About Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture—Acupuncture is just one
treatment modality among several that collectively form what is
called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Chinese medicine has
been a comprehensive system of medicine that has been practiced
for over 3000 years. According to TCM theory, qi ("chee")
flows through distinct channels that not only cover the entire
surface of the body but also travel deep within the body to connect
with the organs. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles
into points on the body that correspond with the channels of qi.
The needles adjust the flow of qi in order reestablish balance
in the body. In Chinese there is a saying - "If there is
pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no
pain". Acupuncture frees the flow to treat pain and illness.
Chinese Herbal Medicine—Herbal medicine
is the main treatment modality within TCM. Over the past 2000
years Chinese physicians have systematically classified over 5000
substances according to their medicine action. Herbal formulas
are based on an individual's diagnosis. This means that each patient
receives a customized prescription based on their disease, diagnosis,
and underlying constitution. Herbs can be given in a variety of
forms, taken both internally and externally, including decoctions
of whole dried herbs, pills, teas, granules, ointments, and poultices.
