WHAT IS TCM? 

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago and has been used continuously throughout Asia both as a general healthcare system and by the elite for longevity and beauty. The asian philosophy of medicine has its primary focus on prevention.  In ancient times you did not pay a doctor if you got sick, the doctors job was to help stay healthy.

Since 1970, following the opening of China to the West, Acupuncture is now accepted by insurance carriers, used in hospitals and a respected form of treatment for many diseases.

Illnesses can be explained by imbalances of a life force or energy known as qi. Qi flows throughout the body and follows specific meridians and pathways, you can think of the freeway transport system. If the flow is interrupted or blocked, it can result in an imbalance, causing a person to be sick. Blockages can be traced to specific points, and stimulation of these points can restore the balance. Practitioners of TCM use a variety of techniques to address perceived imbalances of qi, including manual manipulation of patients and herbal medicines.

TCM focuses on first finding the root causes of imbalance and then harmonizing the flow of energy in our bodies. In TCM Acupuncture is believed to modulate the flow of energy in its pathways or meridians, to restore the body to harmonious balance. It is used in conjunction with herbal pharmacology, combined with diet, Chinese massage (TuiNa), and breathing techniques and exercise therapies (Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Nei Gung) to maximize health, prevent illness and treat disease.

According to Western medicine, the effects of Acupuncture are most likely the result of stimulating the nervous system to override other nerve impulses to reduce pain. This may in turn release other hormones producing the desired effects. This theory is supported by the basic research from the National Institute of Health and the World Health organization that has shown acupuncture's effect on ACTH, insulin, thyroid hormones, growth stimulating hormone, beta-endorphin, white blood cell production and plasma cholesterol levels and stimulating the release of a variety of other hormones that help body to respond to injury and stress. Scientists can now record some of these results with MRI's and thermography. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the immune system, have positive affects on circulation, blood pressure, as well as rhythm and stroke volume of the heart.

In TCM there are many approaches to treatment of disease. Many patients that come to see Acupuncturists may have inexplicable pains, or signs and symptoms that are real to the patient but for which there is no significant diagnosis in western medicine. Many other patients are referred to acupuncturists by M.D.'s in order to help enhance the effects of their western treatments. More and more there is a coming together of east and west in a combination of treatments that is very valuable to patients seeking better results and a higher level of health care.


Although one may feel significantly better after one session, especially in cases of acute pain or injury, in most cases the best results are achieved in a 10 to12 treatment program. Treatments are scheduled once or twice a week depending on the issues being addressed. There are also many who come once a week or twice a month to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reduce stress and tension and optimize energy and vitality.

I look forward to meeting you, hearing about and addressing your particular needs.