The Various Methods of Treating Patients in Chinese Medicine |
| • Acupuncture The sterile, disposable needles are inserted at various well-defined points along a meridian (an energetic pathway) to treat a multitude of ailments caused by a disruption of the energy flow or vital force of the body. The purpose of acupuncture is to restore balance to the energy flow and therefore return normal body function to the affected area. The treatment is very relaxing and patients often fall asleep. |
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| • Electro-Acupuncture A machine is attached to acupuncture needles to stimulate them with a mild electrical impulse, causing them to vibrate slightly and produce a mild buzzing sensation. This constant stimulation can help many pain conditions. |
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| • Moxibustion The burning of the herb mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, to warm an acupuncture point, which affects the flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians. The moxa can be rolled into a ball and put on the top of a needle. A barrier coat of sesame paste, a slice of ginger or a tablespoon of salt can be put on the skin and then small threads or cones can be burned to stimulate the affected area. Moxibustion can be used on people who are cold and affected by dampness. It can also be used for painful conditions. |
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| • Gua Sha Gua Sha is a healing technique used throughout Asia . Gua means to rub or friction. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated, even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red petechiae. In minutes the petechiae fade into more subtle red patches. The sha disappears totally in two to four days. The patient experiences immediate change in stiffness, pain and mobility. |
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| • Cupping There are a variety of techniques using cups and many cultures have used cups over the centuries. Flashing cups: suction is created with a cup and then quickly released to help clear chest congestion from asthma, colds or bronchitis. Sliding cups; massage oil or Vaseline is rubbed on the area (usually the back) and the cup is moved along the meridian. The cupping can also produce petechiae or redness after a short time. This is a very effective technique to release painful or tight muscles. |
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| • Tui Na Tui Na, with its origins in China , is recognized as the oldest documented form of massage. Tui Na utilizes a variety of hand techniques on a clothed body. By focusing on the energy pathways (meridians), Tui Na can release stagnant energy flows and tension, enhancing the healing process. |
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| • Micro Systems of Acupuncture The ear, hand, foot, and scalp can all be used as a micro system reflecting the whole body. For example, specific points on the ear can be used to treat organs, the spine, the limbs, and the chest. There is even a point that treats the inner ear. There are similar systems that map the hand, foot and scalp. |
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| • Nutrition The food we eat can impact our health in both negative and positive ways. A practitioner of Chinese Medicine can provide valuable information regarding a diet that is appropriate for a person’s condition while helping to balance and improve their overall health. |
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| • Life Style Counseling An acupuncturist will often suggest making changes to one’s life style. Those changes could include eliminating certain activities that may be harmful, or reducing stress. They may also suggest increasing exercise or adding another type of activity like yoga, qi gong or tai chi. |
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| • Extending Treatments There are many ways to prolong the affects of a treatment. Intradermals and presstacks are miniature needles inserted under the skin or taped on the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points. Some acupuncturists use magnets in a similar way. There are also tiny metal balls or pellets called pressballs that can be taped onto ear points for extended treatment. |
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