Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for at least a couple thousand of years. TCM examines the body as whole and determines where there is an imbalance. An imbalance to the body leads to a condition or a "dis-ease" that will manifests as pain, weakness, discomfort, etc., presenting itself in the physical, mental or emotional level. TCM encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping and moxibustion. These modalities alone or in combination can help rectify and restore balance to the body.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of sterile needles on acupuncture points to access and move "qi" or energy. Acupuncture points are located on meridians or channels in the body where the "qi" flows.  Acupuncture points are similar to a keyhole and an acupuncture needle a key in which it unlocks and accesses the energy of the body to disburse or gather the energy in effort to create balance. The body has its own intelligence and knows how to repair and reestablish harmony and balance for perfect health.  However, acupuncture accelerates this process.  The Western translation of this is an acupuncture needle, once inserted, creates a cascade of reactions, one of which is to bring more circulation to the area.  Increasing circulation means there is more blood flow, infusing more oxygen and nutrients to the site of insertion and its surrounding cells, while simultaneously removing toxins.  Another reaction is the release of endorphins that are the body's natural painkiller and cause the individual to have that "feel good" sensation.

Herbal Medicine
Sometimes, the body needs more help in achieving balance. For some individuals, herbal formula would be appropriate and therefore prescribed.  An herbal formula is a mixture of Chinese herbs that strengthen the body's deficiencies and/or weaknesses or help remove excess or blockage that have created the imbalance. It serves to behave similarly to an acupuncture treatment as well as enhance its affects.

Cupping
Cupping is the use of glass jars to produce more circulation and bring toxins to the surface of the skin since it has the ability to eliminate toxins.  A suction is created with the glass jar in order to grab a hold of a muscle.  This action allows more blood flow to the local area and breaks down any blockage.  It is especially good for muscular problems, but also effective for asthma and lung congestion. How does cupping feel like?  Marvelous.  It feels like a massage in a weird way.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion or moxa utilizes an herb, Artemisia Vulgaris or mugwort, which is the common name. Mugwort is condensed into a form that looks like a cigar made out of charcoal. Moxa is gently waved over an acupuncture needle as the energy of the herb enters the body via the needle.  Once in the body, the energy of the herb travels through the meridians, creating more circulation, invigorating and strengthening the internal organs. The warmth of the moxa near the skin is very comforting while the smell it emits is calming.  It soothes both people and pets.

Nutrition
Proper nutrition is so important to our health and is an integral part of TCM. TCM recognizes that good nutrition enhances the body's constitution and determines the strength of its immunity. Food is not only seen as nourishment for the body but also for its medicinal uses. Therefore, depending on the type of food we choose to consume, it can either strengthen or weaken our body. What we eat and digest nourish the cells in our entire body affecting our overall physical energy, mental faculty, and emotional well-being.

Conditions Treated Includes
  •  Anxiety and Depression
  •  Arthritis
  •  Detoxification
  •  Menstrual Disorders
  •  Muscle Tension/Spasm
  •  Pain Management
  •  Sport Injuries
  •  Stress