Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete healthcare tradition originating in China that dates back 4000 years, yet remains effective today as a means of strengthening the body rather than merely treating symptoms. Chinese medicine focuses on building the body’s own vital energy (Chi) so the body can heal itself.

TCM is based on a simple and profound philosophy of balance, stemming from the yin and yang energies. The yin and yang represent a state of interdependence and continual movement, which create a state of balance. These two forces are reflected in the harmony of black and white, day and night, hot and cold, passive and active, dry and wet, and so on. Accordingly, when we are balanced, health and wellbeing exist. When we are out of balance, illnesses or disease can manifest.

Although TCM uses many approaches including diet, exercise, massage, and herbal food therapy, its cornerstones are acupuncture and herbal medicine.  Your Wellness Connection integrates Chinese medicine as an essential component of wellness care because at its core is the perspective of disease prevention and living a balanced life.

Personal Assessment

In Chinese medicine the tongue and pulse are the primary assessment tools of the body’s internal health condition. The pulse is felt for speed and condition, and the tongue’s color and texture are also examined. Each reveals imbalances in the body. This evaluation, in addition to a review of current symptoms and an understanding of how the client feels physically and emotionally, provides our acupuncturist sufficient information to tailor a treatment plan to meet any need. 

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of balancing and building the body's life force energy known as "qi" or "chi". Acupuncturists gently insert tiny disposable needles along pathways called meridians or channels through which this energy circulates. Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as the result of an imbalance, deficiency, or blockage in the body's natural energy flow. Such imbalances manifest in physical, emotional and stress-related disorders.

Frequency of Treatments

The number and frequency of treatments varies from person to person. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment while others may take 4-12 treatments.  Overall, most people see changes within 3-4 treatments and significant improvement with their health concern in 8-12 treatments. Acupuncture can be received on a regular basis to promote balance in the body and maintain wellness.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most comprehensive herbal medicines in the world. Herbal treatments are often prescribed as an adjunct to acupuncture care to accelerate and support the therapeutic effects of the treatment. Also, Chinese herbal medicine may be used to treat conditions that are not as effectively treated by acupuncture. 

Cosmetic Acupuncture
- A natural, non-surgical option

Cosmetic acupuncture clears blockages that may have left a map of fine lines or wrinkles, sagging jowls, age spots, dull skin, bags and circles under the eyes. It addresses and treats the underlying imbalances that lead to the aging process.

Cosmetic acupuncture is not appropriate in cases of:

• Severe migraines
• Severe high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Use of anticoagulants, including Coumadin or daily aspirin
• Recent laser resurfacing
• Recent microdermabrasion
• Recent Botox injection.
  
• Previous facial plastic surgery

A standard course of treatment is 12 sessions
Current or recent smokers should expect to double the number of sessions.

Cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the skin using glass cups. The cups are heated with alcohol and flame on the inside to reduce the air pressure, and then placed over the skin. As the cup cools a vacuum forms and pulls up the skin, stimulating the acupressure effect. This treatment is used to relieve what is called "stagnation" in TCM terms, and is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also commonly used to treat back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal pain.