What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a wholistic care system that encompasses Acupuncture, Asian bodywork therapy, herbs, nutrition and mindful movement exercise to bring balance in the body.

TCM treats people. Viewing each person as a whole integrated being, TCM takes into account an individual’s history, constitution and life-situation. Using the non-linear theories of Five Element, Yin/Yang and Eight Principles, and by understanding disease from a western view, TCM practitioners can identify a “pattern of disharmony”. Treatment plans are created and honed to the individuals specific needs, relieving symptoms while addressing the root cause of the disease.  

Education is a primary goal of the TCM practitioner. Clients are encouraged to be involved in their own health and vitality through understanding their own personal patterns.

Amma Bodywork Therapy

Amma Bodywork Therapy is a specialized form of skilled touch therapy (massage) that combines deep, rhythmic manipulation with the application of pressure to specific acupoints, energy channels, muscles, ligaments, and joints. Amma Bodywork Therapists are also trained in the principles of Wholistic Nutrition, Eastern dietary principles, and the use of Chinese herbs.

A skilled therapist diagnoses disharmony by reviewing information provided by the patient, tongue and pulse diagnosis, observation of signs and symptoms, listening to the patient's complaints and palpation of the body. The purpose of the therapist's assessment is to identify patterns of disharmony based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and to apply the appropriate treatment principles to correct structural, emotional, and energetic imbalances.

Acupuncture

A typical acupuncture visit includes a tongue and pulse diagnosis, as well as a discussion of what issues the client would like addressed. Clients lie comfortably on a massage table while the needles are inserted. First time clients are often surprised how painless and relaxing an acupuncture treatment is. A typical course of treatment involves 6-12 weekly visits to resolve most conditions. Chronic conditions may take longer to treat, depending on the client’s constitution, lifestyle and/or compliance.

It is important to remember that acupuncture is a preventative medicine. It is okay to come in before you fall apart! Many people choose to come in for a monthly maintenance treatment or as the seasons change. Monthly appointments especially benefit menstruating women, while seasonal treatments are beneficial to all. Some people elect to come in as needed for sports injures, immunity boosts or at emotional or stressful times. Acupuncture can be looked at as circulating the energy in order to remove stagnation. The unblocking of stuck energy is restorative and refreshing. A recent German study printed in the Idaho Statesman observed long-term benefits of those who received acupuncture, even many months later.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs have been used effectively for thousands of years to treat disease and tonify health.  Disharmonies/diseases are treated based on the symptoms and their root pattern. Once the body's balance has been restored, clients can benefit from taking tonic herbs, which support health and vitality.  The use of herbs depends on individual assessment and requires the knowledge of an experienced practitioner.

Mindful Movement

The health benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi include improved sleep quality, relaxation, balance, coordination and posture, increased cardiovascular fitness, stamina, flexibility, self-awareness and concentration. Meditative movement has been proven to lower blood pressure, slow the process of bone loss in women after menopause, relieve chronic pain and relieve stress. Research suggests that Qigong may be beneficial for arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, genito-urinary disorders, headaches including migraines, musculoskeletal pain and PMS. Who couldn’t benefit from learning Qigong or Tai Chi?

There are specific Qigong exercises for different disharmonies in the body, different organs and different issues. It is important to receive proper instruction on the movements before you start off on your own. A qualified practitioner will be able to guide you in a form that is suitable to your condition or situation. All of the movements should be done to your comfort level to avoid injury. Qigong and Tai Chi have gained considerable respect in the West and classes can be found just about anywhere, including our affiliated school The Wellspring School for Healing Arts. 

Meditation

Meditation is a process that alters a person’s state of awareness by changing the mind’s focus from an active to a receptive mode. Meditation has been practiced by various cultures for centuries. Physiologically, meditation lowers the respiratory rate and increases the frequency of alpha brain waves while inducing muscular relaxation.

A regular meditation practice is extremely beneficial and provides an individual with an enhanced sense of adaptability and stability in their lives. Meditation facilitates in clearing the mind of old or congested thoughts, while negating the incessant chatter that constant thought patterns can create. This process allows for a substantial decrease in stress related worry and anxiety. Meditation is also useful in the healing of unresolved mental and emotional blocks and is used in conjunction with many behavioral therapies. 

The practice of meditation provides an improved sense of mental, emotional and physical well-being and promotes a deep state of rest and rejuvenation. The resulting outcome is that of increased confidence, motivation and clarity of purpose in daily activities.

updated 11/2008