Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used over the past 5,000 years as a method to treat a variety of medical conditions. TCM incorporates acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine and other therapeutic modalities.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture supports natural healing within the body to promote physical and emotional health. During treatments, fine sterile needles are inserted at specific points or acupoints on the body. Needles can be left in the skin for seconds or up to thirty minutes depending on the area being treated and the style of acupuncture. The same points can also be activated with hand pressure (acupressure).

There are a variety of different styles of acupuncture. As examples, Japanese Acupuncture uses the thinnest style of needles for patients who are sensitive, and for patients with chronic pain, a form of Intramuscular Stimulation (Gokavi Transverse Technique, GGT) maybe used in appropriate circumstances.

Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including but not limited to, the following:
• Anxiety, Depression and Stress
• Arthritis
• Back Pain, Sciatica
• Facial rejuvenation
• Headache / Migraine
• Immune Problems (sinusitis)
• Menopause / PMS
• Pregnancy, Effects of Pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Sports Injuries (tennis elbow, knee pain etc.)

How does Acupuncture work?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture activates the body’s natural flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Qi flows through the body on pathways called meridians. The meridian pathways are connected to specific organs and glands. If a meridian pathway becomes obstructed, the blockage can disrupt the organ or gland from functioning optimally. Acupuncture restores the body’s flow of Qi thus improving mental and physical wellbeing.

From a biological perspective, acupuncture produces natural healing responses in the body by increasing circulation, nutrients, and oxygen to the area being treated. Endorphins (natural pain relievers) and hormones are also released to the area being treated, reducing pain and promoting healing.

Cupping
During a cupping treatment, a vacuum is created under small glass cups as they are placed on top of the skin. Cupping increases the blood flow and Qi within the superficial muscle layers of the body. The treatments also reduce pain and tension.

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine promotes the body’s ability to heal and recuperate. A correctly chosen formula of herbs or supplements may be recommended to support the body’s natural healing process in addition to acupuncture.