What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used medical practices in the world. Specific points on the body are stimulated with very fine disposable needles to encourage the body to promote natural healing, improve functioning and restore health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that pain and illness result from imbalances within the body. By needling specific acupuncture points imbalances can be corrected and internal organs influenced. Acupuncture helps balance the movement of energy to restore health and prevent illness gently and without side effects.

Although Western medicine has yet to fully explain how acupuncture works, they believe that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal chord and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the bodies internal regulating system.

Herbal Medicine

A personalized herbal formula is created by a fully trained and licensed Herbologist. The formulas are based on traditional herbal combinations which have been modified and tested over thousands of years.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine a number of herbs are used, these combinations allow the herbs to work synergistically, becoming stronger when used together than alone, as well as reducing the possible side effects of taking single herbs.

Herbal prescriptions are available in many convenient forms: pills, powders and tinctures. All herbs are government tested and approved upon arrival in Canada for heavy metals, toxins and contaminants. All herbs prescribed are of the highest quality.

Dietary Modifications

Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies all food depending on the flavour, temperature and method of cooking. Food is seen as a form of medicine influencing the body. Depending on the individual diagnosis some foods may need to be eliminated and others added in order to create balance and health. A personalized food plan may be prescribed for you.

Lifestyle Recommendations

It is often beneficial to include some lifestyle techniques that can be performed at home to enhance the office visits. Gentle exercises may be recommended, stress reduction techniques and breathing exercises may be taught. Acupressure can often be performed on oneself to supplement visits and moxabustion in the form of a moxa stick may be supplied and used at home to speed healing.