Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Chinese herbal medicine is the oldest complete medical system on earth, with its own diagnostic and treatment principals, based on pattern discrimination. Patterns are made out of a consistent set of symptoms. Treatment modalities such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicine, Tui Na Massage, Guasha, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and nutrition are used to correct imbalances in the body.
My personal experience with TCM
The power of Chinese herbal medicine is immense. More than 25 years ago my own child was extremely sick. I had tried absolutely everything that Western medicine could possibly offer, but the results were bleak and didn’t hold. One day her frustrated pediatrician said: we can’t continue to use a massive amount of antibiotics. Why don’t you try Chinese medicine?” My three-year old was my first patient. In the search of new, alternative treatments for her I came to the USA, and was lucky to meet professor Yong Ping Jiang, OMD, Phd,LAc in NWHSU in Minnesota.
I am forever grateful to this humble, quiet, shy man for his brilliance. What massive drug protocols could not do, his formulas did. Ever since I treated my daughter with his herbs she was never so sick, ever again.
The power of herbal medicine
Traditional Chinese Materia Medica (a pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners) describes thousands of medicinal substances - primarily plants, but also some minerals and animal products. Different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds, are used. In TCM, herbs are often combined in formulas and given as teas, capsules, liquid extracts, granules, or powders. Some formulas are thousands of years old and have been helping people over centuries with unfailing results. Herbal medicines used in TCM are sometimes marketed in the United States as dietary supplements, sold in health and food stores. TCM herbal formulas can be only prescribed by a trained professional. Make no mistake - in the hands of a non-trained practitioner, they can be dangerous. They are that powerful.
In Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment of any disease is based on the discrimination of patterns of organ dis-harmonies, not a Western diagnosis like cold, asthma, diabetes etc. Patterns may change quickly and only a TCM practitioner can decide what formula to use and for what pattern.
Our fertility protocols include several formulas and are always customized to meet each patient’s individual needs.
Cupping
Cupping is another ancient tool in the TCM toolbox of treatment modalities and is becoming very popular because of Michael Phelps’ and other celebrities' recent exposure of cupping marks.
You might think of cupping as an inverse of massage. Instead of applying pressure to sore and tired muscles, the suction effect of cupping glasses use a gentle pressure to pull muscles upward. Cups may either be left stationary or glided over the skin with the aid of oils.
The cup’s suction helps to increase blood circulation in the muscle layer, relaxing contracted fibers, reducing pain and muscle fatigue caused by lactic acid and accumulation of other toxins .
In many countries cupping is used in postoperative patients to prevent pneumonia. Traditionally, this method is used for treatment of cough, bronchitis, asthma, flu and other respiratory ailments. Sometimes, cupping is combined with acupuncture and/or micro-bleeding.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are experiencing their Renaissance. They have been one of the leading treatment modalities a few centuries ago and were very popular among ancient doctors. Drugs pushed a lot of natural modalities away from medical offices but lately many people are learning how to use essential oils in their daily life safely.
We use essential oils in conjunction with acupuncture, based on a program called Body-Feedback Protocol, developed by Michelle Buchanan, LAc, a very talented acupuncturist in Wisconsin.
The essential oil blend is strictly chosen for each patient individually, in accordance with their presenting patterns to be applied during treatments as well as at home.
Through the smell, essential oils help activate specific areas in the brain and restore proper communication between the central nervous system and organs.
