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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is probably one of the oldest complementary therapies and continuously practiced systems of medicine in the world that came into being following five thousand years of observation and analysis. This unique medical system is used to treat a wide range of disease, and is of special use in treating various kinds of pain and psychological problems. Also it can prevent illness, maintain health, and fight disease. TCM remedies possess few side effects and, unlike with drugs, tolerance does not build up over time.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture started in China more than 5,000 years ago. The Chinese believed diseases such as arthritis were caused by an imbalance in life forces: yin and yang. The imbalance leads to a blockage of qi (pronounced chee), a vital energy source in the body. Acupuncture was thought to unblock that energy, which helped ease the pain. For years, words like yin and yang relegated acupuncture to the fringe of medical science in the USA. The technique gained credibility during the 1980s and '90s as scientific studies began to suggest that acupuncture could trigger the release of natural painkillers.An analysis of 22 studies showed that acupuncture relieved lower back pain when compared with no treatment or with "fake" acupuncture in which needles were inserted in the wrong places. Several large studies reported in the past year and a half could push the technique into the mainstream.
What is Herbal Medicine? Herbal medicine has traditionally been the most fundamental method of TCM treatment for over 5000 years in China. Chinese herbal medicine consists of theory, strategy, formulas, and substances, A formulas is comprised of medicinal substances, the particular configuration of which is dictated by the organizing principle of the treatment strategy. If the pattern of a disorder is misdiagnosed, the treatment strategy will be incorrect, and its derivative formula will be ineffective. In Chinese medicine, formulas are customized to each patient based on his/her constitution and current medical condition, whereas in Western medicine, drugs are prescribed without regard to individual variations. These herbal formulas work to unblock the energy and to nourish, detoxify, and repair the organs. Another group of herbs, classified as "food grade herbs", are highly nutritious and easily added to the diet for general strengthening and maintaining a strong immune system.
How do nutrition and exercise work for the body? The origin of many common illnesses can be traced to improper eating habits, including overeating of fats and refined sugars, irregular eating, under-eating and rushed eating. Doctors of TCM suggest appropriate modifications in dietary habits and choices in order to prevent the development of serious illnesses, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Life style plays an important role in almost all illness. Experienced TCM practioners can gently guide and encourage a patient to properly manage his or her lifestyle. TCM offers numerous energy enhancing exercises, such as Tai Chi movement and Chi Gong. These mild exercises take very little time to practice and do not require a large workout space or special equipment. A patient can practice daily as a treatment and a preventative method.
What is cupping?
Cupping employs the application of glass or bamboo cups and to acupuncture points or an affected part of the body. The cupping is attached to the skin surface to cause lacal congestion through the negative pressure created by introducing heat in the form if an ignited material. The vacuum suction created by heat helps stimulate blood circulation and improve the flow of energy. The technique is useful for muscle injury, joint pain, headaches, infection, bronchial congestion, and other afflictions.
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion treats and prevents disease by applying heat at certain points or locations on the body. The material used is mainly " Moxa-wool" in the form of a cone or stick. It is used therapeutically to relieve traumatic pain, feeling of cold and debilitating conditions, such as weakness and fatigue. It is also used in coping with digestive and gynecological complaints. A condition that does not respond to acupuncture might instead be helped by moxibustion. Are there standards for acupuncture needles?
After reviewing the existing body of knowledge, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed acupuncture needles from the category of "experimental medical devices." The FDA now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does other devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes, under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair. The insertion is not like receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some heaviness, warmth, tingling or radiation along the meridian. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.
Are there any dangers?
The most common serious injury reported from the needles of acupuncture has been accidental puncture of the lung. This results in a partial collapse of the lung called pneumothorax. The most common infection reported from acupuncture treatments with reusable needles is viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver. Other side effects include bacterial infections locally at the site of needle insertion in the skin and elsewhere in the body. Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of the acupuncturist. In our practice, only single-use disposable needles are used, eliminating the risk of transmission of disease from one patient to another.
Who uses alternative medicine most? In the United States, 36% of adults are using some form of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine use spans people of all backgrounds. But, according to the survey, some people are more likely than others to use alternative medicine. Overall, alternative medicine use is greater by:
- Women than men.
- People with higher educational levels.
- People who have been hospitalized in the past year.
- Former smokers, compared with current smokers or those who have never smoked.