Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine is a holistic system of medicine that originated in China over 2000 years ago based on observations of nature and of the human body. Health is dependent on the healthy functioning of the body’s organs and the free flow of energy. Disease is described as an imbalance between qi, blood, yin, and yang, which are vital substances in the body. An imbalance in these substances creates a state of deficiency or excess that can be the result of injury, disease, environmental exposures, stress, improper diet and activities. Treatment is aimed at removing the cause of illness, correcting the imbalance and tailoring treatment to each person’s individual constitution. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and other non-needling techniques such as tui na massage therapy, acutonics, moxabustion, cupping, dietary and exercise therapies are all used to help bring about balance and health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe way to treat many problem’s with one’s health, whether it be to help prevent illness or speed recovery from injury and illness. Acupuncture needles are used to stimulate energy at specific points in the body. This energy is what we call (Qi) “pronounced Chi”, that flows in the body through a network of channels and influences and regulates our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is the manipulation of this energy that imbalances in the body can be corrected. Health requires a balanced movement of Qi. When Qi moves freely, the body’s physical and emotional state will harmonize, health will optimize, and disease will dissipate. Acupuncture works effectively because it targets the root of the disease based in the individual’s constitution. Acupuncture can be used to both prevent and treat illness by restoring normal bodily functions. Acupuncture can be used alone or as a complement to conventional biomedicine.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture involves the use of fine, sterilized disposal needles or pressure applied to points throughout the body where an individual’s Qi can be accessed and adjusted. The insertion of the needles are relatively painless, and some may not even feel them going in. With correct stimulation the movement of Qi for a patient may cause a sensation that has been described as heaviness, distention, or tingling. This sensation may be felt at the location of the needle only or may travel up or down the meridian (energy pathway) that is being affected. This sensation is what the acupuncturist wants to happen for the patient, as it is a sign that the patient’s Qi is adjusting towards balance. When the Qi is balanced an immediate overall increase sense of well-being is experienced. Acupuncture can relax, energize, nourish, and decrease pain from the body.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture has truly been gaining widespread acknowledgement in its ability to effectively treat pain and promote health. It is an ancient therapeutic modality effectively used for centuries. The language and system of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine evolved from observation of nature, of how the body reacts to illness, and of the human body. More research is becoming available to help explain and validate the effectiveness of acupuncture in Western medical terms. The National Institute of Health released a consensus report detailing its use and proven efficacy for pain and promoting health. Western research into the mode of action of acupuncture has revealed important insights into the physiology of its’ healing action. Acupuncture can relax muscles, decrease inflammation, and promote blood circulation. It can calm and relax the mind and body, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Acupuncture stimulates wound healing by stimulating our body’s innate healing mechanisms to encourage healing of old injuries, organ dysfunction and disease. In China, acupuncture is used effectively during surgery for anesthesia. Ongoing research in the effect of acupuncture continues to inform us of its’ amazing possibilities for healing.
Non-needling Methods
Acupressure, moxabustion, gua sha, cupping, and tuning forks are other modalities that apply Chinese medicine treatment principles. For those who are afraid of needles, these modalities are an alternative to or used alongside with acupuncture needling and can be applied to help treat, support and balance one’s body. Gua sha, cupping, and moxabustion are ancient Chinese treatment modalities that help add energy to the body or release excess energy, and can feel very relaxing when used appropriately.
Dr. Alysa Nguyen uses acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat a wide range of conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established that acupuncture can treat:
- Addiction
- Anxiety/Depression/Stress
- Arthritis/Joint pain
- Auto-immune disorders
- Back Pain
- Bell’s Palsy/paralysis
- Chemotherapy side effects
- Cold/flu symptoms
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Headaches/Migraines
- High Cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Immune deficiencies
- Infertility
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Menopause
- Muscle stiffness/Arthralgia
- Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Paralysis/numbness
- Post-operative pain management
- PMS
- Sciatica/nerve pain
- Sinusitis and Asthma
- Skin disorders
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Sports Injuries
- Weight control