Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of Diagnosis and healthcare that may be traced back to China as far as 5000 years for the herbal and 2500 years for the Acupuncture. TCM see the individual as an integral mind body organism. It is based on a holistic concept designed to cure illness and maintain health and well being. TCM ventures to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root cause through various modalities, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na Massage, dietary therapy, and qiqong (Chinese yoga). If balance is restored, the person heals. It is these disruptions in balance that are responsible for disease.

In the west TCM is often considered “alternative medicine”. However in both mainland China and Taiwan, TCM is considered to be an integral part of their health care system. Acupuncture is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Institute of Health (NIH).
 
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture uses specially placed hair thin needles to enhance the natural healing ability of the body. Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing. By inserting the needles at specific points in the body along acupuncture channels, the points have been identified to have the ability to affect biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Along the acupuncture channels there are specific acupuncture points that have a designated electrical sensitivity that stimulate various sensory receptors that can stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. Acupuncturists believe that within these channels an energy exists called qi (chee). It is when there is blockages or imbalances of this within the body and organ system is when disease develops. Within the human there are over 365 acupuncture points not including extra points and points located on Microsystems within the body ie: the ear. The Food and Drug Administration considers acupuncture needles to be legitimate medical instruments. At Eastern Healing we only use sterile disposable needles.
 
Chinese Herbal Medicine:
Herbal medicine dates back almost 5000 years. The Chinese systematically categorized close to 5800 substances that may be used when treating individuals. Most practioners are trained in about 400 of these herbs. These can range from flowers and roots to berries and animal parts. An herbal formula may be taken several different ways as a tea, pills, tincture, granules or topical as lotions and poultices.

An herbal formula is given to fit a pattern of disease that a particular patient may be presenting at the time of their visit. As the patient gets better and their symptoms change so does their formula until they are symptom free.

 

Western herbs tends to recommend 1or 2 herbs whereas a Chinese formula may be as few as 1or 2 herbs (rarely) but as many as 30 or more depending on the complexity of the condition. Herbal formulas are constructed in such a way to carefully mitigate any potential side effects that a single herb may present. The risk of side effects are low however if you do notice any side effects, please stop taking your herbs and consult your herbalist right away.

Before a formula can be administered a comprehensive exam must be done to evaluate the type of formula to be given. In Chinese medicine, due to our diagnostic system, we are able to treat the root or cause of a disease along with the branch or symptoms that it may present. This is why we are able to treat the whole body and mind rather than just the symptoms.
 
Tui Na Massage:
Tui Na is one of the four main branches of Chinese Medicine; its sister therapies are Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and Qi Gong. Tui Na dates back to nearly 2700 BC making it the forefather of all forms of massage and body work that exist today.

Tui Na differs from other forms of massage in that it is used to treat specific illnesses of an internal nature as well as musculoskeletal ailments. It is essential for a Tui Na practioner to have a clear understanding of the rationale of Chinese Medicine. It is also the first choice of treatment for infants and children.