Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM refers to the healing methods traditionally used by healers in ancient China and which are still practiced today.  This medicine has been distilled through the ages to retain only the most effective therapies and includes such modalities as cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na, Gua Sha, and Herbal Therapy, in addition to acupuncture.  

Cupping:  Used for centuries, cupping promotes blood flow by creating suction directly against the skin.  One or more cups, made of glass, plastic, or bamboo, is placed against the skin and suction is created using heat or a mechanical pump.  It is especially effective for stubborn muscle spasms.

Moxibustion:  Used in TCM to warm the body and stimulate blood flow, moxibustion involves burning an herb known as mugwort near certain points of the skin.  The heat opens up the pores, allowing the herb to penetrate the tissues, add warmth and provide relief from pain.  It is especially effective for the elderly and people with weakness or deficient conditions.

Tui Na:  Tui Na is the name for traditional Chinese massage therapy.  It uses techniques to warm the tissues, stimulate blood flow and move Qi (the body's internal energy).

Gua Sha:  Using specialized tools, often made of jade, Gua Sha is a method of scraping the skin lightly to bring stagnant blood to the surface so it can be moved out of the tissues by the bloodstream.  It is especially effective for breaking down knots in muscles and for speeding up healing time for bruises.