Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine originating over 5,000 years ago, which is rooted in the philosophy of Taoism. TCM, like a tree with many branches, is a whole medical system with limbs including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, acupressure, cupping, tui na (Chinese therapeutic bodywork), dietary therapy, and tai chi and qi gong. Tai chi and qi gong combine movements & postures with coordinated breathing, concentration, and physical exercise that support emotional management, and stress relief in order to re-establish and maintain health and longevity.
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Homeopathy
Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world originating in and practiced in China for thousands of years. It is a key component of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture techniques include needling and adjunct skills such as gua sha, cupping, and electronic stimulation.
The theories and clinical approaches of acupuncture are very different from Western Medicine. However, it has been proven both clinically and scientifically that needling directly stimulates the nervous system to improve neuromuscular, vascular and organ/endocrine system function, via meridians or channels which connect different parts of the body.
Meridians move the life energy qi and blood as well as connect the interior of the body with the exterior. Disease results from the disruption or imbalance in the qi flow of the meridians. Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles at specific points along these meridians to remove blockages in the flow of qi and restore and maintain health. Read more about acupuncture here.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is used alongside acupuncture, when necessary, to support the healing process. Specific herbal formulas tailored to each patient are given based on traditional Chinese diagnostic patterns. As the patient improves, the herbs are often adjusted in order to meet their changing needs as they progress through the healing process.
Chinese herbal medicine has been used in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Anxiety and depression
- Autoimmune disorders
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer/Chemotherapy Side-effects
- Common cold/sore throat
- Digestive disorders
- Dizziness/vertigo
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Hypotension/hypertension
- Infertility
- Menstrual disorders
- Menopausal syndromes
- Nausea
- Neuropathy
- Pain management
- Pregnancy-related concerns
- Urinary incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction/impotence
- Stress
Homeopathic medicine is a medical system developed in Germany during the 18th century. It is based on the principle of “like cures like.” Homeopathic remedies are derived mainly from organic substances that come from plants and minerals. Clinical studies indicate that homeopathy functions on a subtle, but powerful, energetic level, promoting healing in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
At Kirkland Whole Life Clinic we integrate both Eastern and Western healing modalities in our therapeutic process when appropriate. Book your free consultation here to see if our services are right for you.