What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a profound pathway to create the life you truly want to live. The modalities used to facilitate the process of natural healing, include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, exercise and lifestyle recommendations.

TCM has the power to unlock your true potential and help you develop and use your own unique gifts and talents. It’s insightful wisdom and ability to understand and address individual health needs empowers each person with a way to unite body, mind, and spirit—the foundation for lasting, authentic health. TCM teaches you how to live a life of balance, wellness, and harmony. It’s true that TCM is one of the oldest healing systems on the planet. It has actually been in continuous practice for thousands of years.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine system of balancing, regulating and strengthening the life force of the human body; called Qi (pronounced chee). Acupuncturists recognize particular pathways called “channels or meridians” through which Qi circulates throughout the body. The channels connect all of the internal organs with the rest of the body and provide a constant flow of energy to every cell. The imbalances or blockages in the flow of qi will result in illness, disease and pain. The gentle insertion of hair-thin sterile needles at specific points along the body’s channels of qi energy helps restore harmony at the deepest level for the body, mind, and spirit.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and the insertion is virtually painless for most patients. Each unique person experiences acupuncture treatment differently. Patients may feel nothing, heaviness, distention, dull ache, warmth and/or a tingling sensation. While the treatment may sometimes feel uncomfortable, it will rarely, if ever, produce pain. Your comfort, before, during, and after acupuncture, is of paramount importance. Do not hesitate to voice any concerns or reservations you may have before or during your treatment. Many patients experience a relaxed and peaceful state during the session.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

According to the World Health Organization and the National Institutes acupuncture is beneficial to treat:

  • Chronic and Acute Pain – Injuries, headaches, neck, shoulder, back & knee pain, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia,
  • Digestive Disorders – Irritable bowel, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, food allergies, ulcers.
  • Gynecological-PMS, painful or irregular menses, menopause, infertility.
  • Pregnancy -pre and post-partum care, breech, labor and delivery.
  • Neurological Disorders – Post-stroke recovery, Bell’s Palsy, Parkinsons, Trigeminal Neuralgia, movement disorders, neuropathy,
  • Respiratory Disorders – Asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis, colds and flu,
  • Immune Function – Recurrent infections, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, AIDS.
  • Addictions – Addictions to nicotine, alcohol and drugs.
  • Eye and Ear Disorders – Tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, impaired vision.
  • Psychological- Depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, insomnia.

What Can I Expect During the Treatment?

After selecting the acupuncture points, the skin will be cleaned with alcohol and then insertion a sterilized disposable needle will be placed that is as thin as a hair into the point. Often times patients will not feel the needle, but some may experience a slight feeling of heaviness or distention. After insertion, the needles stay in place for 20-30 minutes. Most patients feel pleasantly relaxed during this time. To enhance the effect of acupuncture, Nura may choose to use additional modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, as well as infra-red heat therapy. Chinese medicinal herbs may be prescribed to support the acupuncture treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments required depends on the nature of your complaint. For an acute condition, a single treatment may be sufficient to resolve it. A series of six to twenty treatments is found to be effective for many common complaints. Some chronic conditions may require a series of treatments over period of time. Adjunct TCM therapies and self-care techniques can be used to accelerate your progress and reduce the number of treatments required. This may include herbal medicine, moxibusition, dietary & lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplementation, energetic exercises. meditation and relaxation techniques.