What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of medicine, dating back over 3,000 years. Practitioners of TCM most commonly use acupuncture and herbs to treat patients, however, there are many different modalities for treating various syndromes. TCM is a complete medical protocol focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve overall health. Because the goal of acupuncture is to promote and restore the balance of energy, which flows throughout the body, the benefits of acupuncture can extend to a wide variety of conditions.
How does it work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of filiform needles into certain points on the body that stimulate the body’s Qi, an energy that flows through pathways in the body. This stimulation increases blood flow and sends signals to the nervous and immune system to activate the body’s painkillers, helping the body heal itself.
The Advantages of Acupuncture:
- It is safe when performed by a licensed professional
- There are few side effects
- Can be combined with other treatments and be very effective
- Can help control certain types of pain
Possible Risk Factor of Acupuncture:
- Possible bleeding, bruising and soreness at the insertion point
- May cause dizziness with the first treatment
- May cause fatigue
- Possible muscle twitching
Acupuncture has been shown to treat various conditions including:
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Menstrual pain
- Infertility
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Emotional disorder
- Stroke
