Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "zhong yi," is a complete holistic system of medicine encompassing a variety of techniques including acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na (massage acupressure and bodywork), moxibustion, cupping, as well as guidelines regarding diet and exercise. A key philosophical underpinning of TCM is that it recognizes the interdependence of mind and body, and treats the person as a whole.
Acupuncture (zhen jiu)
Traditional acupuncture, as practiced here at New York AcuHealth, is a holistic approach to disease management and health maintenance based on a 2500-year history - as compared to western-style or medical acupuncture, which is a more recent development and which uses a limited range of acupuncture techniques based on a western medical diagnosis.
The classical explanation of traditional acupuncture is that it restores and maintains equilibrium between the patient's physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. The classical premise of all Oriental medicine is that health is dependent on the body's life energy or "qi" flowing in a smooth and balanced way through the network of meridians (channels) connecting all major organs. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities, known as yin and yang. When these become unbalanced, the result is illness. The acupuncturist restores balance to the patient's qi by inserting fine sterilized needles into the channels of energy, stimulating the body's own natural healing mechanisms and correcting the imbalance.The modern explanation is that acupuncture achieves the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin - acupuncture points - that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.
Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary mechanisms in the body:
- Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of pain-reducing opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture.
- Changes in brain chemistry: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by altering the way in which neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes involved in regulating blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature. Modulation of subcortical structures of the brain may be an important mechanism by which acupuncture exerts its complex multisystem effects
- Changes in blood flow: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine affects the circulation of blood to the affected area, which helps to remove pain-causing chemicals and restore normal function.
Herbal Medicine (cao yao)
The practice of Chinese herbal medicine can be traced back at least 5000 years, making it one of the oldest systems of health care in the world. Over the millennia, Chinese herbal medicine has developed and matured to become what it is today: a natural and holistic system of primary health care used by people from a variety of backgrounds to effectively treat a range of chronic and acute health problems.
Many thousands of substances are in the Chinese herbal medicine formulary. Today, only a couple hundred of the most common ones are used. Most are of plant origin, though some animal and mineral substances are also used. Some, such as ginger, garlic and cinnamon, are common, but many of the substances may be unfamiliar to you, such as chai hu (bupleurum), di huang (rehmannia) and huang qi (astragalus). Some substances that were used traditionally are no longer part of the modern professional Chinese herbal medicine practice. For example, traditional remedies derived from endangered species have been replaced by other substances with similar actions.
Chinese herbal medicines consist of individual herbs made into formulae that take into account the individual therapeutic action of each herb and as well as the combined effects. A well-constructed formula maximizes the effectiveness for treating a particular condition, while counteracting and minimizing the unwanted effects of an individual herb.
Most illnesses present with a core set of recognizable signs and symptoms, but these symptoms can vary from person to person. For this reason, people with similar health conditions may be given quite different Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions. A qualified practitioner is able to prescribe an herbal formula that specifically matches and treats your individual health problem. As your condition changes and improves, the Chinese herbal treatment will be adjusted accordingly until the desired outcome is achieved.
Chinese herbal medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes, and focuses as much on prevention as treatment. By strengthening and enhancing normal body functions, it works to boost the immune system and promote general wellness.
Many pharmaceutical drugs were originally derived from herbs that Chinese doctors have been using for thousands of years. In fact, 25 percent of all pharmaceutical drugs today still have natural herbal components. So, it is no surprise that natural herbal medicine often work in the same was as pharmaceutical drugs. Here are a few examples:
- Aspirin, derived from the bark of the Chinese Willow tree
- Digoxin, used to treat the heart, derived from Foxglove Root or Di Huang
- Anticoagulants, derived from herbs such as Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza )
- Antiparasitics like Wu Mei (fructus pruni mume) and Bing Lang (semen arecae catechu) for parasites.
So, how do pharmaceutical drugs and natural Chinese herbs differ?
Pharmaceutical Drugs:
- Narrow margin of safety and greater chance for adverse side effects, especially with overuse
- Active ingredients are highly purified therefore, extremely potent
- Dozens to hundreds of related compounds and non-active ingredients
- Often have a synergistic action
Chinese Herbal Medicine:
- Very wide margin of safety
- Active ingredients are diluted, potency can be easily controlled
- Usually a single active chemical or a well-defined mixture of active chemicals
- Usually a well-defined, specific activity
Pharmaceutical Drugs Risk Factors:
Adverse drug reactions to pharmaceutical medications cause more than 100,000 deaths per year, while non-fatal adverse reactions serious enough to require hospitalization were reported for approximately 2.2 million cases (Lazarou, 1998). These statistics apply only to adverse drug reactions in which the medication was appropriately used. This places adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals as the fifth leading cause of mortality in the U.S.Herbal Medicine Risk Factors:
Reported deaths from adverse reactions to Chinese herbal medicines and non-Chinese botanical supplements ranges between 12 and 24. Admittedly, adverse reactions to dietary supplements are not as well monitored as for pharmaceuticals. Even allowing for under-reporting, however, the documented number of serious or life-threatening adverse reactions to botanical medicines remains extremely low. For current information on adverse events reported to the FDA, visit the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.Tui Na (tui na)
Tui Na dates back more than 1700 years. Incorporating techniques similar to massage, chiropractic, osteopathic and physical therapy, it is a form of acupressure, massage and bodywork. Tui na uses a variety of hand techniques and stretching to restore correct anatomical musculo-skeletal relationships and neuromuscular patterns, as well as increase the circulation of qi and blood to eliminate biochemical irritants. Acupuncture points may be selected to rebalance and harmonize the flow of qi and blood through the organ meridians to encourage healing and prevent further injury.
