About Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is just one treatment modality among several that collectively form what is called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Chinese medicine has been a comprehensive system of medicine that has been practiced for over 3000 years. According to TCM theory, qi ("chee") flows through distinct channels that not only cover the entire surface of the body but also travel deep within the body to connect with the organs. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into points on the body that correspond with the channels of qi. The needles adjust the flow of qi in order reestablish balance in the body. In Chinese there is a saying – "If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain". Acupuncture frees the flow to treat pain and illness.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the main treatment modality within TCM. Over the past 2000 years Chinese physicians have systematically classified over 5000 substances according to their medicine action. Herbal formulas are based on an individual's diagnosis. This means that each patient receives a customized prescription based on their disease, diagnosis, and underlying constitution. Herbs can be given in a variety of forms, taken both internally and externally, including decoctions of whole dried herbs, pills, teas, granules, ointments, and poultices.