A common misconception about Chinese medicine is that it consists solely of herbal remedies and  needle acupuncture.  Traditional methodologies of Asian medicine include bone setting, fracture healing, spinal alignment, and body structure adjustment. Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes many different therapies, often simultaneously to work with the body's natural systems.  Restoring balance and harmony is the root of Chinese medicine.

Therapies include:

Tui Na

Tui Na literally means "push and pull". Using pressure, manipulation and a variety of push/pull rhythmic techniques Tui Na therapy promotes optimization of the body's natural blood and chi flow.  Through compression and deep tissue rubbing, the external body is realigned, and the internal organ systems are allowed to function properly. 

Tui Na is actually considered superior to acupuncture because it not only stimulates meridians but actually can be used for bone and internal healing. Often, follow-up exercises are prescribed as preventative measures to keep the body in optimum condition.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of massage therapy popularized by the Japanese through the practice of Shiatsu.  Acupressure utilizes the same functions of the meridian systems acupuncture points, but is not invasive.  Pressure and manipulation are used instead of needles.

The applications of acupressure are limitless.  For example, if a client is suffering from heart palpitations, applying proper techniques to a point on the skull can alleviate this condition.

Moxibustion

This is yet another technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the herb mugwort is ground into a fluff.  Then it is burned just above the skin in conjunction with acupuncture points.  It provides a penetrating heat that can readily enter the meridian channels to influence the flow of chi and blood.

Pa Kuan (cupping)

Pa Kuan was developed at least two thousand years ago.  It is directly related to acupuncture points in which blockages in a particular meridian are removed, releasing stagnant blood or energy. 

The fundamental reason for using cupping as pain management is to increase circulation.   Muscles and tissues of the body become tightened due to stress, injury, improper posture; thus blood vessels are and capillaries are constricted. 

When circulation is poor, oxygen supply is depleted which causes the body to respond with symptoms such as soreness, aching, fatigue and numbness.  Plastic or glass cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created which pulls blood toward the surface repeatedly.  This, in turn, allows fresh oxygenated blood to flow into the tissues. 

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbalism is a popular modality of healing in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Evidence shows that herbal preparations have been used as far back as 2000 B.C.E.

The same underlying principles and theories of acupuncture hold true for herbalism, although herbs tend to be much more specific in actions and target goals.  Many factors must be considered when preparing herbal formulas.  The essence of herbal remedy lies in the skill of the practitioner in modifying and fine-tuning the formulas in order to match the characteristics of the patient's harmony.

In Western cultures, herbs and acupuncture point therapies are often separated, but actually, knowledge of both are sometimes crucial for success as both modalities work together to balance the overall system.

Herbal saunas rely on the body's largest organ, the skin.  During herbal sauna treatment, pores in the skin are opened, thus allowing the herbal formula to penetrate the skin, enter the body's tissues and blood stream.  Herbal saunas can heal bone fractures, sprains, arthritis, muscular strain, ligament or tendon damage, and skin problems.  

To schedule an appointment or ask a question call Master Chen at 772 692-0336.