Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine draws from a pharmacopeia of thousands of herbs. Herbs can be from plant, animal and mineral sources. Herbs have energetic properties that can have dramatic healing effects. Each Chinese herbal formula contains many different herbs and each works synergistically with the others to bring about the therapeutic effect. Chinese herbs are rarely prescribed individually for it is in combining the herbs that the true strength of Chinese herbal medicine lies.

Each herb has a specific energetic function, flavor, temperature, and affinity for specific meridians. All these properties must be weighed when developing an herbal formula.

Chinese herbal formulas may be prescribed in a number of different ways. For instance, they may be prescribed internally or applied externally. There are also several different forms of internal herbal formulas, including raw herbal teas, tinctures, powdered herbs and pills.

The intention of herbal medicine is similar to the aim of acupuncture – to restore harmony and balance to the body, mind and spirit. Herbal medicine is a very significant part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is essentially like receiving a treatment each day.

Tui Na Massage

“Tui Na” literally translates as “push pull” and is the name given to Chinese Medical Massage. Tui Na incorporates techniques that are similar to Western and Asian massage, chiropractic, osteopathic, and western physical therapy. Tui Na is used to re-balance the flow and circulation of Qi along meridian pathways, and to re-balance muscle fibers and muscle groups within the musculoskeletal system.

Cupping

Cupping involves the placement of small cups (glass, bamboo, rubber or silicone) on various acupuncture points or areas of the body. The purpose of cupping is to draw out toxins by stimulating the blood and lymphatic systems, to remove stagnation by stimulating and improving circulation, and to stimulate the peripheral nervous system. Cupping is a very effective method of reducing pain and improving energy.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha involves the gentle scraping of the skin surface to increase the circulation of Qi and blood and to detoxify the body.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the burning of an herb called mugwort to facilitate healing. It has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years to strengthen and circulate the blood, warm and relax muscles or acupuncture points, activate the flow of Qi and maintain general health.

Chinese Dietary Therapy & Lifestyle Counseling

Chinese Dietary Therapy is an integral component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). You are what you eat and TCM recognizes that all foods have an influence on our body and health. Foods will be recommended based on each individual condition and the time of year. Many food remedies can be used to encourage better health.

Lifestyle recommendations may be given to further optimize your vitality. Specific movements and breathing exercises can develop greater harmony, balance and well-being.