What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient healthcare system that originated in China. It is based on the concept of achieving and maintaining balance and harmony within the body, mind, and environment to promote health and prevent disease.

TCM views the human body as a dynamic, interconnected system of energy pathways that regulate physiological and emotional health.

Its core principles revolve around the smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, which moves through channels called meridians.  The balance of Yin and Yang (opposing yet complementary forces) is also essential to overall well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes the use of Acupuncture, Acupressure, Cupping, Moxibustion, Herbs and Dietary considerations to promote smooth flow of QI and blood, and balance Yin and Yang, to help restore health.

Although this Medicine has been in practice for a long time, new research and techniques are continually being developed to treat new diseases.


Diagnosing disease in TCM

The following principles are used to diagnose imbalance and cause of disease:

inquiring, listening and smelling, inspection, and palpation.

The consultation involves detailed questionnaire about client health;

listening to the tone of their voice, their breathing, any sounds (e.g wheeze, cough),

and if there is any particular smell (e.g. diabetics often have a sweet body odour).

Inspection focuses on the area of discomfort, any visible inflammation or discolouration, and checking the colour and coat of the tongue;

Palpation involves touching the area of discomfort for any masses, knots, nodules and checking the pulse.

These techniques help determine what is causing the health problem and how to best treat it.

TCM Treatment Goals

In TCM, the goal is to restore balance in the body, thereby promoting health.

    1.    Balance Yin and Yang

    •    Yin represents qualities like coolness, stillness, and inward energy, while Yang represents warmth, activity, and outward energy. Health issues arise when one dominates the other. For instance, an overabundance of Yang may cause heat-related conditions like inflammation, while excessive Yin may result in fatigue or coldness.

    •    TCM treatments aim to rebalance these forces to restore harmony.

    2.    Promote the Free Flow of Qi

    •    Stagnant or blocked Qi can lead to pain, illness, or emotional distress. TCM techniques (such as acupuncture or Qi Gong) work to unblock and direct Qi along the meridians for optimal health.

    3.    Support the Five Elements

    •    TCM is based on the Five Elements Theory: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element corresponds to specific organs and functions. Imbalances in one element can disrupt the system, and treatments aim to restore equilibrium.

    4.    Preventative Care

    •    TCM emphasizes strengthening the body’s innate defenses and maintaining balance through lifestyle adjustments, dietary choices, and regular treatments to prevent illness.


How Does TCM Restore Balance?

TCM practitioners aim to diagnose and treat the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms. The goal is to correct imbalances in Qi and restore harmony between Yin and Yang. TCM employs a variety of methods to achieve this balance:

Acupuncture

Herbal Medicine

Cupping Therapy

Acupressure or Tui Na (Therapeutic Massage)

Dietary Therapy

Qi Gong and Tai Chi

Benefits of Restoring Balance with TCM


By addressing the body holistically and seeking to treat the underlying imbalances, TCM offers a gentle, natural approach to achieving and maintaining overall well-being.

    •    Improved energy and vitality

    •    Reduced stress and emotional tension

    •    Better digestion and sleep

    •    Pain relief and improved circulation

    •    Strengthened immune system

    •    Prevention of chronic diseases


How Does Acupuncture Work?

The insertion of acupuncture needles in the body promotes a healing response in the body.

A neural message is relayed to the brain which then results in more blood flow, endorphins and other neurotransmitters such as histamine released at the area of insertion.

Therefore, the insertion of needles at the acupuncture points affects the energy flow in the body.

By balancing the flow of energy, Acupuncture can also have a therapeutic effect on the whole body.

For example, when treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we might needle an acupuncture point named PC 6. This point can help with the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel, but can also help reduce anxiety and nausea.

From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture is believed to work through several mechanisms, including:

    1.    Nervous System Activation: Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, triggering the release of natural chemicals like endorphins, which act as painkillers, and serotonin, which influences mood.

2.    Improved Circulation: Needle insertion may increase blood flow to specific areas, enhancing healing and reducing inflammation.

    3.    Muscle and Nerve Stimulation: Acupuncture can relax tight muscles and influence nerve activity, which can help reduce chronic pain or muscle tension.

    4.    Immune Modulation: Acupuncture may stimulate immune responses, helping the body defend against infections or manage autoimmune conditions.

What Health Conditions Can Acupuncture Help?

Research and Clinical Studies have shown that Acupuncture can help with:

  • Pain Relief:  Muscular, Arthritic, Degeneration, Nerve, Hormonal, Trauma, Post Surgery

  • Allergies: Environmental and Food Sensitivities

  • Respiratory Issues: Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Tightness of Chest

  • Digestion: Pain, Bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Acid reflux, Vomiting and Nausea

  • ​Urination: Incontinence, UTI, Kidney Stones

  • Women's health: Menstrual Pain, Irregular, PMS, Menopausal Syndrome

  • Fertility: PCOS, Premature Ovarian Failure, Supporting IUI and IVF procedures, Supporting High Risk Pregnancies

  • Neurological: Neuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons, Post Stroke Rehab

  • Facial Rejuvenation: Acne, Rosacea, Drooping eye lids, Melosma

  • Mental Health: Stress and Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Insomnia


What To Expect In A Typical Acupuncture Session?

During the first session, we discuss in detail your health conditions and the problems you would like me to address. I would then formulate a treatment plan to address your health concerns and choose Acupuncture Points accordingly. The first session includes a consult and treatment.

kanata-acupuncture

The treatments are done in a comfortable room with ambient lighting, music and temperature.

You would lie on a treatment table and would be adequately draped while I put acupuncture needles in the chosen points.

Most acupuncture points are chosen on arms and legs, distal to your elbows and knees as there are more nerve endings that would conduct a therapeutic response.

In TCM we say that Qi is more superficial in these areas and we can have a bigger impact on balancing the body by choosing points in these areas.

The option to get a treatment on a massage chair or a comfortable chair is also available for those that have difficulty lying down.

What if I have Pain?

There might be slight discomfort at point of insertion but it usually dissipates within seconds. Treatments can always be adjusted to make the session relaxing and comfortable. If you have any pain or discomfort or tightness of chest in the body, you may start feeling relief of symptoms as the needles are being inserted. 

How Long Is The Session?

Needles will be left in your body from anywhere between 30 minutes to 60 minutes, and I will check on you periodically to ensure you are comfortable in every aspect.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

For results to be long lasting, it is recommended to have a few sessions in quick succession so your body stays in this new mode of being balanced. During every followup session we would check your progress, presenting symptoms and treat accordingly.