceptible to seasonal health conditions like asthma and hay fever, or those who are vulnerable to occupational/professional hazards like carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain, may benefit from preventive care. 

The frequency of acupuncture treatments varies depending on the specific condition and the patient's overall constitution. Each acupuncture treatment normally takes approximately 30min to 45min per session. Results may be felt immediately for acute conditions, or may require several visits for chronic conditions. Depending on the severity of the complaint and the extent to which living patterns exacerbate the problem, a course of treatments can range from six to ten visits. Initially, we suggest treatments twice weekly until symptoms improve, then once a week as the condition subsides. When symptoms are under control, monthly maintenance care is recommended. 

Acupuncture is safe and effective when practiced by a trained professional like a licensed acupuncturist.  Sterile, single-use filiform needles are used in each treatment per session and they are promptly disposed of once they have done their duty. However, there are some precautions, such as, patients should not undergo acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach as dizziness or fainting can result. If you have Hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, please inform your practitioner so that he or she can help you manage your condition more successfully. Pregnant women should advise their practitioner so stimulation of certain acupuncture points is avoided. Lastly, menstruating women should also inform their doctor so needle stimulation is reduced. 

Chinese herbal therapy is one of the oldest and most comprehensive form of herbal medicine in the world.  It is derived from plants in nature.  The use of these natural plants can be traced back to 1,000 BC.  Over the past thousands of years, along with acupuncture, it is one of main components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been used to cure diseases and alleviate discomfort caused by many disorders.

Chinese herbal therapy is most commonly used with acupuncture treatments to accelerate and maintain the therapeutic effects of the treatment. Furthermore Chinese herbal therapy may be used to treat conditions that are not treated by acupuncture effectively.

Our clinic has a complete herbal pharmacy and we customize formulas for our patients' unique presentation. We carry both Chinese medicine Yinpian (raw herb) and Chinese patent herb (pills or capsules in bottles). Our patients find that it is quite convenient to take the herbs and may even become a welcome part of their morning/evening ritual. 

All the Chinese herbal medicine in our clinic are 100% natural. We only use herbs from manufacturers that are certified as having Good manufacturing practices (GMP)--strict international standards of manufacturing even more strict than in the U.S. with regards to processing herbs. They do not contain any harsh chemicals or preservatives and are very gentle to your system. Nonetheless, sensitive patients may experience reactions such as minor stomach discomfort. If such reactions occur, reduce the dosage, take with food, or modify the herbal formula. The Chinese herbs that we use are of the highest potency, quality, and safety.  

Yes, children and senior patients may take Chinese herbal medicine. In fact, they get excellent clinical results. The dosages, however, must be adjusted for each patient depending on age, body weight, specific illness and overall condition. 

In general, we are more careful about the use of Chinese herbs during pregnancy. However, should the benefits of using herbs outweigh the risks, use of Chinese herbs may be initiated at a low levels with professional supervision.
In addition, we specialize in the use of Chinese herbs during nursing, as herbs are secreted in breast milk and passed on to infants. 

Cupping therapy involves inducing localized suction pressure on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cup by creating a vacuum. Negative pressure is created in the cup either by applying a fire to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the local skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the surface of the body. The vacuum inside the cups causes the blood to pool in localized areas, to bring about healing in the area being treated. This therapy has been widely used across many Asian cultures for centuries. It has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years, and it is still used today by many alternative medicine practitioners. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the meridians are pathways in the body through which the energy of life called Qi ("chi") flows. Qi also flows through every body part, tissue, and organ. When these meridians are opened, the internal energy is unblocked and therefore able to flow more freely throughout the entire body. Cups can be placed on the back, shoulders, stomach, legs or any muscle group where it’s easy to attach the cups. 

Another healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in the body. The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into the tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins. This triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.  

Cupping therapy follows points along the meridians, in much the same way as Acupuncture and Acupressure. It is applied on different areas of the body to improve circulation and relieve stress. It is used to treat conditions such as pain, cough, and the common cold. Cupping therapy is also used in treating childhood asthma and diarrhea. The suction will leave some red marks on the body, but these will disappear within a few days.

 If performed by a licensed practitioner, cupping shouldn’t be painful. It may cause temporary bruising (known as ecchymosis), swelling or soreness, depending on the person or amount of treatment done. The spots left behind typically fade after several days or a week.  

In Chinese language, the character "Gua"= scrape or rub and "Sha" = reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash. "Gua" involves using the rounded edge of a porcelain spoon or stone spatula to scrape the surface of the skin back and forth several times until the skin turns red. "Sha" is also the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue, before and after it is raised as petechiae. Meridian congestion or blockages in different parts of the body become visible through different skin redness. Depending on the depth of the blockage, the skin redness becomes darker and larger. Patients experience a relaxing effect from the Gua Sha technique through purification and increased circulation. It is one technique that intentionally raises a Sha rash or petechiae. It is a traditional ancient Chinese healing technique that dates back over two thousand years.

