Whenever I mention the words “Eastern Medicine,” “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),” or “Oriental Medicine,” what do I mean?

To put it short, in my practice I incorporate different modalities that fit under the umbrella of the popularly accepted term “Traditional Chinese Medicine” or “Oriental Medicine.” I am fully trained, certified, and/or licensed in:

• Acupuncture – The use of small, sterile, single-use needles to stimulate certain areas of the body for therapeutic effect.
• Moxibustion – using heat therapy to help improve proper flow of fluids in the body.
• Herbal medicine – the use of consuming all-natural teas, pills, or tinctures to incite a much deeper therapeutic effect internally, and as an effective alternative to pharmaceuticals.
• Cupping / Fire-cupping – using suction to “suck” out toxins from the capillary bed just below the skin or muscle layer.
• Medical Bodywork / Tui Na (or popularly known as “acupressure”) – a manual therapy that is perfect as a pre-treatment, post-treatment, or a treatment on its own. But be advised, it’s nowhere near as relaxing as a Swedish massage.
• Diet Therapy – Medicinal foods.

So even though my title is just “Licensed Acupuncturist,” I do implement all the above in my treatment protocols.

What I also utilize in my practice, and are also included under TCM/Oriental Medicine is:

• Qigong / Energy Cultivation – Using the breath, movements, and visualizations in order to cultivate energy and maximize oxygen/cell metabolism.
• Tai Chi / Martial Arts – Exercise!
• Meditation / Spiritual Training – Learning to calm the mind and to handle the highs and lows of life.

Although I don’t practice the following, they are also included under the umbrella of TCM/Oriental Medicine:

• Chinese astrology – Learning to live in harmony with the current moment according to the Yin-Yang, Five Phase theory, and the characteristics of the current zodiac symbol.
• Feng Shui – Arranging your living space to promote good health and peace of mind.

So as you can see, TCM/Oriental Medicine includes several different modalities to help the individual in various aspects of our lives by promoting good mental/physical/spiritual health, the health of our home, and a healthy perspective of our own place in this world.

It is truly holistic in every sense of the word.