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Acupuncture Plus

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the world's oldest, continually practiced form of medicine with a history that goes back over 2,500 years. Although historically practiced in China and other Asian countries, many physicians now recognize the benefits of TCM therapy and it has gained widespread acceptance in the United States and other western countries. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are the two most recognized therapies of TCM. Almost one-quarter of the world’s population has been treated by Chinese medicine or related traditional medicines. TCM uses traditional herbal formulas, acupuncture and other related therapies to treat patients in a holistic manner, that is, the overall wellbeing of the patient and not only targeting a specific complaint.

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TCM uses different diagnosis and treatment methods than Western Medicine. TCM tries to determine the cause of illness and then treat the root cause, rather than the specific symptoms. The basis of TCM is that disease is caused by body health imbalance. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary changes, will help to bring body balance back again.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of fine needles at specific points along energy pathways in the body called meridians. The needles used are disposable and used one time only. In Traditional Chinese Medical theory, the needles stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced chee) in the body or life force energy. Disease occurs when body Qi is blocked or has lost the free flow of vital energy. This energy regulates emotional, mental and physical balance.

The Chinese medical theory is that by insertion of acupuncture needles at specific points along energy pathways in the body called meridians, the energy flow is unblocked to balance the body’s Qi and restores the harmonious energy that is present in healthy individuals. Needles may be inserted at the site of the condition or at points distant from it. Acupuncture also adjusts the Qi of the internal organs, enabling the body to adjust to the injury and heal faster.

Western medicine explains acupuncture’s effects through a different theory by which acupuncture stimulates brain chemistry, releases serotonin and melatonin. Acupuncture can correct neurotransmitter imbalances and impact endocrine and immune function.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

The gentle insertion of fine, flexible needles may cause a feeling of pressure, heaviness or a tingling sensation. Most people describe any discomfort as minor and many people relax to the point where they fall asleep during treatment. The curative effects of acupuncture, in any case, far outweigh any initial discomfort that may be experienced.

What can Acupuncture treat?

 

Acupuncture is highly effective in managing pain, reducing stress, increasing vitality and energy, and enhancing the immune system’s ability to eliminate health threats. Below is a partial list of conditions commonly treated by Acupuncture:

 

Neurological and Muscular Disorders: Headache and Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Shingles, Sciatica, Bell’s Palsy, Dizziness, Parkinson’s Disease, Post Stoke Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Neck pain, Back pain, Knee pain, Tendonitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Facial Palsy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Emotional Conditions: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia.

 

Digestive Disorders: Indigestion, Constipation, Diarrhea, Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acute and Chronic Colitis, Acute and Chronic Gastritis

 

Respiratory Conditions: Allergies, Sinusitis, Acute Rhinitis, Asthma, Emphysema, Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Common Cold

Skin Disorders: Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema

 

Circulatory Conditions: Hypertension, Poor Circulation, Edema

 

Gynecological and Genitourinary: Infertility, PMS, Pre-Menopause and Menopause Syndrome, Urinary Tract Infection, Impotence, Prostatitis

 

Other: Stop Smoking, Weight Loss, Addiction

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   Cupping

        Cupping is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum that is created in a cup(s), either by heat or by suction     

        on the patient's skin to dispel stagnation—stagnant blood and lymph, there-by improving qi flow—to treat respiratory diseases such as

        the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis. Cupping also is used on back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions.

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   Moxibustion

        Moxibustion evolved thousands of years ago in China. It involves the burning of moxa, an herbal wool made from the leaves of the      

        Mugwort plant, over specific acupoints.The "Moxa stick" is the most common form which moxibustion is used to promote healing.  The
        moxa stick can be held in one place, rotated in circles, or 'pecked' in a motion over the area. The practitioner places a finger next to the

        point to maintain a comfortable level of heat and to guard ​the patient from the unlikely risk of burn. The radiant heat produced by          

        moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body to restore balance, promote circulation, and reduce pain. This form of treatment, usually

        combined with acupuncture, is indicated for improving general health and treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, digestive

        disorders, pain, infertility, and many other ailments.

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   Acupressure

        Acupressure is an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body's natural     

        self-curative abilities. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Using the power and sensitivity of the hand, Acupressure

        Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the

        immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health.

 

 

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