At our Nepean clinic, we offer TCM and Acupuncture for a holistic approach to your treatment plan.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are ancient healing practices that have stood the test of time for over 2,500 years, taking a holistic approach to health.
Acupuncture
At the heart of TCM is acupuncture. It is scientifically shown to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function in acute or chronic injuries or conditions.
Key Components of TCM
TCM is based on the belief that the body's vital energy flows through energy pathways in the body. In recent years, TCM and acupuncture have gained increasing acceptance in Western medicine. Numerous studies have explored the physiological effects of acupuncture, shedding light on its mechanisms and efficacy.
Types of TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the body's ability to heal itself.
The following approaches are types of Chinese medicine used to heal people with various conditions, pain, and negative health effects.
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Acupuncture
A therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points correspond to the body's meridians and are believed to regulate the flow of qi, promoting balance and harmony.
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Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This is thought to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being.
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Dietary Therapy
TCM emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining health. Dietary therapy involves choosing foods based on their energetic properties to harmonize the body's internal balance.
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Herbal Medicine
TCM often incorporates herbal remedies made from plants, minerals, and animal products. These formulations are designed to address imbalances in the body and support its natural healing processes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine FAQs
Read some frequently asked questions about TCM.
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How to prepare for your appointment?
- Before your acupuncture appointment, make sure that you are not engaged in strenuous or stressful activities. Have enough rest before your appointment.
- Eat about 1 hour before your appointment. Best not to have just eaten, or to come on an empty stomach.
- Avoid caffeine & alcohol for at least 2 hours before and after your appointment. These can alter the effect of the acupuncture treatment.
- Please arrive to the clinic about 10 minutes before any scheduled appointment, to permit you time to relax and prepare for the session.
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What are the risks associated with acupuncture?
- Bruising or minor bleeding after your session.
- Fatigue. The body is working to heal itself, and sometimes you may feel more tired than usual.
- Fainting during care. This is minimized through proper education, client preparation, and therapist care.
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What is cupping?
- Cupping is a form of therapy that involves the suction of the skin and the surface muscle layer to stretch and be drawn into a cup. Cupping is used to encourage the blood flow of the body and treat conditions such as acute or chronic pains, respiratory problems and musculoskeletal problems.
- Dry suction cupping a plastic or silicone cup, with valves at the top that attach to hand pumps, are placed on the skin then pumped to create suction by removing the air. The cups in both methods are to be left on the patient’s skin for 2 to 10 minutes.
- In the procedure of wet cupping, the skin is punctured by sterile disposable needles before either the fire cups or suction cups are placed on the skin. This technique draws out the blood, thus removing harmful substances and toxins from the body. The cups are to be left on the patient’s skin for 2 to 10 minutes.
- After the cups are removed from the session, temporary red marks might show on the patient’s skin. These marks might remain on the skin for up to 10 days. These marks are a result of minor bleeding from broken capillary blood vessels.
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What is the difference between acupuncture & dry needling?
Acupuncture – Designated points on a “body map”; needles left in for a period of time.
Dry Needling – No body map, but rather insertion into muscles for release or re-activation. -
What is the difference between seeing acupuncturist vs. Physiotherapist trained in acupuncture?
Physiotherapists are only able to use their acupuncture training within their scope of practice, i.e. western anatomical purposes. Whereas a certified acupuncturist will use eastern methods, TCM methods, which is a different approach to care & points.
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Which conditions can be treated with TCM?
The following conditions can be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine:
- Migraines
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy, etc.)
- Anxiety / stress / depression
- Digestive problems
- Respiratory problems
- Chronic pain conditions
- Insomnia & sleep quality
- Endocrine problems
- Skin conditions (Eczema, etc.)
- Cold hands & feets
- Fertility
The Art of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most well-known aspects of TCM, and its effectiveness has gained recognition worldwide. The placement of needles at specific acupuncture points stimulates the body's self-healing mechanisms, promoting pain relief, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Pain Management: Acupuncture is renowned for its effectiveness in managing various types of pain, including chronic pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Stress Reduction: By promoting relaxation and balancing the body's energy, acupuncture can help alleviate stress and improve mental well-being.
Improved Sleep: Many individuals find relief from insomnia and other sleep disorders through regular acupuncture sessions.
Enhanced Immune Function: Acupuncture is believed to strengthen the immune system, helping the body resist illness and maintain optimal health.
Patient Centered Care Approach
Our Certified Acupuncturist uses different techniques including, acupuncture, cupping, food guides, and education.
She values that no two cases are the same and wishes to address the needs of the body as a whole, assisting in balancing the meridians of energy.
The use of this drug-free method to help people relieve their symptoms while addressing the root cause of the symptoms is key to her patient-centered care approach.
She may use a combination of therapeutic elements, such as cupping, acupuncture, and TCM food guide tips.
Interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture?
Whether you're seeking relief from pain, managing stress, or simply exploring alternative approaches to healthcare, the world of TCM and acupuncture invites you to embark on a journey toward balance and vitality to augment your treatment plan to manage your acute or chronic issue.