Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was originated in ancient China and has a history of over two thousand years. Chinese medicine uses the theory of Yin and Yang and the theory of Wu Xing to explain the mechanism of balancing the function of the body.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM for short, is a form of therapy that includes many different modalities including acupuncture, Tui Na (also known as acupressure massage), cupping, moxibustion, Gua Sha (also known as scraping therapy), and herbal medicine. In addition, your TCM Practitioner and Acupuncturist will also provide lifestyle counselling, diet modification, and even exercise prescription.
These different forms of treatment methods are collectively used to treat orthopedic conditions, injuries, respiratory problems, reproductive health, bladder or bowel related issues, stress, chronic fatigue, insomnia, digestive disorders, anxiety, skin issues, auto-immune diseases, and more. The aim is to use natural remedies to provide symptom relief with as few side effects as possible. TCM can additional be used for preventative wellness, fatigue, post-surgery recovery, diarrhea or constipation, and immune system boosting.
Why TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine views everything in the body as a large interactive system. In essence, TCM takes a whole body approach when it comes to maintaining health. It views each organ and their function as it relates to other systems in the body. The driving force of these system is known as Qi which is responsible for healthy function.
Qi is composed of two opposite forces, yin and yang. Both of these are in perfect balance in individuals with good health. It is believed that disease occurs when the balance between yin and yang becomes upset due to lifestyle or external factors such as poor sleep hygiene, stress, low quality nutrition, and exposure to pathogens.
What does acupuncture do?
Acupuncture uses thin sterilized needles that are used inserted into acupuncture points in the body (also known as meridians). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the needles are used to stimulate Qi within the point to rebalance the body’s organ systems. In doing so, it improves the body’s innate ability to heal to overcome dysfunctions and stresses causes by the yin and yang imbalance.
The meridians tend to be found along nervous system pathways as well which is why acupuncture has been adopted by Western Medicine (also known as medical acupuncture). Stimulation of the nervous system, or the fascia found along it, using acupuncture has been shown to help with a number of physical conditions. Techniques such as ‘dry needling’ or ‘trigger point needling’ are used in these circumstances to reduce pain and to improve mobility.
Due to the thinness of the needles, acupuncture is usually pain-free and if anything relaxing enough to fall asleep during treatment! The needles are thinner than a strand of hair, and is barely felt when inserted. For those who are new to acupuncture, your practitioner will take this into consideration by using the thinnest needles available.
First visit expectations
Your first visit will be an initial assessment with a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and/or Registered Acupuncturist. During this appointment, a thorough history of what you’re experiencing will be explored by your practitioner. From there a physical examination of your tongue, abdomen, pulse, and other signs will be used to diagnose you. This appointment is 90 minutes long and includes a treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, treatments may include moxibustion, Tui Na, acupressure, Gua Sha, cupping, Chinese herb prescription, and of course acupuncture.
Follow up treatments normally are 45 to 60 minutes long, which include a re-assessment in order to verify that things are progressing. A full treatment program may be between 5 to 10 sessions depending on your specific diagnosis.
For this visit it is recommended to bring loose comfortable clothing that will give the practitioner access to your limbs. It is recommended to bring a pair of shorts, and a tank-top or sports bra. This will allow the practitioner to accurately assess and treat you.
Additional Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments Used
Tui Na
Tui Na is a soft tissue therapy technique that involves using hands-on massage to stimulate the flow of Qi to restore balance. It uses the same principles as acupuncture to bring the body back to harmony. Depending on what’s needed to restore yin and yang, Tui Na may involve deep tissue massage, or gentle strokes, or relaxative pressure.
Acupressure
Acupressure is another technique system that is also used to restore the flow of qi. Instead of dynamic strokes found in Tui Na, acupressure uses static and sustained pressure to trigger a bodily response.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves the use of glass, plastic or silicone cups that are placed at specific points in the body. These cups create a vacuum that draw the skin upwards into them. This causes an opening of the skin’s pores, increased blood flow, and rebalances the flow of qi. This is often used to release fascia, reduce trigger points, relax muscles, and even clear swelling.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the application of heat through the burning of moxa which is made from the mugwort plant. The moxa is used to warm acupuncture points, and other regions like the abdomen with the goal of triggering a circulatory response and to improve the flow of qi. This is used in conditions like chronic fatigue, recovery from illness, and fluid accumulation.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is the oldest form of scraping therapy. It uses beveled tools and skin lubricants to rub against your skin. The tools is pressed against the skin in the direction of targeted meridians. This may cause petechia or bruising on the surface of your skin. This is completed to stimulate the body’s healing response so that it can move on from any chronic inflammation.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
At times your Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner may prescribe or recommend Chinese herbal medicine to assist in your recovery. These are usually plant based involving the leaves, roots, stems, seeds, or flowers of the herb. Sometimes minerals and animal products are used instead. A combination of different herbs or products may be used to balance the yin and yang energies in the body. Chinese herbal medicines may come in the form of powders, liquids, lotions, tablets, or pastes.