Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM is a complete system of healing that dates back to 200 B.C. in written form. It is the result of a continuous process of critical thinking, as well as extensive clinical observation and testing.

In TCM, health is the natural state of the universe. It is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state." Disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang, leading to blockage in the flow of Qi (or vital energy) and of blood along pathways.

Therapeutic Modalities
• Chinese Herbal Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Traditional Chinese Nutrition
• Massage and Manipulation
• Qi Gong
• Tai Ji

Acupuncture

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In the Chinese framework, acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi flowing throughout the body. When the flow is absent, deficient, interrupted, excessive or blocked in an area, illness or pain results. By stimulating approprate acupuncture points, the involving pathology is rectified; the energy is again balanced and allowed to flow freely.

Many studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses. There are a few prevailing therories:

1. Augmentation of Immunity Theory: Acupuncture changes levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels.
2. Endorphin Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body.
3. Neurotransmitter Theory: Certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Serotonin and Noradrenaline) are affected by acupuncture.
4. Ciculatory Theory: Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels.
5. Gate Control Theory: One of the most popular theories. The nerve fibers that carry the impulses of pain are rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers. These are the gates that close during acupuncture.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

The Chinese developed very logical, sophisticated and effective models for using herbs in the treatment of disease and promotion of health. Chinese herbal medical theory and practice is much more developed and sophisticated than most Western herbal traditions, and relies on carefully balanced formulas.

These formulas are made up of individual herbal substances with complementary (or sometimes antagonistic) properties to achieve what are often complex therapeutic goals.

Chinese herbal medicine is powerful and effective therapy.

Herbal compositions and the quantity of individual herbs in a classic formula are usually adjusted in TCM practive according to individualized diagnoses.

Is it Safe?

Chinese herbal medicine is a very conservative treatement approach that has been proven quite safe.

What medical conditions are treated by TCM

Both animal and human laboratory and clinical experience suggest that the majority of subjets respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture is best in treating functional and chronic conditions.

• Post-operatve and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Parkinson's
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic headaches
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Digestive, gynecological and urogenital problems
• Cervical Spondylosis
• Arthritic conditions
• Infertility and irregular menstruation
• Anxiety disorders and depression
• Addictions: alcohol, tobacco, "hard" drugs
• Fibromyalgia
• Low back pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Asthma