Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture
The oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world
“The body is to nature as a violin is to an orchestra. The strings are to a violin as the organs are to the body. For the orchestra to play in harmony all the instruments must be tuned to each other.”
—Beinfield and Korngold
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
In Traditional Chinese medicine, energy or qi as it is otherwise known as, is believed to flow along pathways called meridians. This qi should flow in a free and unobstructed way, much like your bloodstream. If it is blocked anywhere then illness may follow.
To restore the flow of qi, an acupuncturist inserts tiny sterile needles into certain points of the body – commonly referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints. A Chinese Medicine practitioner may also use Chinese herbs to strengthen and support the healing process. Other TCM therapies and treatments include massage, nutrition, moxibustion, cupping, and body–mind–breath practices such as Qi Gong.
During the initial consultation we will inquire about your concerns, medical history, symptoms, appetite, sleep habits etc – as well as make a diagnosis using TCM techniques, such as pulse and tongue diagnosis. The tongue serves as a map of your internal organs and helps us diagnose a pattern of disease and/or imbalance.
This process helps us build a unique picture of who you are and not just the symptoms that you are experiencing. We then come up with a personalised treatment plan unique to your needs to restore balance, heal the body - and find peace of mind.
Acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs are the most common forms of treatment.
Your acupuncturist will ask you to take off your shoes and socks and lie on the bed. They will insert 3 to 10 tiny needles in to specific parts of the body, which will stay in place for about 10 to 20 minutes. Acupuncture is not painful, in fact some people fall asleep during this time. Generally, 1 to 5 treatments are recommended depending on the severity of the problem.
We can prescribe Chinese herbs to strengthen and consolidate a treatment. Our herbs are in the form of granules, which are simply added to hot water and drunken as a tea once or twice a day. Dietary recommendations are also helpful and depend on your specific pattern of disharmony. Other therapies such as moxibustion, cupping therapy, and massage may also be recommended.
Improve your physiological health, mental health and overall wellbeing, one needle at a time!
Acupuncture aids in strengthening the immune system and serves to prevent diseases. It is successful at treating a multitude of health conditions but you do not have to be ill to see the benefits of acupuncture. Clients often use acupuncture to maintain balance and prevent illness and diseases.
Acupuncture is not painful. People report different sensations –such as tingling, aching or a feeling of warmth or pulling.
Key benefits of acupuncture:
- Relieves pain
- Enhances immune function
- Regulates and balances hormones
- Elevates mood
- Relaxes muscles
- Eliminates stress
- Enhances mental clarity
Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation is based on the ancient wisdom of China and using the finest acupuncture needles, this therapy stimulates and tones facial muscles as well as enhances circulation, thereby revitalizing and rejuvenating the face.
Acupuncture is well known for its pain-relieving benefits but there are many health conditions for which TCM and acupuncture are proven to be helpful. These gentle therapies work towards balancing and strengthening the body’s capacity to heal itself. TCM and acupuncture have been successfully used to support:
- painful and stiff joints.
- chronic pain including back, neck, knee, hip, shoulder, abdominal pain.
- side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
- circulation and healthy blood pressure
- cognitive health and memory
- eye, ear, nose, throat and dental problems.
- emotional health including stress, low mood, anxiety and chronic fatigue.
- reproductive health.
- gastrointestinal issues including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting.
- nerve problems.
- headaches.
- pregnancy, labour and postpartum health.
- skin health.
- immune health: colds, flu and sore throats.
- women’s health - hormonal imbalances, premenstrual syndrome, menopause).
- weight loss.
- facial rejuvenation to improve skin health, reduce signs of aging, improve muscle tone, and increase collagen.
Like it’s Chinese counterpart, Japanese acupuncture opens energy channels within the body, relieves tension, muscle and joint pain, chronic conditions, and emotional wellbeing. Kiiko Matsumoto is one example of Japanese acupuncture. Diagnosis is based on patient’s health history, symptoms, pulse and palpation. Reflex zones and symptoms are diagnostically significant, which informs the choice of appropriate acupuncture points and enables practitioners and the client to have some immediate indication as the effectiveness of the treatment.
Japanese acupuncture is particularly suited to those who are uncomfortable with strong needle stimulus. Shallow needle insertion leaves no pain during treatment and provides quick results. Treatment is safe to use on children and babies.
Chinese herbs are medicinal foods that have been widely used to prevent and cure disease and continue to have an important role in promoting good health as well as treating an extensive range of health conditions.
As a result of millennia of study by masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine there are a large number of tried and tested herbal formulas. Each herb contains a number of complex compounds, which when combined with other herbs help to restore health and promote wellbeing.
Herbs are less likely to cause side effects because they are natural plant extracts, which are rapidly processed and eliminated by the body. In addition, Chinese formulas are designed to manage and balance the stronger herbs in the formula.
Our Chinese herbal medicines are of the highest purity and are the same brand as used by the government hospitals in Hong Kong.
Foods have unique healing properties and nowhere is this understood better than in China, where it is an integral part of the culture. TCM practitioners will advise which foods are best for your condition and foods you should avoid.
Moxibustion involves the burning of a stick of Mugwort (Ai Ye) as a source of heat over specific parts of the body. This ancient technique has been used for centuries and often combined with acupuncture in clinical practice.
When heat is applied to points on the body it helps invigorate the circulation of qi and expels cold. It can be successfully used to treat abdominal pain, painful joints and diarrhoea.
An ancient TCM healing technique using glass or bamboo suction cups to release blockages and improve circulation in specific areas of the body (i.e. neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, and thighs).
The cups are either stationary or used as a moving suction-cup massage, this stimulates the movement of stagnant qi and blood to the surface, allowing for the flow of new, healthy qi and blood to the desired area.
Cupping is recommended where there is body stiffness, muscular pain or where increased circulation is desired.
What’s next?
Restore your flow of energy with our TCM practitioners and acupuncturists. Simply call +852 2523 7121 or complete your request below, and we'll be in touch shortly to confirm your appointment.
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