Many people equate Chinese Medicine solely with acupuncture but the truth is that Tradtional Chinese Medicine includes many therapies. Here is an overview of other modalities that focus on healing the body, mind and spirit.
Cupping Therapy
In Chinese Medical Theory pain is said to be caused by stagnation. Stagnation arises when energy or blood becomes trapped in the skin and/or muscle tissue and is unable to move. Cupping stimulates the circulation within the superficial muscle layers and benefits conditions such as arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, headache, common cold, and cough. Small glass or plastic cups are placed over specific areas and a vacuum is created under the cup using suction. This creates a non-painful tugging sensation on your skin. The cups are usually left in place for a period of several minutes to enhance the pain relieving effects of the treatment.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing effectively is the single most important change you can make to create a profound shift in your health immediately. I encourage everyone to become more aware of your breathing patterns. The Chinese word for “energy” is the same as the word for “breath”. Thus, proper breathing automatically improves energy, focus, concentration and sense of well-being.
Meditation
Like Acupuncture, Meditation strengthens and integrates mind, body and spirit and helps to cultivate focus, clarity, creativity, stamina, vitality, emotional stability and mindfulness in all actions. A daily meditation practice also expands one’s sense of connectedness to the natural rhythms of life. Current research affirms what saints, sages, athletes, artists, and successful business people already know: Regular meditation results in less stress, more ease and greater enjoyment of life amidst the many challenges of modern living.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Topical Liniments
Chinese herbal medicines address the underlying causes of illness and rarely cause unwanted side effects. In our clinic we only prescribe Chinese Herbal medicines, which have been tested and re-formulated by reputable Western companies. These herbal formulas come in several forms including capsules, tablets and liquid tinctures. We also use topical liniments and plasters which are very helpful in reducing pain, inflammation, swelling, and speeding the healing process. Liniments are medicinal herbal liquids applied directly to the skin.
Nutritional Recommendations
For those still on a Standard American Diet filled with wheat, sugar and processed food, I encourage a 10 day detox from all known inflammatory foods as you transition to a healthy, balanced, whole foods diet. For those with autoimmune conditions, I recommend a tailored version of the Paleo Diet, that you can read about here. Excellent nutrition and absorption are really the cornerstones of maintaining great health. The digestive system is an integral part of the immune system and plays a significant role in a person’s sense of well-being. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that there are more serotonin (the feel –good neurotransmitter) receptors in the gut than in the brain. It’s time to take the digestive system seriously as one of the crucial keys to overall health and happiness. The future of your health resides in tending the garden of your microbiome, your precious gut ecology that consumes and processes the environment day in and day out. Take care of your gut every day and you will be a less inflamed person all around. Happy gut= happy people- I’ve seen it in my practice and I’d love to see that in you!
