ELEMENTAL HEALING ARTS
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TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Over 5,000 years Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved complex methods of diagnosis and treatment tailored to the individual’s subtle patterns of disharmony. This allows it to not only treat fully manifest diseases, but also to assist in maintaining health and balance (i.e. wellness) to prevent illnesses from occurring. Treatment in TCM consists of four main modalities:
Acupuncture
Because the needles are about the thickness of a hair, insertion is often hardly felt at all. There may be an occasional sharpness or a dull ache, but these sensations are only momentary and far less unpleasant than a western injection.
Your health is our primary concern. We use only one time only, disposable needles. Sterilization procedures for other implements protects against the transfer of AIDS, hepatitis and other viral and infectious diseases.
Many major insurance policies cover part of the expenses of acupuncture treatments. We suggest you check your particular policy. If you are not covered, voice your concern to the company letting them know that you have been effectively treated by a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
The duration of the disease, the amount of deterioration, and the constitution of each patient must be taken into account when determining the number of treatments necessary. Generally, acute diseases can be treated successfully within a few treatments. Chronic problems which have taken years to develop will not be “cured” overnight. Your practitioner will explain his report of findings to you as well as a variety of treatment protocols.
In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the ability of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to treat nearly four dozen common ailments, including:
* Stress based disorders
* emotional and psychological disorders
* circulatory disorders
* addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs
* respiratory disorders
* gastrointestinal conditions
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called “moxa” are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Moxa is usually made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort (Artemesia argyi or A.vlugaris).
Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and meridian points with the intention of stimulating the blood and energy of the body, moving the blockages which cause pain, while improving circulation. Moxibustion therapy is considered to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, “deficient conditions” (weakness), and gerontology.
Tests have shown that vitamin C reduces an immediate allergic reaction by decreasing the producing of histamine. It is a natural antihistamine and it helps relieve allergic symptoms and prevent inflammatory reactions. Green and red peppers, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, potatoes, cabbage.
When converted to Vitamin A, it helps boost immunity and keeps the respiratory system working optimally. It also is a powerful antioxidant. Sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, winter squash, collard greens.
By relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes, this mineral may reduce constricted airways in asthma. It can buffer the acidic stage of an allergic reaction. Some think a deficiency in magnesium can release histamine. Almonds, spinach, avocados, oysters, seeds, peanuts, buckwheat.
Rich in bioflavonoids. It can reduce allergic reactions by having an antihistamine effect. It also decreases inflammation. Apples, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, pears, spinach, kale, cabbage.
In addition, ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It may provide some relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes.
Herbal Medicine & Nutritional Therapy
Dietary Advice (Traditional Chinese Nutrition)
The saying ‘You are what you eat’ Is as true in Chinese Medicine as it is elsewhere. Acupuncturists believe a healthy digestive system (Spleen and Stomach) is central to maintaining good health. It is important for you take care with your diet and eat those things which can help improve your condition and avoid those which can make it worse.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine diet is considered the first line of defense in health matters. In some cases the person will have to straighten out the diet before the herbs can work properly or before the medicinal herbs are even given.
Unfortunately, this time of year brings a lot of misery to people in the form of red, watery eyes, runny noses, and sneezing. Pollen levels raise and in turn increase allergic symptoms. In addition to pollen, other allergens such as animal dander and dust mites affect many people throughout the year.
One way to help decrease the severity of your allergies is to boost your immunity with immune-enhancing foods. These foods will have high levels of vitamin C, magnesium, beta-carotene, and quercetin.
Tuina Massage
What is Tuina Massage?
Tuina uses the Traditional Chinese Medical theory of channels and collaterals (meridians or pathways), and the flow of the Chi energy as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques, Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious Chi energy through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tuina methods include the use of hand and arm techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the flow of Chi energy through the system of channels and collaterals, and manipulation techniques to realign the muscular-skeletal relationships.