Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a healing art based primarily on philosophy as well as 5,000 years of history.  The elemental philosophy is based on the theory of yin and yang, which represents balance.  Yin represents qualities such as cold and dampness, internal, rest, fluids and water, darkness and night.  Yang represents qualities of heat and dryness, external, movement, fire, brightness and daytime. 

For example, an individual with a yin constitution might be quiet and shy with a soft voice.  They often have a pale complexion and tend to feel cold.  An individual with a yang constitution might be energetic and constantly on the go.  They are likely to be extroverted, often with a loud voice, and tend to be quite talkative.  They will usually feel hot, sweat easily and have a reddish complexion.  Yin and yang are constantly interacting, for example, a fever (yang) may suddenly develop into chills (yin).  The intention is not to be primarily yin or yang, but to have a balance between the two.

Another philosophy of TCM is that disease is a direct result of a blockage or distortion of the body’s vital energy, known as qi (pronounced “chee”).  Qi is the source of all movement and energy within the body.  It governs all voluntary movements, such as running and talking, as well as all involuntary movements such as breathing and heart beat.  There are various types of qi.  For example, your wei qi works in a manner similar to the immune system, protecting your body against disease, while your gu qi controls digestive activities.

Qi flows along pathways in the body known as meridians, similar to the concept of blood vessels.  There are twelve primary meridians, each corresponding to the major organs of the body.  Examples include the lung meridian, the liver meridian, and the kidney meridian.  A disturbance or blockage of the flow of qi or blood along these meridians will result in a diseased state.

Chinese acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles at specific points along these meridians to alleviate blockages, revitalize the vital energy (qi) of the body, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.   Acupuncture is effective because it addresses the root cause of an illness in addition to relieving the symptoms of disease. 

Rates:
acupuncture $85