TCM Modalities
Acupuncture
Acupuncture utilizes fine, disposable needles to penetrate the skin and target specific acupuncture points. In Chinese medicine, the body's equilibrium relies on a harmonious interaction between yin and yang energies. By targeting meridian points, acupuncture aims to enhance the flow of Qi and restore normal bodily functions. Practitioners may employ various techniques like heat, pressure, massage, suction, or electromagnetic impulses to stimulate these points. Through activating the body's innate defense mechanisms, acupuncture has the potential to enhance the performance of particular systems such as the lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, circulatory, and immune systems.
Cupping
During a traditional cupping session, glass cups are heated with a flame, creating a vacuum when placed on the body due to the removal of oxygen by the flame. This vacuum effect pulls the skin inside the cup, stimulating blood flow, rebalancing the flow of qi, clearing obstructions, and facilitating the removal of toxins from the body. It can be likened to an inverted massage! It's worth noting that in my practice, I utilize silicone cups that do not need a flame to achieve the same vacuum effect.
The cups will be left in place for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. The practitioner may place several cups on the patient's body simultaneously (stationary cupping) or use 1 or 2 cups, applying oil, and sliding them up and down specific meridians (moving cupping). Cupping is mainly utilized for pain management and to address respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, and congestion.
Generally will cause bruising- which may last for a number of days
Moxibustion (Heat Therapy)
Moxibustion, also known as Moxa, is a type of heat therapy used to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body. The most common method of moxibustion is indirect, where the practitioner ignites a moxa stick (similar in shape and size to a cigar) and holds it slightly above the skin, often near an acupuncture needle insertion point, to provide gentle warmth to the area. The heat intensity is adjusted based on the patient's needs and comfort level. This treatment triggers a gradual localized vasodilation response, enhancing local blood circulation while offering a soothing and deeply relaxing effect.
When used together with acupuncture, moxibustion therapy has shown to be highly beneficial in treating a wide range of diseases and conditions. These include back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, migraines, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive issues, anxiety, and various female health concerns like menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a therapeutic method commonly utilized in Asia by Traditional Medicine practitioners, both in medical facilities and households, yet it remains relatively unfamiliar in Western countries. This technique entails palpation and stimulation of the skin's surface by applying pressure with a rounded tool, causing the formation of small red spots known as 'sha', which typically disappear within 2 to 3 days.
By performing Gua Sha, blood stagnation is eliminated, which is believed to be harmful, thus enhancing regular circulation and metabolic functions. This treatment provides instant relief from various symptoms such as pain, stiffness, fever, chills, cough, nausea, and more. Gua Sha is beneficial for both preventing and treating acute infectious diseases, as well as upper respiratory and digestive issues, along with numerous other acute or chronic conditions
**Generally will cause bruising- which may last for a number of days**
Nutritional (Eastern) Counselling
In Western nutrition theory, the emphasis is placed on having a balanced diet that incorporates the 4 food groups and follows the food pyramid, while also considering essential food components like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. According to Eastern nutrition principles, a well-rounded diet is founded on the holistic idea of yin and yang, showcasing how the thermal properties and taste of foods impact the body.
Four basic criteria for energetic classification of foods:
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Thermal nature: Hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold
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Flavour: Sweet, acrid, sour, bitter, salty
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Organ: Spleen, stomach, lung, large/small intestine, kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, heart
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Direction of movement: Upbearing, floating, downbearing, falling
The famous physician Sun Si Miao of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618—907) further emphasized the important role of dietary therapy:
“Dietary therapy should be the first step when one treats a disease. Only when this is unsuccessful should one try medicines.”
In a further quote, he emphasizes the preventive character of Chinese dietetics:
“Without the knowledge of proper diet, it is hardly possible to enjoy good health.”