How Traditional Chinese Medicine Brings the Body Back to Health

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a centuries-old health practice that originated in China. It focuses on balancing energy in the body to promote the body's natural healing abilities. Qi is a fundamental aspect of TCM and refers to the vital life force that flows through the body's energy pathways or meridians. These energy networks connect organs, tissues, veins, nerves, cells, atoms, and consciousness. When these energy channels become disrupted, whether due to blockages, stagnation, deficiency, or excess, symptoms arise.

Qi is manifested as either yin or yang. Yin and yang are the cosmic, interconnected energies that balance the body and all aspects of the universe. Yin and yang are polarized in the sense that they are opposites while also being mutually connected forces. When these two are out of balance, the corresponding ailment will arise, whether physical, mental, or emotional. The characteristics of yin and yang determine which organs and emotions are affected, as well as how they are affected. Yin aspects are cooling, moistening, passive, heavy, solid, descending, and dark. Yang represents the warming, drying, light, rising, aggressive, and active aspects of energy.

Practitioners rely on a variety of modalities to attain wellness for their patients. Acupuncture, Acupressure, Cupping, herbal medicine, and Chi Gong can be used alone or in conjunction to bring the body back into harmony.

-Acupuncture: Thin needles stimulate the body's meridians (energy pathways) to readjust the flow of Qi and balance yin and yang

-Acupressure: Pressure is applied at specific points in the body to promote the movement of energy

-Cupping: Hot glass cups are placed on the patient to draw blood to the skin

-Herbal Medicine: Each herb serves a different purpose to help the body achieve harmony

-Chi Gong: Combines gentle movement with controlled breathing to cultivate Qi and transmit it to all the bodily organs

To work in harmony with yin and yang, TCM encourages being active during the day and resting at night. Qi deficiency is characterized by fatigue, low mood, and other symptoms. Moving your body is a simple way to get the energy flowing efficiently again. However, excess qi can be a sign of overworking, overeating, stress, and other strong negative emotions. Taking time to relax and breathe can help remedy this.

If you are looking for more balance in your life and a holistic approach to wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine might be the answer. To get started, book a consultation on our services page.