On the Path to Optimal Health
We are dedicated to integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern science to provide Optimal patient-centered care.
Chinese Medicine
See the bottom of the page for the latest TCM research.
TCM does not fight disease or manage symptoms.
The philosophy of TCM is based on restoring health.
Disease is viewed as an imbalance, caused either by an
excess or deficiency. When the root cause is removed;
the body is able to restore equilibrium and health.
The first practitioners were Taoist Monks whose primary goal was to be compassionate and of service to others. This written tradition and passed down from master practitioner to student. This early version of an internship included being a scribe. The written documentation passed down through the generations lead to the classics, written between 23-2800 years ago. The internship was for a minimum of 20 years.
Like all ancient cultures, TCM evolved in an environment where religion, science and medicine intertwined. Like western medicine, TCM has developed along side scientific discovery and today would be considered secular. Where other branches of Chines Medicine; 5 Elements and Classical Chinese Medicine have maintained their original philosophies of the natural world.
Everyone asks, what is qi?
Energy
In modern science qi would be defined as biochemical reactions. Bodies (human
and otherwise) need energy to function. Digesting food or absorbing sun light is how
organisms produce energy. Biochemically, digestion (the kreb cycle) is the metabolic process
of breaking down and reorganizing nutrients in a way that allows said organism to grow, keep itself warm,
reproduce and maintain homeostasis. This is qi.
Breathe
Respiration is inhaling and exhaling. Inhalation puts oxygen (O2) in blood and is circulated through the body to nourish cells and organs. Exhalation expels carbon dioxide (CO2). Qi is said “to promote blood movement in the vessels and that qi movement removes toxins". The ancient physicians that fostered this medicine understood that there was something in the air that went into the lungs and moved with blood. They also understood that exhaling was the completion of the cycle and it removed toxins. They called it qi. Modern science has defined these substances as molecules. "That which we call a rose ... by any other name would smell as sweet." W. Shakespeare.
Qi is the explanation of bio and organic chemistry without the benefit of the periodic table, an autopsy or microscope.
or movement.
It is the progression of life
through the stages of
growth, maturity, decline
and death.
Qi is any change
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system.
It's five components are medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, exercise and massage.
95 percent or more of Chinese medicinal's are plant based. With minimal alteration, the bio-compounds remain in tact and their digestion contains the full spectrum of available nutrients with little to no strain on the kidney's or liver. Plant based medicines are significantly safer than pharmaceuticals. Natural substances of all kinds can not be patented making these remedies a mere fraction of the cost of their counterpart.
Medicine
China's staple meal is rice, soup, vegetables, and other sides, including one bite-size portion of meat or seafood. The diet centered around, fresh and well cooked food. Beverages are always at room temperature or warmer for better digestion. Until the exposure to western culture, eating with the seasons was a common practice, as well an basic recipes to cure common illnesses. Their equivalent to chicken noodle is called congee.
Nutrition
Acupuncture
Acupoints
Meridians
The insertion of very fine needles into the skin in modern culture is called micro-abrasion. The needles are inserted into acupoints on meridians or Ashi points (not on meridians). Studies and imaging show that Acupuncture needles interact with fascia (connective tissue and extracellular fluid) causing a mild immune response that increases white blood cell circulation. Studies have also shown that acupuncture needles stimulate chemical reactions that release endorphins and other pain-relieving hormones. No opioids needed. See links below for current research and why dry needling is cultural appropriation for the sole purpose of profit.
Meridians are pathways that connect acupoints. With modern technology, it has been established that although not exact; of the approximate 350 major points, a majority are located near the central nervous system, or along peripheral nerves. Western medicine named cranial nerves based on the Latin name of the organ or sensory-motor function it controls and Chinese medicine named meridians after the same organ-sensory relationship. Meridians also follow lymph node clusters and long bones where bone marrow is produced. Bone marrow is responsible for the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen, platelets that stop bleeding and white blood cells that are a key component of the immune system.
TCM meridians follow the human nervous system and major paths of it's
immune system. All of this without the use of x-ray or other imaging.
In Asian culture Tai Qi, Qi Gong and walking are the traditional forms of exercise but anything that keeps you moving, strengthens the heart or
body is exercise.
Exercise
Chinese Medical Massage (Tui Na) is performed fully clothed and serves the sole purpose of restoring muscles and bones to a state of equilibrium. In Asia, Tui Na includes spinal adjustments.
Massage
Biomedical Research and Traditional Chinese Medicine
This research article titled, "The return of the “Ashi Point” from its journey East and its modern theoretical reconstruction", gives the historical context of Ashi points which means off meridan.
Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) within the text, Qiān Jīn Yào Fāng "Thousand Ducat Prescriptions". It lays out the evidence of why dry needling is the appropriation of East Asian medicine and culture for the purpose of profit. While many states are not requiring adequate training, this profit is endangering the health and well being of citizens.
Research published by the National Institute of Health, Acupuncture reducing Systemic inflammation: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/research/research-results/new-findings-suggest-acupuncture-stimulation-reduces-systemic-inflammation
Open the link below to watch open heart surgery performed with acupuncture as the only anesthesia. Although this is somewhat common in NYC and California, As of yet I haven’t found a video from the states. https://www.britannica.com/video/179539/Discussion-medicine-focus-use-Chinese-anesthetic-surgery