| CHINESE MEDICINE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of medicine that is over 3,000 years old. It emphasizes the interconnection of all the systems within the body, and that balance throughout these systems results in overall health. Traditional Chinese Medicine is unique in that it is a comprehensive system that can be applied to treat any disorder or disease. Regular treatments to maintain health are also used to help prevent disease. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are the two core modalities that constitute Traditional Chinese Medicine. ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specifics points (acupuncture points) on the body. When acupuncture points are needled they have a regulating effect on the body, working to restore balance to the qi (pronounced “chee”, meaning energy) and blood flow of the patient. Acupuncture is virtually painless, but a slight sensation from the needle is essential for a successful treatment. CHINESE HERBS Chinese herbs are an essential aspect of Chinese Medicine and are used frequently at Revive Acupuncture. They are extremely effective, safe, and produce lasting results. Chinese herbs are comprised of plant, mineral, shell, and animal products. They are typically administered in a formula that is tailored to match each individual’s constitution and condition. The herbs within a formula are selected to balance each other and reduce the possible side effects of any one herb. At Revive Acupuncture we use only the highest quality, GMP (good manufacturing practice) certified herbs to ensure efficacy and patient safety. ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE Electro-acupuncture is essentially the same as manual acupuncture except that it uses a mild electrical current, attached to the needle, to provide constant stimulation to the point. Typically it is used for pain management or injury recuperation, but it may also be used on any point where excess stimulation is needed. Electro-acupuncture feels like tapping where the needle is located, and is not painful. MOXIBUSTION Moxibustion (Moxa) is the burning of the herb Mugwort over acupuncture points to warm and stimulate them. Before needles were used in China moxa was used exclusively. CUPPING Cupping is the application of glass cups to the skin after a flame has been held inside of it, creating a vacuum. The cups may be kept stationary or may be “run” (slid) over the affected area after applying an herbal liniment. Cupping has a profound affect at alleviating aches and pains in the body, and is also used to treat the common cold. TUINA Tuina (pronounced “tweenah”) is a form of deep tissue Asian massage that focuses on the energy meridians and acupuncture points throughout the body. GUA-SHA Gua-sha is the use of a hard edge, typically a Chinese soupspoon, to scrape over an area of pain after an herbal liniment has been applied. Much like cupping, gua-sha has a profound affect on areas of muscular aches and pain, and is also useful when treating the common cold. WESTERN HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS Western herbs and supplements offer another powerful alternative to pharmaceuticals. Although their use differs in theory from Chinese herbs, they are equally strong and effective. At Revive Acupuncture we prescribe western herbs and supplements frequently. NUTRITION At Revive Acupuncture we believe good nutrition is the key to a healthy life. Many chronic disorders arise from the typical American diet. Full of processed foods and low in nutrients, the American diet causes a constant state of inflammation in the body. During the first visit we discuss what makes a healthy diet, and offer follow-up guidance throughout the course of treatments. Seasonal recipes will be offered to provide our patients with healthy recipes that actually taste good. There are many books that offer support when making the right dietary choices. For those interested a book list will be provided. |