Treatment Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points, known as acupoints, are believed to lie along channels of energy, called meridians, that flow through the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy through these meridians can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture is believed to restore balance to the body's energy and promote healing by stimulating acupoints. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare that has been practiced in China for more than 2,000 years. It is based on the belief that the body has natural healing processes that can be stimulated through the use of various therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and fire cupping.

What can acupuncture help treat?

Acupuncture is often used to treat a variety of conditions including:

  • Pain: Acupuncture is often used to treat various types of pain, including chronic pain, headache, and back pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture may be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery, or pregnancy.
  • Addiction: Acupuncture may be used to help people overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Mental health conditions: Acupuncture may be used to improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
  • Digestive disorders: Acupuncture may be effective in relieving symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
  • Respiratory conditions: Acupuncture may be helpful in relieving symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
  • Gynecological conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and infertility.
  • Urinary tract conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat urinary tract conditions such as incontinence and urinary tract infections.
  • Cardiovascular conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and angina.
  • Dermatological conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
  • Neurological conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
  • Eye conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions: Acupuncture may be used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

While acupuncture is generally considered safe, it is important to use a trained and licensed practitioner to ensure that the needles are inserted properly and to minimize the risk of complications. It is also important to discuss the use of acupuncture with a healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for a particular condition.

How can acupuncture help in pain management?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy through the body's meridians can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture is believed to restore balance to the body's energy and promote healing by stimulating acupoints along these meridians.

There is some evidence to suggest that acupuncture may be effective in reducing pain. It is believed to work by releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, and by reducing inflammation. Acupuncture may also improve blood flow and stimulate the production of natural steroids, which can help to reduce pain and swelling.

Acupuncture as a complementary or alternative treatment

Acupuncture is a form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) that is often used in conjunction with traditional Western medicine. Complementary medicine refers to treatments that are used alongside conventional medical treatments, while alternative medicine refers to treatments used in place of conventional treatments.

Acupuncture is often used to treat a variety of health conditions, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and addiction. It may also be used to improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture has been gaining popularity in Western medicine in recent years due to the increasing number of clinical studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating certain health conditions. In addition, acupuncture is seen as a safe and low risk treatment option, with few side effects reported. Many people find acupuncture to be a helpful complement to their overall treatment plan, particularly when used in combination with other therapies such as medication and physical therapy.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is generally considered to be a safe and relatively painless procedure. Some people may experience a mild sensation when the needles are inserted, but this is usually described as a brief, dull ache or a feeling of pressure rather than sharp pain. It is normal to feel a sensation of warmth or tingling around the needle, which is thought to be a sign that the acupuncture is working.

While some people may be more sensitive to acupuncture than others, most people do not find the treatment to be painful. The acupuncturist will generally use very thin needles and insert them to a shallow depth, which minimizes discomfort. Some people may feel a bit drowsy or relaxed after the treatment, but this is generally not a cause for concern.

Other effective traditional Chinese therapies

In addition to acupuncture, fire cupping is also a popular traditional treatment modality that involves placing a cup on the skin and creating a vacuum by heating the air inside the cup. This causes the skin and underlying tissues to be drawn into the cup, creating a suction effect. Fire cupping is usually performed on the back, but it can also be done on other parts of the body.

The suction created by teh cups is believed to stimulate the flow of qi, or energy, and blood in the body. It is thought to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. Fire cupping may also be used to treat a variety of health conditions, including pain, respiratory issues, and digestive problems.

To perform fire cupping, the practitioner will heat a small glass or plastic cup using a flame, and then place the cup on the skin. The cup is usually left in place for a few minutes, during which time the suction effect is created. The practitioner may also use a massage-like technique to move the cups around on the skin to stimulate certain areas.

Fire cupping is generally considered to be a safe therapy. Some people may experience mild bruising or redness after the treatment, but this is usually temporary and resolves on its own.

What to expect after fire cupping?

Bruising that occurs after fire cupping is usually the result of the suction effect causing small blood vessels in the skin to burst. The color of the bruise can vary depending on the age of the injury and the amount of blood that has been released into the surrounding tissue.

Typically, a bruise will start out as a reddish or purplish color, which is caused by the blood that is freshly oxygenated and has not yet been broken down by the body. As the days go by, the color may change to a bluish or greenish hue, which is due to the presence of iron in the blood. Finally, the bruise will turn yellow or brown as the body breaks down and removes the blood from the tissue.

It is not uncommon for people to experience different colors of bruising after fire cupping, as the color can change over time as the bruise heals. Bruising is usually not a cause for concern and will typically resolve on its own within a few days to a week. If you are concerned about the color or appearance of a bruise, or if the bruise is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or pain, it is always a good idea to consult with our practitioner.

What can TCM help treat?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare that has been developed and practiced in China for more than 2,000 years. It is based on the idea that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that balance and harmony within the body are essential for good health. TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, fire cupping, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations, to address a wide range of health conditions.

TCM is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and diarrhea
  • Respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, long COVID, and bronchitis
  • Cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Mental and emotional conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia
  • Musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis, low back pain, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia
  • Gynecological conditions, such as infertility, PMS, and menopause
  • Skin conditions, such as eczema and acne
  • Addiction and substance abuse
  • Cancer such as complete remission, partial remission, stable disease, progressive disease or palliative care

It is always important to consult with our traditional Chinese medicine doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific health needs.

How does TCM work?

TCM practitioners use a holistic approach to healthcare, which means that they take into account the person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being when diagnosing and treating various health conditions. They believe that the body is interconnected and that maintaining balance and harmony within the body is essential for good health.

TCM is often used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with Western medicine, and many people find it to be a helpful complement to their overall treatment plan.