ACUPUNCTURE
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
This ancient, independent and comprehensive medical system is based on the principle that all processes, whether in the natural world or inside our body, strive for harmony and balance and are subject to a certain regulation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) these regulatory forces are described as Yin and Yang, two polar complements, which create the vital energy called Qi. Health is characterised by a balance between Yin and Yang and the free flow of Qi. Complaints are understood as our body’s signal to draw attention to an imbalance so that we can re-establish balance and restore health.
In TCM, a diagnosis is not based on technical test results, but rather on the patient’s signs and symptoms (including tongue and pulse diagnosis). This allows an early diagnosis and effective treatment of any dysfunction.
From a modern medical point of view, TCM describes disorders of the nervous system, in particular the autonomous nervous system. If these disorders are not addressed, they have the potential to develop into organic diseases, which will show up on a modern technical test (i.e. blood test, ultrasound etc.)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Why do we fall ill? TCM describes our physical and emotional complaints as “patterns of disharmony“ and states three main causes: a reduced or insufficient ability to adapt to our surrounding (physical, emotional, spiritual), an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise and last but not least, strong and suppressed emotions.
Any dysfunction or disorder has an effect on the whole body. Therefore when examining and treating the patient, TCM takes into account all aspects of the human being: physical, emotional, constitution and social background. This approach often allows a more profound healing process and is particularly suitable in the treatment of functional and psychosomatic complaints.
TCM can be effective in treating a variety of diseases. It is also safe to combine with almost every other treatment, whether biomedical or complementary. If you are unsure whether TCM is the right treatment for your condition, please contact me directly and I will be happy to advise you.
Examples of signs and symptoms where TCM has been shown to be most effective:
Pain
migraine/headache, neck and shoulder pain/tension, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain and sciatica, tendonitis, knee pain, toothache, arthritis, fibromyalgia, injuries, reduction of pain associated with cancer
Emotional Disorders
anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress-related complaints, burnout and exhaustion
Digestive Disorders
diarrhoea, constipation, gastritis, acid reflux/indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, food intolerances
Respiratory Disorders
asthma, allergies, sinusitis, coughs, bronchitis, being prone to colds / the flu / general infections
Women's Issues
PMS, preparation for childbirth, difficulties conceiving, menopause, irregular menstruation, painful periods, endometriosis, breast-feeding difficulties
Neurological Disorders
Bell’s palsy, numbness, dizziness, tinnitus, recovery from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy
Urinary/Kidney Disorders
chronic cystitis, bladder infection
TREATMENTS
Acupuncture
Within the body, and on its surface, are streams of energy that flow along specific pathways in an orderly pattern. A disruption in the flow of energy causes imbalances and eventually disorders. Along these pathways, called meridians, are precise acupuncture points that have varying functions. By needling appropriate and carefully chosen points, a skilled TCM doctor is able to encourage the smooth flow of energy that is vital for the body to heal itself, thereby re-establishing and maintaining good health. I also use the modern techniques of dry-needling and akutaping, which are very effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion refers to the practice of burning a moxa stick over the patient's skin at vital points to send heat and nourishing Qi into the body. Moxa is a word derived from Japanese and means "burning herbs." The moxa wick is most commonly made from Artemisia vulgaris, or Chinese wormwood, but other herbs can also be used.
Cupping
Glass cups with a vacuum seal are placed on the skin to stimulate blood flow, clear stagnant Qi or expel pathogenic factors
Chinese Herbal Treatment
This pharmacological therapy uses primarily ingredients of dried herbs, roots, seeds and fruits. Herb cultivation and harvesting has been a traditional art in China for thousands of years. There are well-documented studies on the nature, medicinal functions and remarkable effectiveness of Chinese herbs.
From the vast variety of herbs, a selection is individually prescribed to match the TCM diagnosis of each individual patient. These herbs are usually drunk as a tea once or twice a day. There are a number of TCM pharmacies which guarantee a high quality of medicine to western standards.
Chinese Nutrition
Nutrition is an integral part of TCM and is used to support and reinforce the treatment. Small changes in lifestyle and nutrition often have a significant effect on the well-being of a person.
Tuina
This Chinese therapeutic massage is aimed at relieving muscle tension, stimulating acupressure points, opening energy meridians and stimulating the flow of Qi.
Qi Gong
This is a system of breathing and movement exercises aimed at improving our awareness of the flow of Qi in the body and loosening up any tension in joints and muscles.
