Acupuncture is a therapy method that originated in ancient China. It is non-prescription therapy in which fine metal needles are inserted into acupoints (specific spots) that represent the concentration of vital energy/Qi and where needles can regulate the flow of Qi around the whole body. In most cases, the needles are manually manipulated. In some cases, a small electrical impulse is added to the needles.
Disease or symptoms treated with acupuncture:
Chinese herbal medicine always contains more than one single herb. The concept of multiple herbs composes an herbal formula based on the principle of synergizing therapeutic effects and antagonizing toxicity or side effects of each individual herb. This concept was contributed by the Chinese herbalist, Dr. Zhongjing Zhang in Han Dynasty, almost 1800 years ago. As a result, this principle continues to serve the Chinese herbal medicine until today. It is also the concept of the modern pharmacology.
Cupping therapy is an ancient therapeutic procedure that has been used in China for thousands of years. It is a form of myofascial relief therapy, which involves the application of a vacuum produced by the placement of cups on the skin. In conventional medicine, the skin is considered the largest organ. It contains fluid, blood, blood vessels, connective tissue, and muscle and is rich in nerve supplies. By creating suction, cupping can activate the lymphatic system, drain excess fluids and toxins, clear colon blockages, loosen adhesions via lifting connective tissue, and bring fresh blood flow to stagnant soft tissues. The vacuum is typically generated by means of heat from a burning alcohol cotton ball or a pump. By drawing up the underlying tissues, the meridians are opened, enhancing Qi flow and promoting the healing process. Cupping is not only a diagnostic tool, but also a therapeutic method. Cupping can leave some bruise-like marks on the area treated, which indicates local abnormalities. The cupping marks will go away in a few days. Cupping is usually used to treat the various musculoskeletal pain, asthma, cough, and muscle aches.
Chinese medicine is an independent system of a medical practice developed over two millennia, which is rooted in the philosophy, logic, sense, sensibility, and habits of a civilization entirely foreign to Westerners. It has therefore developed its own perception of health and illness. For instance, when a patient is told by a Chinese medical provider that there is liver Qi stagnation in the body, it means the liver energy flow is blocked. However, when the liver organ presents abnormal lab test or liver diseases, it also a type of the Liver Qi stagnation. Tongue observation and pulse taking are vital diagnostic methods that Chinese medicine relies on for determining a pattern of the disharmony of a patient’s emotional as well as physical status at every visit.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medical technique that involves the application of heat to the acupoints to promote Qi flow and restore the Yang deficiency, or remove the “Cold Pathogens”. The heat is typically produced by the burning of mugwort (moxa in the Latin), an herbal roll to facilitate healing. Moxibustion is as old as acupuncture. It can be used independently or as adjunct to acupuncture by placing the heat to the distant handle of an inserted acupuncture needle. Recent research studies indicate burning moxa stick over the acupoint of BL 67 can correct breech position.
Acupuncture:
Herbal medicine:
Recommend reading: The Web That Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine – May, 2000
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