More Than Needles

Acupuncture is one of TCM’s approaches to create harmony between yin and yang, and to restore correct flow of energy through the meridians. The use of acupuncture on certain points within the meridians improves the flow of blocked or stagnant Qi.

The practice of acupuncture includes inserting paper thin needles into the skin on certain points of a meridian. The acupuncturist manipulates the needle to stimulate the flow of Qi in the meridians to gain an effect called “de Qi”. This can restore movement of Qi and blood , reduce pain, improve organ function, and make the mind clear.

Auricular acupuncture is a diagnostic and therapeutic system that normalizes body functions by stimulating specific acupuncture points on the ears. It is a micro-acupuncture technique, similar to reflexology. Short thin needles are inserted at specific points on the outer ear to control pain and other symptoms.

It was used in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and the entire Mediterranean area. In ancient China, the TCM bible – 黄帝内经 (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic) documented the relationship between the ear and channels, or viscera, disease diagnosis through auricular inspection, and treatment of twitching by bleeding the back of ears. Another work: 千金翼方（A Supplement to Recipes Worth a Thousand Gold) recorded the contents and locations of auricular points, and the Yang wei Vessel on the back of the ears.

Cupping is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, bamboo or ceramic cup. In China, 2 different techniques are known: dry and wet cupping. During dry cupping, your therapist will set a small amount of a flammable substance on fire. As the fire goes out, the air inside the cup cools down and it creates a vacuum. This causes your skin to rise and redden as your blood vessels expand.

In China, people get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, to get out of dampness, to increase blood flow, to unblock a local area, for relaxation and well-being, and as a special type of deep tissue massage.

Acupressure is an ancient form of massage that is one of the treatment methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of acupressure is to encourage the movement of Qi and blood. It works on the same energy meridians and acupoints as acupuncture. Acupressure consists of pressing the acupuncture points to help the free flow of Qi in meridians. It is similar to acupuncture, but a therapist uses their fingers instead of needles to work on the acupoints. it is ideal for self-care (under professional guidance), and for people who are afraid of needles.

Tui na is the most popular form of acupressure performed in China. An qiao is another form of acupressure which uses very light pressure, applied only with the fingertips.

Gua sha, literally translated as “to scrape petechiae” (rash-like dots) is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a therapist uses a smooth-edged tool, repeating pressured strokes over lubricated skin. This motion raises small, red, rash-like dots, that show under your skin.

In China, we believe this process helps blood flow, and creates a “cleansing” effect on your skin, which may help reduce toxins in your body, and promote the healing process.

Moxibustion is another therapeutic method in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves burning moxa (dried and ground mugwort leaves) to warm acupoints and relieve a variety of conditions. Mugwort, or artemisia, is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It is used in food eaten all around the world. There are a few different techniques: moxibustion can be applied directly or indirectly.

In China, we believe Mugwort can travel through meridians, which carry Qi throughout the body. Therefore, it can help regulate Qi and blood, dispel cold, warm yang, and prevent diseases to maintain overall well-being.

Chinese herbal medicine uses specific herbs to improve health. Chinese herbalists don’t treat individual symptoms or diseases, but the entire human body. It is rooted in the concept of pattern differentiation, which involves identifying the entirety of a person’s signs and symptoms: head-to-toe.

Chinese herbal medicine can be powerful when it is applied accurately. However, some Chinese herbal products may have been contaminated with toxic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms, that may have side effects.

In Chinese culture, “药食同源“(yao shi tong yuan) is a concept of using food as medicine. In the book of “伤寒论”(“Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases”) it is considered one of the four canonical works of Traditional Chinese Medicine. More than half of herbal formulas contain foods such as cinnamon, ginger, dades, peppercorn, fava beans, fennel, licorice, and even rice wine and vinegar.

In traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs or food are divided into four natures, called “四气”(four Qi): cold, cool, warm and hot. The nature of food is not determined by its actual temperature, but rather by what effect it has on a person’s body after consumption. When someone continually eats one type of food, it creates an imbalance in their body, and affects their immune system. Thus, one of the keys in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to keep our body “neutral.” READ MORE

Qi gong is a meditative movement and therapeutic exercise which was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It focuses on achieving balance and harmony in life through Qi cultivation for optimal health, healing, and longevity. It involves using hand postures, movements, and breathing, to optimize Qi within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. This Qi is believed to be the force that moves blood. When Qi is increased, a person quickly feels warmer and their blood circulation improves.

There are a few well-known Qi gong practices, such as 八段锦(Baduanjin), 易筋经(Yijinjing), 五禽戏(Wuqinxi), and 太极(Taiji), bringing more awareness to movement, breathing and mindfulness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, psychology and physiology are seen as closely connected. This means that changes in thoughts and feelings can affect the body, and vice versa.

This therapy uses the theory of five phases and five tones: 宫(Gong: do), 商(Shang: re), 角(Jue: mi), 徵(Zhi: sol) and 羽(Yu: la), to analyze and treat mind-body illness.

• 宫(Gong: do) corresponds to the phase of earth, and is related to the spleen. This category of music is characterized by being calm, solemn, mellow and heavy. The music of Gong strengthens the spleen and stomach, and improves the ascending and descending of the Qi dynamic of the middle Jiao.
• 商(Shang: re) corresponds to the phase of metal, and is related to the lungs. This category of music is characterized by being resounding, sorrowful, sonorous and forceful. The music of Shang strengthens the and purifying effects of the lungs, and regulates the water metabolism.
• 角(Jue: mi) corresponds to the phase of wood, and is related to the liver. This category of music is characterized by being vigorous, melodious, cheerful, and bright. Music of Jue has the function of lifting Qi and soothing liver Qi. As such, Qi blockage can be released.
• 徵(Zhi: sol) corresponds to the phase of fire, and is related to the heart. This category of music is characterized by being warm, cheerful, relaxing, and contagious. Music of Zhi invigorates heart Yang, expels cold, and regulates Qi and blood.
• 羽(Yu: la) corresponds to the phase of water, and is related to the kidneys. This category of music is characterized by being pure, desolate, and gentle. The music of Yu helps the kidneys to consolidate Qi and essence, improves intelligence and memory, and prevents aging.