About TCM
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
ACUPUNCTURE
MOXIBUSTION
CUPPING THERAPY
GUASHA
HERBAL REMEDIES
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for thousands of years in East Asian countries.
The theory of TCM is that the proper physiological function and good health depend on the internal balance of Yin and Yang (opposite but interconnected forces) and the smooth flow of Qi (life energy) along the Meridians (Qi pathway) in the body.
In TCM, disease is thought to result from the disruption of Qi flow due to an excess or deficiency of Qi in some part of the body. Emotional imbalances are believed to play a major role in the development of illness. In addition, seasonal influences, poor diet, overwork and injury are also thought to affect health.
The key philosophy of TCM is to treat the root cause of the illness, not their symptoms. Its holistic approach views every aspect of body, mind, spirit and emotions as a single complete circle.
Treatment to restore balance may involve Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Massage, Herbal Remedies and Movement and Concentration Exercise (such as Tai Chi). Acupuncture is a component of TCM most commonly used in treatment and has received the most study of all the alternative therapies. Herbal remedies when used with acupuncture for some illness can generate outstanding result.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a component of TCM commonly found in Western medicine and has received the most research of all the alternative therapies. Acupuncture involves the inserting very fine, solid, metallic needles on specific points of the body surface to treat disease and to decrease pain.
There are many theories of how acupuncture works. Classical theories are based on “Meridians” (Qi pathways) that run throughout the body in specific paths. Acupuncture points are mostly located on these pathways. These pathways interact with the internal and external environments and allow the Qi to circulate freely throughout the body. Pathologies (diseases and medical conditions) present themselves as disturbances within these pathways and thereby blocking the normal flow of Qi. In acupuncture, special needles are used to unblock and stimulate the circulation thereby restore the natural flow of Qi.
Modern theories of acupuncture claim that the needles affect the nervous system, the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, and the electromagnetic quality of the interstitial fluid at the level of the fascia. This growing body of modern theories of acupuncture indicates that the needle stimulation increases the natural release of endorphins within the body, which mitigates pain and promotes overall health.
Benefits of Acupuncture:
Reduce pain
Promote healing
Cut down the medication
Enhance the effect of Western Medicine treatment
Relieve stress and anxiety
Improve sleep quality
Accelerate the recovery process after surgery
Explore alternative method prior to invasive treatments
Prevent disease and increase immune function
ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Like traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture uses needles placed in the same acupuncture points. Then, a small electrode is attached to the needles. A small amount of electric current runs through the electrode and gives a slight vibration during treatment.
The electrode gives off the effect of your acupuncturist activating the acupuncture point manually. This ensures you get the right amount of stimulation during your whole treatment. The treatments can be also shorter because the electrodes can activate your acupuncture points more quickly.
Electro-acupuncture has been shown very effective for conditions such as soft tissue inflammation, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, paralysis, bone bruising and old fractures and shingles.
Electro-acupuncture is not recommended for anyone who is in pregnancy, has any active cancer, or any cancer within the past 2 years, uses a pacemaker or other electronic medical device, cardiac issues, such as irregular heartbeat, any history of seizures or epilepsy, or suffers from blood clots or phlebitis.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxa is a dried Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) leaves used to warm and stimulate acupuncture points; a process called moxibustion. This therapy has been in use for over 2000 years and is a commonly used adjunctive technique during acupuncture sessions. It improves the circulation of qi and blood and conditions associated with “cold” or “lack of Yang Qi (warmth)“ in the body that causes, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, disorders such as pain, fatigue, some types of infertility, and digestive disorders.
Moxibustion is also well known for its ability to stimulate a breech baby to turn in 69-85% of cases according to various studies.
CUPPING THERAPY
Cupping has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Cupping has roots in the Middle East, Asia, Northern & Eastern Europe, and North American traditional peoples.
There are many ways to cup, the most common ways are Fire Cupping and Suction Cupping. For Fire cupping, cups are applied to the skin using a flame to create a vacuum in the cup. We often describe it as a reverse massage. Instead of applying pressure, the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the affected area. The cups stay in place for around 5-15 minutes and are not painful or uncomfortable. In fact, people often love the feeling of cups, comparing it to a nice deep massage. Suction cupping is almost the same, however, no flame is used. Instead, suction pump is used to create vacuum in the cup. There is no benefit to using one method over the other.
Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. Cupping therapy can be used to treat many kinds of ailments and aches. It is very well known for treating
Low back, neck, shoulder, knee pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Shingles
Facial paralysis
Cough, dyspnea, asthma
Acne.
What some people might not know about cupping therapy is that it is a great way to help stimulate detoxification, loosen phlegm in the lungs, and improve overall circulation. The cupping action draws toxins to the surface of the skin where the immune system is better able to eliminate them.
Cupping can sometimes result in temporary discoloration of the skin called petechiae. These marks are associated with improved blood flow to the area and naturally, dissipate within a few days. They tend to look like small circular bruises, and often cause more alarm than is necessary. While a bruise may hurt, cupping marks do not.
GUA SHA
Gua Sha improves local circulation and breaks up scar tissue or adhesions in the muscles and connective tissue. It is also a great adjunctive technique for treating respiratory conditions.
Gua sha is a massage technique to relieve pain and muscle tension. It is applied using massage oil and a rounded edged instrument like a ceramic spoon. This technique can be performed anywhere on the body, but is commonly done on the back, neck and shoulders. Like cupping, Gua Sha can produce temporary markings on the skin called petechiae, which naturally dissipate in a few days and are associated with improved blood flow to the area.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Herbs are a safe and natural treatment for many common health conditions. Herbal formulas are prescribed to treat your symptoms as well as your constitutional diagnosis.
Herbal remedies can:
BALANCE AND RELIEVE
Your formula will be adjusted as your condition changes, gently bringing your body back into balance.
NOURISH AND BOOST
Herbal formulas support our acupuncture treatments.
For Appointment
669-529-7767
Matthew@AcuBalance.Care
Clinic Location
182 S Murphy Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
1220 University Dr #202B
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Mon / Thu / Sat)