Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient and profound system of medicine with philosophical roots dating back to around 700 B.C.
Lauren believes it compliments Western medicine very well, especially as a preventative and holistic approach to health and healing.
3 primary effects of acupuncture
- relieve pain
- reduce inflammation
- restore homeostasis or balance
Acupuncture works to stimulate the vital energy or Qi that flows through the body along twelve major pathways called “meridians”.
Discovered by ancient Chinese healers more than two thousand years ago…
Yin-Yang
Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive quality
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Yang represents the hot, excited, or active quality
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Balance between these two qualities results in a balanced state
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Disease is due to an internal imbalance
Qi
Pronounced “chi”
๑
Vital energy or air
Meridians were thought of as a system of rivers or channels flowing through the body. The body was depicted as a landscape, and connected to the outer landscape of the seasons and environment in which one lives. People were viewed as part of nature, not separate from it. Meridians correspond to specific internal organs and body functions.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the western term for balance described by the ancient Chinese concepts of Yin and Yang. Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to regulate its environment and maintain internal balance.
All disease involves a disturbance of homeostasis, and the majority of disease involve some degree of pain and inflammation.
Getting to the root
Because Traditional Chinese Medicine works at the systems level, we are able to treat the root of a problem, so that clients may find relief from their symptoms.
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Lauren will work with you to design an effective course of treatment that brings healing, relaxation, and a greater overall sense of well-being.
Chinese Herbs
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, therapeutic-grade herbs are mixed together to correct underlying imbalances in the body. Depending on your condition, they may be used alone or to reinforce acupuncture treatment. Lauren only uses herbal companies that produce formulas according to the highest standards of purity and potency, and adhere to rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Japanese Style Acupuncture
Lauren uses a gentle Japanese style of needling techniques to work with the body’s meridians, or channels of energy, by needling points along the meridians, and “ashi” points, which are more sensitive places on the body. The thinnest needle is as thick as a human hair, and insertion is virtually painless. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, warmth or dull ache upon insertion. The needles stay in place 20-30 minutes. Along with standard acupuncture, the following modalities may be included.
Cupping
Stationary cupping is a technique of using a cup/jar, creating a vacuum inside it by flame or suction and attaching it to the skin. Using glass jars allows the practitioner to see the degree of suction. The suction promotes the free flow of Qi and blood, dispels cold and dampness, and lessens pain and swelling. Stationary cupping can leave bruises or marks on the skin that will disappear after a few days. Moving cupping uses the same technique, but with oil or lotion applied to the skin. The suction is maintained while the cups are moved on the body producing a wonderful feeling of having a deep massage.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (moxa) is the method whereby the dried herb, Artemisia vulgaris is burned above the skin. The herb, once dried, is ground into a fine powder and often compressed into a moxa stick. Smokeless moxa sticks are now commonly used in clinics. Moxa can be used alone or synergistically along with acupuncture to regulate the Qi and Blood (help with circulation) and expel cold and dampness. The Japanese have developed an intricate system of rolling and applying moxa “cones” to particular places on the body with a barrier placed on top of the skin to avoid burns. It has evolved to quite an art! Often moxa is used on the joints of the hands for arthritic conditions, on the low back for pain and tonification of the kidneys as well as on the abdomen for certain gynecological and digestive disorders. This ancient healing modality feels very nurturing and soothing for the entire body.
Gua Sha
This technique involves stimulating the skin with a round edged tool. After appling oil or lotion to the skin, the edge of a round tool (traditionally a spoon used for soup in China) is used to create friction with the skin in order to bring blood to the surface. The skin should redden quickly, but will return to its normal color within a few days. It can be used to effectively treat tight muscles, migraines, neck pain, stiffness, fever and chills, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory infections.
Infrared Heat
Infrared rays is an electron-wave which wavelength is no longer than visible ray and shorter than microwave. The infrared lamp is effective when deep heating of body tissue is desired. Beneficial effects include decreased joint stiffness, increased vasodilation, muscle spasm relief and reduced pain from ligamentous sprains and strains. It works by increasing the local circulation of blood, lymph and the activity of the nervous system.
Success Stories
Abigail Waite, Associate Director, BioMarin