Acupuncture and Other Traditional Chinese Medicine
at 8 Dimensions Health Center
In each of us, we have a life force or consistent movement of energy. Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) call it “Qi” or “Chi” (pronounced “chee”). It moves through your body in a specific way, in a network we call the meridian system, nourishing your body’s cells, organs, tissues and glands and helps keep everything happy, healthy and functioning. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of their qi.
Your chi is influenced by numerous factors including physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, and diet. Every day we’re hit with stressors, including chemical, physical and emotional stress. Most of the time, our body can adapt, but there can be moments in our life when the stressors are too big or too prolonged for our bodies to handle, and it begins to be overwhelmed and break down.
NEW PATIENTS
If this happens, our chi can become stagnant or depleted and we begin to have symptoms. Think of the qi flowing through our body like a river. If it is full and moving well, it will keep everything healthy and nourished. It can be blocked, so the good energy isn’t able to flow freely and keep everything working properly or it can be depleted where there is not enough qi flowing through and therefore it also can prevent nourishment from reaching the area of the body to keep it functioning properly.
How Can Acupuncture Benefit Me?
Through thousands of years of acupuncture practice, various points across the body have been located that, when stimulated, can have a significant impact on the body’s overall physiology. Stimulating specific points send signals to the brain and in response the brain sends messages to the body. These responses include: releasing natural pain killers, reducing inflammation, regulating the immune system, digestive system, hormonal regulation, regulating the nervous system and effects overall brain functioning.
Our practice members have reported the following benefits from our care:
- Decreased muscle spasm and pain
- Decreased swelling and inflammation in the body
- Increased immune function
- Fewer headaches
- Improved digestion
- Better sleep
- Decrease in anxiety and depression
- Enhanced performance
- Less allergies
- Improved fertility
What to Expect
An initial consultation and examination will be done and a detailed health history will be taken. Then Dr. Brook may look at your tongue, check your pulse or palpate meridians, all aspects of a traditional chinese health history.
This information will help create a comprehensive diagnosis which will guide the choice of acupuncture and/or chinese herbs to use.
After the initial exam, you will receive an acupuncture treatment. The needles used are very fine and stainless steel. Once the needles are in, patients relax for about 30 minutes as treatment takes its course.
The severity of your symptoms, and the ability of your body to bounce back and heal, will dictate how long you may need acupuncture for your immediate concerns.
Other Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments
Dr. Brook will also explore other TCM applications with patients, such as cupping, moxibustion, electroacupuncture and herbal remedies
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and qi within the muscle. It is used for muscle repair, muscle tension and pain and connective tissue repair. It also stimulates the lymph system and detoxifies the body.
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It is burned above the skin to promote circulation and healing. It is used to “warm” the acupuncture points.
Electroacupuncture is a treatment that uses a small electrode attached to the acupuncture needles. A small amount of electricity then runs through the electrode, stimulating the acupuncture point.
Dr. Brook is a certified herbalist with a herbal pharmacy on site. Chinese herbs are an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, have been used for years and are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Formulas are designed based on a diagnosis and each patient’s specific needs.
Trust a Treatment Thousands of Years in the Making
With acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine practices having been in existence for more than 2,400 years, its safety and effectiveness has been proven time and time again. While acupuncture alone has been shown to be the best line of treatment for many conditions, it can also be incorporated into various treatment plans to increase results and decrease treatment times.
Call us today to see how it could benefit you, (775) 324-4008.