Gua Sha therapy is still practiced by many TCM practitioners today. The technique involves the layering of Gua Sha oil on the skin. This oil is enhanced either with healing herbs or essential oils chosen to aid in the extraction of toxic waste. Depending on whether the treatment is for physical or emotional healing, the skin is then scraped in the area of discomfort, or at times on the entire body, using a specific Gua Sha tool.

Gua Sha treats not only the meridian system but the entire system as well. This is why the Chinese utilize Gua Sha as their foremost treatment in the prevention of disease. Gua Sha treatment can be used in the treatment of flu, skin rash, allergies, and cold symptoms. Practitioner use jade or ox horn Gua Sha tools with herb oil to rub patient's meridians to remove toxins and restore energy flow. It also brings a great benefit for those patients who suffer from chronic pain, excess systemic toxicity, poor circulation, lymphatic congestion, Inflammation, fatigue and physical or emotional stress. Gua Sha can be used to treat, alleviate and heal chronic degenerative diseases too.

Gua Sha creates suction on the skin that pulls stagnant intercellular fluid to the surface, removing toxic debris, and replacing it with fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich fluid, which in turn accelerates regeneration and revitalizes the region where unhealthy cells may or already have manifested. 

Gua Sha treatments are not painful. As the body is scraped it pushes a build-up of fluid to the surface of the skin, and after it passes, it leaves an indention or vacuum behind which draws toxic fluid out from deep within the tissue. The toxic fluid (Sha), floods to the surface and can be seen in small red, deep purple or green pools of blood, it is also often hot on the area where the toxic heat is extracted. Red spots are an indication that toxins are being released. Where the area is deep purple, the blood is old and extremely stagnant. A dark green discoloration is a sign that stagnant blood and toxic "Qi" are being released from the system. Sometimes a clear fluid will draw to the surface in a form that resembles cellulite or goose bumps. Where the skin starts out with a green glow, which then turns red during the treatment; this is a sign that pain or stagnant "Qi" is being removed. The exposing of the Sha is literally removing disease from deep within the system. 

For four centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have believed that healthy diets can reduce the probability of illness. Treating illness and maintaining health through dietary therapy is central to the philosophy and practice of Chinese medicine. It is thought that many, if not most, of our health problems are related to imbalances in our diet.  It is also recognized that proper nutrition should take into account each individual’s health condition. Healthy diets could be used for adjusting physical imbalance, and is one of the most important therapeutic agents that can be used to build, maintain and restore health. As you may have noticed in the discussion of Chinese medical theory, balance is really the most important aspect of life, both in regard to our health, and also in respect to our ability to live harmoniously in the world. TCM healthy diets, using high quality nutritious ingredients including Chinese herbs, can significantly improve general health and wellbeing, by strengthening digestion, increasing energy and balancing body functions.

The food we consume inherently determines who we are, and the overall quality of our health. According to Eastern nutritional guidelines, foods and herbs should be selected according to an individual's body constitution, whether they be excess or deficient, warm or cold in nature. Foods used in dietary therapy include rice, beans, ginger, scallions, onions, and carrots. Medicated dietary therapy includes the use of herbs for tonification, and is often used prior to or in conjunction with other therapies to increase the effectiveness of the treatments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) draws endless wisdom from Nature and it’s natural laws. Healthy diets are closely tied to the seasons and the rhythms of nature. Special healing diets have been used in China for over 1,000 years to help beautify the skin and face, reduce stress and improve sexual function according to the different climates and seasons of the year. Eating foods according to their energetic relationships to the seasons ensure that the body is attuned to the environment.

Spring is considered the season of growth and the best time to regenerate body tissues and organs. Thus foods are used to fortify and restore one’s energy. In addition, it is the season of energetic expansion; therefore foods of a warm nature are not recommended. For the prevention of hypertension and constipation, patients should ingest long fibrous green vegetables along with fruit like pears and consume more fish products.

In summer, people tend to perspire more from the heat, therefore rich and heavy foods are not recommended. Watermelon, green beans, lotus, and zucchini are recommended for clearing summer heat. Red beans cooked with lily bulb clear boils and oily skin that develop from summer heat.

In  autumn, as the weather becomes cool and dry, people usually suffer from dry throat and mouth, and cough with scanty sputum. For these conditions, certain herbs are recommended for moisturizing the body and most especially for the upper respiratory tract. Pears, water chestnuts, bananas, persimmon, kiwi, millet and corn are all foods of a cool moisturizing nature.

In winter, people’s appetites and absorptive abilities are enhanced thus making it the best time for taking tonics prescribed according to each individual’s body constitution.