Get to Know the World of TCM
Oriental medicine is a multi-faceted system of healing. From acupuncture to cupping, each treatment is uniquely designed to address the patient’s issues at hand. Discover the variety between these ancient modalities.
Acupuncture: is one of the foundations of Chinese medical therapy. It uses small needles to free and aid one’s ‘qi’, or life force. Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over forty-three conditions including allergies, asthma, back pain, carpal tunnel, colds and flu, constipation, depression, gynecological disorders, headache, heart problems, infertility, insomnia, pre-menstrual syndrome, sciatica, sports injuries, tendonitis and stress.
Gua Sha: is a technique that involves a round-edged instrument that rubs the skin of the upper back, neck, or chest. Gua Sha promotes normal circulation and enhances metabolic processes. Gua Sha is valuable in the treatment of pain, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many acute or chronic disorders.
Moxibustion: is a technique that can be direct and indirect. In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. In indirect moxibustion, an acupuncturist lights one end of a moxa stick and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes. Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Cupping: is a technique where the use of suction is applied to increase circulation in an affected area. Cupping is used for many conditions, including back, shoulder, and neck pain, the common cold, and influenza.
Tongue Diagnosis: TCM uses the patient’s tongue as a way to diagnose his or her condition. The tongue is the only muscle that can be seen by the naked eye, and is a telling tool for what’s going on inside the body.
All of these techniques have beneficial qualities to offer, so if you’re in doubt as to which one to try, there’s no harm in trying them all and seeing for yourself which one fits you best. You can find all of these styles, at discounted and affordable rates, at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Clinic.