TCM is a diagnostic and treatment system used in China for several thousand years. It views the body as a whole: all internal organs and tissues in the body are interconnected as a complete organized system.
TCM is composed of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal medicine, Cupping, Tui Na, etc.
More and more people choose TCM as part of their life-time health maintenance program.
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Acupuncture is part of TCM. It is an ancient healing art that originated in China and has been used for more than several thousand years. It is based on the ancient Chinese medicine theories of the flow of QI (biological energy) and XUE (blood) through a specific network of meridians or pathways that pervade the body.
By the insertion of fine needles into the specific points of the body, acupuncture works to reinstate the balance of QI and XUE and restore the healthy function of the body system.
For a successful outcome, patients are encouraged to participate actively in the treatment by following the physician's advice in adjusting life style (diet, exercise, etc.). Physician and patient have to work together as a team.
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Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in treating these conditions:
Allergies/Asthma, Anxiety/Depression/Stress, Arthritis/Joint problems,
Cough/Bronchitis, Drug addiction/Smoking, Fatigue, Facial palsy, Fibromyalgia, Frozen shoulder, Gastrointestinal disorders, Gynecological disorders, Headache/Migraine, Immune system deficiency, Infertility, Menopause, Morning sickness, Neck pain/stiffness, Pain (back, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, ankle...), PMS, Paralysis/Numbness, Sciatica, Shingles, Sinusitis, Sleep disturbances, Stroke(post), Tendonitis.
This is just a sample of commonly treated conditions, and people with specific concerns should consult with their acupuncture physician.
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When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. Only sterilized disposable needles are used and needle technique protocols are strictly followed. Infection is not a concern.
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The acupuncture needles are hair-thin and smaller than injection needles.
If the correct stimulus of the needles has been obtained, you may feel a
slight, momentary "pinch". Normally, patients feel nothing uncomfortable.
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You should ask where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long the practitioner has been in the practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating your specific ailment.
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in over 40 states in the U.S.A. You should ensure that the practitioner is currently Board certified.
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It depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of the condition, and the sensitivity of the patient to the treatment. Some chronic conditions may require a series of five or more treatments, while sometimes certain acute conditions can be resolved in a single treatment. In very long-standing ailments, a treatment plan that extends over a longer period of time may be necessary.
In any case, it can be expected that any major complaint being addressed will be treated in a direct and timely manner.
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1. Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
2. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses or tight stockings.
3. Avoid excessive fatigue, hunger, being overly full or emotionally upset.
4. Certain foods and beverages that dye your tongue should be avoided.
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Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by treatment. However, some conditions that have developed over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As with any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle are instrumental in affecting the outcome of treatment.
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Herbal medicine is a main portion of TCM. Experienced acupuncture physicians often use it together with acupuncture in the treatment of most medical conditions.
It is more effective if the patient can follow the routine of taking herbal medicine as instructed.
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That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist’s style and experience. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth.
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Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has been spreading over the world - to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, America...
In various countries, styles have developed based on different opinions as to theory and technique. No matter how different the styles, the purpose is the same: treating and preventing disease, and maintaining health.
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Some patients may have more questions than we answered here, such as: Should I continue to see my western doctors? Should I continue taking my present medication? Should I adjust my diet? Is there anything I can do for myself at home?
Any questions or concerns about your condition and treatment should be addressed directly with your acupuncture physician.
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