Traditional Chinese Medicine… The foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is acupuncture: the insertion of sterile, disposable very thin needles into energetic points that exist on a person’s body. These points run along energetic pathways, or meridians. Acupuncture is used to strengthen qi (energy in the body, pronounced “chee”) where it is weak, or disperse it in areas where it is congested. In addition, Chinese medicine works with other modalities to activate qi in the body, including herbal medicine, massage, cupping, and nutritional counseling.
how chinese herbs work… Chinese herbal formulas are different from Western herbs. Usually, in Western herbal medicine, one or two herbs are used to treat a given symptom. Chinese herbs work together synergistically. Even if the same herb is used in two different formulas, it doesn’t mean that the formulas treat the same condition. How the combination of herbs works together is as important as the individual functions of each herb. It has been proven by Western research that acupuncture does have physiological effects such as immune system enhancement, release of pain-killing endorphins, and better functioning of the hormone system. Acupuncture and herbal medicine should be seen as complementary to Western Medicine.
