ways to access Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis involves a review of medical history alongside pulse palpation, and inspection of tongue and body.

Acupuncture use small needles to stimulate  neuro-vascular junctions to illicit a response from the neuro-endocrine system. It is an effective treatment for pain management, stress, gastrointestinal disorders, immune-mediated diseases, endocrine disorders, and then some.

Alternatively, it can be said acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi & Blood in the body, harmonizing Yang & Yin, to help patients lead healthier lives.

The use of complimentary modalities such as moxa, e-stim, acupressure/Tui Na, cupping, Qi Gong or meditation exercises, food therapy, and herbal medicine prescriptions may be used when appropriate.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicines are made mostly from plant material and can be administered as powder, pills, tablets, tinctures, topically, or as whole dried herbs decocted into tea. Standardized formulas are often prescribed, but in certain cases custom formulations are necessary to match a patient's pattern. 

Herbal medicine consultations are part of regular TCM treatments as certain conditions are better treated with herbs vs needles. During the course of acupuncture, I may suggest herbs at times to improve results or as a way to manage conditions without acupuncture.

Patients may access herbal medicine without receiving acupuncture, but the diagnostics required are still the same. An in person consultation the preferred way to access this service.   

As with all products, the cost of herbs varies depending on ingredients, supplier, etc. Generally, the cost for an effective dose is 3$ per day.

Cups are placed over various areas of the body to stimulate circulation and disperse congestion, thus alleviating pain and promoting healing. Cupping can treat conditions of stubborn  musculoskeletal pain, chronic muscle fatigue, poor circulation, and recovery from traumatic injury, surgery, or illness. 

Tui Na, translated as "push pull", is essentially TCM massage therapy. Combining acupressure points and massage techniques, this modality can be employed to treat the body without using needles. It is best suited for physical and structural ailments.

For cupping sessions targeting a specific and limited body area, (ex: shoulder or lower back) 30-minute sessions suffice.

To cup the entire back, or to have acupressure massage incorporated into the treatment, please book a 60-minute session.

Please note: Cupping treatments result in distinctly noticeable and sometimes superficially tender bruises at the treated areas. These markings naturally disperse over 1-2 weeks.

The foundation of our physical health is nutrition. No prescription or therapy can replace it. 

TCM dietary theory can be helpful for patients confused about how and what to eat.

It is imperative to eat correctly when a patient's main concern is gastrointestinal health.

Understanding the effects of food on the body is similar to the mechanics of Herbal Medicine. A TCM practitioner can help you learn to choose the right foods for your body.

Qi gong and meditation are ways to manage and cultivate our energy, to bring both stillness and flow into our lives. 

Qi gong involves simple, rhythmic, repetitive movements, coupled with deep steady breathing, and focused mental intent.

The benefits of meditation are now well known, but the practice may still elude and confuse people. TCM theory has detailed maps of optimal energy flow, no need to reinvent the wheel.