TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
More than ever, people across North America are returning to more natural methods of improving their health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is continually growing in acceptance and practice. It focuses on health promotion, illness prevention and treatment through natural remedies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and tuina massage. The philosophy and practice of TCM are consistent with the most significant developments in healthcare today:
1. An emphasis on prevention.
2. The call for natural, non-invasive medical approaches.
3. An acknowledgement of the need to balance the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life.
4. The changing role of the medical practitioner as the facilitator of a patient's health and well-being.

As a result, the demand for qualified health care professionals in complementary or alternative fields of practice is increasing. Acupuncture and TCM are among the fastest growing career choices in health care today. The study and practice of TCM brings together traditional and modern views of health and eastern and western approaches. It provides an opportunity to participate in one of the truly remarkable achievements of mankind. TCM has served over a quarter of the world's population for thousands of years and repeated clinical tests have proven its effectiveness in fighting many diseases. In China, its country of origin, TCM and western medicine work hand-in-hand to provide the very best health care and disease treatment possible. Doctors of TCM are well-respected and recognized.

TCM is practiced and respected worldwide, bringing together traditional and modern views of health with eastern and western approaches.

The Benefits of TCM Treatment:
Because of its holistic and natural approach to treating illness, TCM also provides many long-term health benefits, including:
• Strengthening and balancing the vital energy (immune system) for prevention and treatment of disease
• Regulating and strengthening the functional activities of the internal organs
• Relaxing and strengthening the musculoskeletal system
• Calming the mind and relieving anxiety
• And much more...

Treatable Conditions:
Hundreds of studies have shown positive results for acupuncture, tuina massage, and herbal medicine treatments, including a review by Harvard Medical School in 2002. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many common health problems, including the following:

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture restores health and harmony through the insertion of fine, single-use, pre-sterilized needles at specific points chosen in accordance with the patient's individual needs and TCM diagnosis.

1. Does Acupuncture hurt?
Some form of sensation is usually experienced during an acupuncture treatment. Generally, pain is not the desired result, although a pricking sensation is commonly felt when the needles are first inserted through the skin.

2. What will I feel?
Acupuncture may evoke a variety of sensations based on the location, depth and manipulation of the needles and, of course, the individual's response. Common experiences include tingling, heaviness, distention, numbness, a dull ache, and a sensation that radiates away from the point of insertion, or perhaps nothing at all.

3. Are there any harmful side effects?
Acupuncture is an invasive procedure and should therefore only be practiced by those who have had the proper training. In such cases, it is proven to be a safe and effective form of treatment. Side effects, if any, are usually mild in nature and disappear shortly after treatment. These may include bruising and fainting. Severe side effects such as skin infection, transmission of disease such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and pneumothorax may occur if it is performed incorrectly or if the practitioner is not properly trained.

What is Tuina Massage?
Tuina is a form of oriental bodywork that uses therapeutic manipulations to affect not only the muscles and joints, but also the flow of energy in the body. Because of its focus on the stimulation of specific points along the energy channels, it may be considered a form of acupuncture without needles, and is especially well suited to pediatric care.

How much time should I set aside for a typical appointment?
Appointment times vary in length depending on various factors such as: the patient's condition, the type of treatment necessary, etc. In general a new patient requires about 90 to 120 minutes for the initial visit. It takes approximately 60 minutes for a typical follow-up appointment.

What can I expect during a typical appointment?
Please inform the front desk of your arrival. You will be asked to complete and sign an application form for acupuncture/TCM services during your first visit. Please ask the front desk for assistance filling out the form if you need it and return the form upon completion. Your TCM Practitioner will take you to a private treatment room where you will be consulted and treated. This is a three-step process:

1. Information gathering
we discuss the main reasons of your visit, look at your medical history, ask a series of questions specifically related to TCM, examine your tongue and check your pulse.

2. Diagnosis
based on our analysis of the information you give us, we arrive at a TCM diagnosis.

3. Treatment
based on our diagnosis, we will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This treatment plan may involve more than one aspect of TCM (acupuncture, herbs, tuina, etc.) and typically a number of follow-up appointments.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for my appointment?
• Eat or drink as you normally would throughout the day prior to your appointment. It's best not to overindulge immediately before a treatment, but don't deprive yourself of nourishment either.
• If necessary, use the washroom as needed before treatment.
• Tongue diagnosis is an important part of TCM. Please refrain from brushing your tongue before an appointment.
• Bring a list of any medications, supplements, or herbs, etc. that you are currently taking.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that is convenient for accessing areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen and back of the body during treatments.