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What Is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is an ancient healing science that encompasses several forms of treatment. It has been used for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries safely and effectively. It is based on the concept that the body is Energy and this energy flows through the body to keep it balanced, healthy, and whole. When the energy or Qi (pronounced “Chee”) is blocked it produces imbalances within the body which manifest as dysfunction or dis-ease. To unblock and improve the smooth flow of Qi, we use acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, cupping, and herbs.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the use of tiny, single-use, sterile needles that are inserted into specific points along the body to unblock the Qi. Each point sends a specific message through the extracellular matrix within your body. When points are combined in the treatment they remind your body to do what it was designed to do, which is to heal itself. Your body’s “Factory Reset”.) When there is a smooth flow of Qi, there is Health, when there is a blockage, there is a disease. Because your whole Being is treated, often the treatment of one specific ailment will improve other aspects of your health as well. No side effects here, just side benefits! It is one of the safest healing methods known.

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Chinese traditional medicine moxibustion therapy

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the use of the herb known as mugwort. Mugwort has a bioenergetic quality that allows your body to absorb it for additional healing. It is most often burned in a cigar type tube and gently and slowly moved over specific points along your body. (It doesn’t touch you or burn you.) The points absorb the energy of the moxa and this encourages the Qi in your body to move and help your body heal. This is often used when you are very depleted energetically and you need an additional boost or you are energetically cold.

Cupping

Cupping is a technique that has been used in cultures around the globe for thousands of years. It is designed to pull toxins from deeper tissues of the body to the surface of the skin. In ancient times people used pieces of horn to do cupping. Today we use glass or plastic cups which create a vacuum seal that pulls the blockages to the surface.

Physical pain is an indication of energy and/or physical blockage. Often when toxin accumulation is present, so is pain. When energy and blood flow become limited, it is difficult for your body to repair itself. Through cupping, we can remove blockages and pull toxins to the surface where the capillary system carries off waste to be excreted. In addition to carrying off waste, fresh blood is brought to the area, it’s revitalized and begins the healing process. 

Like Michael Phelps before his Olympic swim, there is a chance you may have marks that look like bruises after your cupping. The color indication chart shows the different reactions that can happen from cupping and why. 

young woman receiving cupping treatment on back
Natural herbs medicine

Herbs

Chinese medicine also uses herbs to help the body heal on an internal and external level. Taken internally, Chinese herbs are designed specifically for what is happening in your body. They may be warming or cooling and may have the property of moving Qi up or down in your body depending on what you need. 

Externally Chinese herbs are applied to areas of dysfunction with plaster or may be in a liquid form that is spread on your injured area. These herbs are often used in place of ice for acute injuries (and work far better than ice!) because they move Blood and Qi that is causing your swelling and pain. Other herbs are used after acute injuries to help warm the area and continue your healing process.

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