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Acupuncture
Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting very tiny disposable sterile needles into the body at specific points along channels or “meridians.” The traditional theory behind acupuncture as medical treatment is very different from that of western medicine. It is based on the body’s balance of Yin and Yang (opposing forces) and the flow of vital energy or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) within the meridians of the body. A number of factors in life influence the balance of qi in the body such as weather, sickness, stress, injury, diet, etc. Acupuncture is a method of stimulating the body to restore its unique balance, thereby restoring or maintaining a healthy state of being.
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Thai Massage
Thai massage is a type of Oriental bodywork therapy that is based on the treatment of the human body, mind, and spirit and is known for its ability to clear the energy pathways. The therapy includes treating the electromagnetic or energetic field which surrounds, infuses and brings the body to life through pressure and/or manipulative massage. The benefits of Thai massage are numerous, with the most predominant being the maintenance of good health and its ability to treat a wide spectrum of health concerns.
Some of the major benefits of traditional Thai massage:
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Increases flexibility and range of movement
• Eliminates muscle pain and muscle spasms
• Improves postural alignment
• Calms the nervous system and promotes a deep sense of relaxation with an increased energy level
• Allows for a significant release of deep, emotional distress
• Stimulates blood circulation and lymph drainage
• Stimulates internal organs
• Relieves fatigue, swollen limbs, painful joints, and headaches.
Thai massage looks like a cross between acupressure, yoga, and zen shiatsu and is inspired by Buddhist teachings. The effort from the practitioner works to free tension within the body. Practitioners also position the body into yoga-like poses and gently rock the body to more deeply open joints and facilitate limbering.
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Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is a variation of traditional acupuncture treatment in which inserted acupuncture needles are stimulated electronically. This technique was developed in China in 1934 as a means of providing continuous stimulation of the needles. This technique is commonly used to increase intensity of treatments and provide stimulation of nerves in the treatment of pain or neurological disorders. It is also used on the abdomen during fertility treatments to increase blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries. It is a pain-free procedure with a small amount of throbbing and vibration in the affected area.
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MoxiBustion
Moxibustion is a procedure of burning an herb, (Folium Artemisiae Vulgaris) to create heat and therapeutic effects as a stand-alone or accompanying treatment to acupuncture in certain conditions. Deep warmth is usually felt after moxibustion in the applied area. Moxibustion can increase circulation and promote healing.
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Chinese Tuina Massage
Tuina is a therapeutic massage modality practiced for many centuries. It was initially developed to set broken and dislocated bones, restore structural alignment and was later expanded to treat many more conditions. It involves massage and acupressure aimed at unblocking “stagnation” or areas of tension.
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Cupping
Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping). Massage oil is applied in this case to reduce friction. Generally, the cup is left in place for about 10 minutes (typical range is 5–15 minutes). The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin alongside it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it. Some bruising along the site of the rim of the cup is expected. Cupping is usually indicated for pain conditions and is applied to the back, legs or arms. It is a painless treatment as the amount of pressure in the cup can be adjusted.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal therapy is widely used for many disease conditions in China. There are now approximately 5,700 herbal substances identified in the Materia Medica, published by the China’s Ministry of Health. The majority of these substances are plant source and have been found (through centuries of experimentation and usage) to be effective in assisting healing in certain conditions. Chinese herbs are usually used in combinations of 6 to 20 herbs and are customarily prescribed for an individual patient’s specific condition. Herbs can be administered to a patient in many forms. Raw herbs can be taken in a brewed tea form. This herb tea form is stronger and quick acting. It does take some time for cooking and preparation and the taste can be quite strong initially. The herbs can also be prescribed in powder or pill form. Herbs possess many strengthening as well as therapeutic effects due to their content of various nutrients and vitamins, which are essential to the body. |
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Dietary Therapy
The idea that food is medicine is a deeply rooted concept in Chinese culture. In Chinese Medicine, proper nutrition is considered one of the most important foundations of health and disease prevention. Dietary therapy provides a powerful tool for correcting disharmonies and is used in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal therapy to restore balance. A patient going through an initial evaluation will be given guidance on general food restrictions and specific recommendations. |
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