Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare approach that dates back thousands of years. It incorporates both Acupuncture and the use of Chinese Herbs. TCM focuses on the interaction of all bodily systems to restore the health and well-being of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This means creating a balance in yin and yang, balance between the five phases, balance between the viscera and bowels, and balance between qi, blood, and bodily fluids. Some of the physical benefits of acupuncture include pain reduction, restored health from a recent or long-standing illness, faster recovery from injuries, decreased symptoms of stress, strengthened immune system function, and improved circulation.
How does the TCM practitioner determine what is out of balance?
The TCM practitioner determines what is out of balance in the body by employing four basic examinations. The first is questioning about one's signs and symptoms, also taking into account the person's entire health and family history. The second is by visually inspecting one's face, body, and especially the tongue. Concentration is placed on the coating, color, and any demarcations on the tongue. The third includes listening to one's voice and breathing, as well as noticing any odors emanating from one's body or excretions. The fourth method is palpation. The TCM practitioner palpates various parts of the body, also taking pulses on both sides of the wrists. By incorporating these four methods, the practitioner can determine the pattern of disharmony and rebalance the body.
How is rebalancing accomplished and what methods are used?
First, the practitioner determines which acupuncture points will best address the imbalance. Fine needles are then inserted into corresponding locations on the body. Many practitioners will use moxibustion or herbs as adjunctive treatments. TCM practitioners may also use tui na massage, and they may prescribe preventative exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. TCM also recognizes the importance of diet and lifestyle, so these areas are generally addressed as well.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one modality of Oriental Medicine. Fine needles are inserted into the body at specific points that are proven to be effective in the treatment of specific health conditions. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points. Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing processes. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use acupuncture to activate the flow of energy forces that nourish tissues, stimulate blood flow, and enhance the body's systems.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a strand of hair, and the insertion is practically painless. In some points, one may not even feel the needle, and in other points, one may feel a slight tingling sensation. The area may feel itchy, heavy, or warm. Most people find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the session. Generally, patients leave the appointments feeling revitalized.
Is there anything that I must do before treatment?
Before a treatment it is suggested that you eat something light, not a full meal, 30-45 minutes prior. Wear loose clothing so that the acupuncture points may be more easily accessed. Also, acupuncture is not performed on patients with an empty stomach, nor on anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the severity of your condition. If it is acute, one to two treatments may suffice. If it is chronic, estimate 5-10 treatments. As a rule of thumb, estimate 4 treatments for every year that you've had the condition. An individual's constitutional health, and how compliant an individual is, both play major roles in the healing process. The practitioner may suggest diet and lifestyle modifications, as well as exercise and relaxations techniques. Much of the healing is dependent upon the patient.
Is Chinese Medicine safe?
When acupuncture is practiced by a licensed practitioner, and herbs are prescribed by a certified herbalist, it is very safe. There are hardly any side effects, and if a patient reports any side effects, the practitioner will see to it that these side effects are mitigated. The practitioner will need to rebalance the body, not just treat the symptoms. In general, the herbs are administered in a mixed formula, typically consisting of 6-12 herbs. Most herbs in the Chinese material medica have minimal side effects, especially compared with standard over-the-counter Western drugs. In addition, the acupuncture needles are all sterile, stainless steel, and disposable.
What can I expect after treatment?
Some people may experience immediate relief while others may experience only a slight reduction of their symptoms, though improving with time. Many people experience a better night's rest, and their ability to handle stress often improves. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief, though the symptoms diminish over the next couple of days. In general, you should expect to feel better.
What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is the main modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the world's oldest continually practiced, professional medicine. Its written history stretches back several thousand years, though in practice it is certainly older. Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare approach that dates back thousands of years. It incorporates both Acupuncture and the use of Chinese Herbs. TCM focuses on the interaction of all bodily systems to restore the health and well-being of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This means creating a balance in yin and yang, balance between the five phases, balance between the viscera and bowels, and balance between qi, blood, and bodily fluids. Some of the physical benefits of acupuncture include pain reduction, restored health from a recent or long-standing illness, faster recovery from injuries, decreased symptoms of stress, strengthened immune system function, and improved circulation.
How does the TCM practitioner determine what is out of balance?
The TCM practitioner determines what is out of balance in the body by employing four basic examinations. The first is questioning about one's signs and symptoms, also taking into account the person's entire health and family history. The second is by visually inspecting one's face, body, and especially the tongue. Concentration is placed on the coating, color, and any demarcations on the tongue. The third includes listening to one's voice and breathing, as well as noticing any odors emanating from one's body or excretions. The fourth method is palpation. The TCM practitioner palpates various parts of the body, also taking pulses on both sides of the wrists. By incorporating these four methods, the practitioner can determine the pattern of disharmony and rebalance the body.
How is rebalancing accomplished and what methods are used?
First, the practitioner determines which acupuncture points will best address the imbalance. Fine needles are then inserted into corresponding locations on the body. Many practitioners will use moxibustion or herbs as adjunctive treatments. TCM practitioners may also use tui na massage, and they may prescribe preventative exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. TCM also recognizes the importance of diet and lifestyle, so these areas are generally addressed as well.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one modality of Oriental Medicine. Fine needles are inserted into the body at specific points that are proven to be effective in the treatment of specific health conditions. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points. Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing processes. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use acupuncture to activate the flow of energy forces that nourish tissues, stimulate blood flow, and enhance the body's systems.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a strand of hair, and the insertion is practically painless. In some points, one may not even feel the needle, and in other points, one may feel a slight tingling sensation. The area may feel itchy, heavy, or warm. Most people find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the session. Generally, patients leave the appointments feeling revitalized.
Is there anything that I must do before treatment?
Before a treatment it is suggested that you eat something light, not a full meal, 30-45 minutes prior. Wear loose clothing so that the acupuncture points may be more easily accessed. Also, acupuncture is not performed on patients with an empty stomach, nor on anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the severity of your condition. If it is acute, one to two treatments may suffice. If it is chronic, estimate 5-10 treatments. As a rule of thumb, estimate 4 treatments for every year that you've had the condition. An individual's constitutional health, and how compliant an individual is, both play major roles in the healing process. The practitioner may suggest diet and lifestyle modifications, as well as exercise and relaxations techniques. Much of the healing is dependent upon the patient.
Is Chinese Medicine safe?
When acupuncture is practiced by a licensed practitioner, and herbs are prescribed by a certified herbalist, it is very safe. There are hardly any side effects, and if a patient reports any side effects, the practitioner will see to it that these side effects are mitigated. The practitioner will need to rebalance the body, not just treat the symptoms. In general, the herbs are administered in a mixed formula, typically consisting of 6-12 herbs. Most herbs in the Chinese material medica have minimal side effects, especially compared with standard over-the-counter Western drugs. In addition, the acupuncture needles are all sterile, stainless steel, and disposable.
What can I expect after treatment?
Some people may experience immediate relief while others may experience only a slight reduction of their symptoms, though improving with time. Many people experience a better night's rest, and their ability to handle stress often improves. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief, though the symptoms diminish over the next couple of days. In general, you should expect to feel better.
What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is the main modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the world's oldest continually practiced, professional medicine. Its written history stretches back several thousand years, though in practice it is certainly older. Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.
Dr. Heather Richmond | (303) 444-4790 | 908 Main Street, Suite B104, Louisville, CO 80027