One of tui na's advantages over simple massage is its ability to focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints and the skeletal system. It is particularly effective for joint pain associated with arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms, and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. It can also be used to ease chronic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches, migraines and stress-related tension.
As with other styles of Asian bodywork, tui na is designed to prevent problems, not just correct them, by keeping the body's energy in balance. Its health benefits are not just physical, but mental and emotional as well.
What conditions are appropriate for Tui Na?
Any musculo-skeletal disorder can benefit from tui na, including shoulder problems, joint pain, back, hip, thigh, knee, lower leg and ankle disorders. Tui na is an appropriate treatment for both acute and chronic pain.
Do I need to be hurt to benefit from Tui Na?
Absolutely not. While tui na can be used for pain relief, it is great for maintaining optimal health and preventing disease.
How should I prepare for a Tui Na treatment?
We recommend wearing loose clothing such as gym pants and a light, natural fiber T-shirt or blouse. Since tui na practitioners do not usually apply oils or use mechanical devices during treatment, it is not necessary to undress for your session. We also suggest that you arrive neither too hungry nor too full, so it's a good idea to have a light snack an hour or so before your appointment.
How often and how many Tui Na treatments are necessary?
This varies greatly, depending primarily on the concern and condition of the patient. If the problem is acute, one to three treatments are usually sufficient to ease pain and improve flexibility. If the problem is chronic, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly treatments may be advised. If your primary concern is health maintenance and illness prevention, we typically suggest treatment on a monthly basis.
Moxibustion (jiu)
The ancient healing technique of moxibustion, believed by some medical historians to pre-date even acupuncture, dates back approximately 3,000 years. It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia. Moxibustion uses moxa or mugwort herb (artemsia vulgaris), applied directly or indirectly, in order to warm regions and acupuncture points, which stimulates circulation, encourages a smoother flow of blood and qi, and protects against cold and dampness.
There are a variety of moxibustion techniques. The direct (Japanese) techniques include "heat perception moxibustion," which involves using large cones of moxa that are placed directly on the skin, then removed when the patient feels they're hot. "Penetrating moxibustion" uses small rice grain-sized cones of high-grade moxa. Indirect (Chinese) techniques include the use of "moxa boxes" the burning of moxa within a ceramic temple that sits above specific areas of the body; "stick moxa" a cigar-like stick of moxa burned directly above the skin over specific points; and "needle head moxa" where small cylinders of moxa are placed on the ends of acupuncture needles so that the warmth penetrates deeply into the point without burning the skin.
Moxa is used for pain and deficient conditions, and has been clinically effective for treatment of common conditions such as acute and chronic pain (frozen shoulder, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome), digestive upset (diarrhea, IBS), women's disorders, and sexual function (impotence, decreased libido).
Cupping (bei xi fa) (ba huo guan)
Originally called "horn therapy," cupping has been seen in many variations in countries such as Greece, France, Italy, Turkey, Eastern Europe and even as far as South America. Its long history of use in conjunction with acupuncture has been well documented; however, it is also used as a therapy in its own right. Its primary purpose is to affect the flow of both qi and blood through the body. A safe, non-invasive technique, cupping is used to treat a myriad of conditions, like colds and flu and upper respiratory infections, as well as problems related to the internal organs. Recently, cupping has been in the media for its use in treating muscular pain, bone pain and spasms, particularly in the back and shoulders.
As in all traditional Chinese medicine, the goal is to balance and improve the flow of qi and blood. When the flow has been disturbed, either by cold or injury, stagnation (pain) develops. Cupping is used when the qi is inhibited at certain points, or when qi stagnation needs to be drawn to the surface from deep within. The therapy disperses and moves qi and blood by exerting suction and pressure on the prescribed area.
A burning cotton ball, held in forceps, is placed in and out of an inverted cup to create a vacuum. When the oxygen in the cup is exhausted, the cup is placed directly onto the skin, where it is held in place by strong suction. Often, the skin inside the cup visibly rises with the suction. (There are also cups available that use manual hand pumping instead of the traditional frame to create the vacuum.) Multiple cups of various sizes are used to cover an area thoroughly. They may be left in place for several minutes, or removed quickly and placed elsewhere. Cups are sometimes placed over an acupuncture needle that has been inserted. Moving or sliding cupping may also be performed, first by rubbing the skin with a small amount of oil, which enables the cups to slide easily. Acupuncturists may prescribe herbal remedies, dietary changes, and other health recommendations to support cupping therapy.
While cupping is considered painless, red marks, swelling, and bruises can appear since the treatment causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin. These marks typically disappear within a few hours or days.
