Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) is like an untapped spring found in nature. It is a positive choice of therapy for anyone who would like to experience holistic healing. Thousands of years of research and practice have evolved into the effective healing system of TCM as we know it today. The goal of this alternative medicine is to keep our body's qi
(life force) and blood in a constant free-flow. It helps perpetuate the constant ebb and tide of our yin and yang
(heat and cold), which is necessary in maintaining good health. When the balance and flow of qi, blood, yin and yang are disrupted, blockages occur, resulting in disease. To treat disease, needles are applied to acupuncture points that lie on meridians that flow through the body. These meridians are responsible for conducting qi and blood to all of the organs, tissues and limbs of the body. Each organ has it's own meridian in which the qi and blood travel. While coursing through the body, it is possible for these two substances to become stuck or deficient, again throwing off the body's internal balance and resulting in disease. There are 12 main meridians containing anywhere from 9-65 acupuncture points each. Your practitioner will perform a TCM style medical history intake which consists of 10 questions, pulse palpation and tongue inspection.
Treating Pain
- Chronic Back or neck pain
- Pain of any joint or limb - knee, elbow, shoulder, feet and ankles, hips, etc...
- Migraines
- TMJ
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis (Rheumatoid / or Osteo)
- Sports or work related injuries
Acupuncture is a nearly painless, holistic procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced, though, it is mild, like a light pinch or mosquito bite. This discomfort is fleeting. During an acupuncture treatment, it is common to feel sensations of heat, pulsing or tingling at the needle sight. This is the qi coursing through the area, and is the desired effect. Most people leave their treatment feeling very relaxed and free of stress. For any health problem, if needles are an issue, these other modalities can be applied to help restore order: acupressure, moxibustion, guasha, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na (massage) or hands-on energy healing..
Treating Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma / or allergies
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis / sinus pain
- Pneumonia
A select few may know and respect TCM's benefits to a person's health, but to the Milwaukee area and the world in general, it remains an enigma. The benefits of receiving acupuncture either in conjunction with or as an alternative to western care are boundless. It can relieve stress, chronic pain, sinus blockage, headache and so much more! Many people experience a boost in energy and a stronger immune system after a series of treatments. Most important is the small degree of invasiveness into the body. Surgical procedures permanently mar the cyclical flow of qi in the body resulting in scarring and residual aches and pains, not to mention the decreased flow of qi and blood to the area. Acupuncture can deal less invasively with problems that western doctors would prescribe surgery for such as hip and knee replacements. The insertion of needles around the joint give the benefits of better circulation, swelling reduction and removal of pain. Best of all, no recovery time. The patient does not have to be sentenced to bed rest, missing work, school, or other important events.
Treating Digestive Conditions
- Heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion
- Crohn's disease
- IBS
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Constipation / diarrhea
Another aspect of TCM that is notable is the lack of pharmaceuticals. Physicians today appear to fight every illness wielding a pen and prescription pad. Many medicines may address the symptom, but they do not address the root cause of the symptoms. In addition, pharmaceuticals are notorious for adverse side effects. Treatment with acupuncture and herbs prove to be much more gentle, and often times more effective. The goal of TCM is to remedy the illness by addressing the root cause in addition to easing the presenting symptoms.
Treating:
- Diabetes
- Common cold symptoms
- Eye, ear, and nose disorders
- High blood pressure
- Urinary dysfunctions
Kudos to western medicine for success in diagnostics of severe cases that require surgery. The knowledge of replacing malfunctioning organs and life saving are two shining achievements. However, there are many situations where two therapies can be more effective than one. The combination of eastern and western treatments have proven to be quite synergistic. Modern China is a perfect example of how well these two healing systems can work together. The TCM practitioners there also have an extensive knowledge of western medicine, and use it accordingly. There has been discovered a certain amount of "electrical conductance" at acupuncture sites. Acupuncture "influences the production and distribution of a great many neurotransmitters (substance that transmit nerve impulses to the brain) and neuromodulators (substances produced by neurons which affect neurotransmitters), and this, in turn, alters the perception of pain."
Treating Gynecological Conditions
- PMS
- Cramps
- Irregular cycle
- Infertility
For example, to address a pain issue such as tennis elbow or arthritis with acupuncture may be a simpler alternative to western care. A practitioner would perform a physical exam of the area, and perform the ten inquiries of the TCM tradition to come to a diagnosis. The healer then selects a course of treatment best suited to the individual and the illness at hand. Needles would be applied in addition to any other modalities deemed necessary to encourage relief of the symptoms. Herbs may be prescribed to address the root cause of the ailment. Other benefits of this form of healing are that it can reduce swelling and muscle tension, soothe withdrawal symptoms and alleviate insomnia and nervous disorders. There are a number of detox clinics across the country which utilize this gift not only for withdrawal symptoms, but to help restore and cleanse organs that may have been damaged due to substance abuse. The overall benefits of these TCM treatments the patient might find most pleasing are no drugs, no surgery.
Please email us or call 262-787-1772 with any questions or to request an appointment.
