Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) while relatively new in the United States, is a 3,000-year-old system of treatment. This highly developed and effective medical system has been proven over time; today onefourth of the world's population receives medical treatment from TCM practitioners. Although acupuncture is the most familiar modality within TCM, the practice of Chinese herbology, various forms of massage therapy, and diet/lifestyle counseling are equally important to maintaining health.
Acupuncture is used to restore the proper balance and flow of energy or Qi (pronounced "Chee") within the body. Qi flows through a highly organized system of channels that course through all the organs and tissues. When Qi is not flowing properly through these channels, the imbalance invites disease.

 

Acupuncture needles are inserted in specific "points" along the channels to correct the imbalances and call upon the body's own resources to promote healing. In the past 30 years, physicists have been able to verify the locations of both the channels and acupuncture points used by TCM practitioners.

Chinese Herbs are taken in combinations customized for each patient's needs. Formulas may contain anywhere from a single herb to a combination of 20 herbs which in harmony also correct deeper imbalances in the body. Herbs can be taken as a decoction by simmering the raw ingrediants and straining off the liquid to drink like a tea. Some formulas come pre-made in pill or tincture form. Herbs can also be prescribed in concentrated granular powders that the patient can dissolve in water and drink.