1220 University Drive Suite 202B
Menlo Park, CA 94025
ph: 650) 400-8946
fax: 408) 962-0188
Moon
Asian Medicine treatment includes a variety of modalities and combines 2 or 3 of them in treatment.
Among the modalities,acupuncture and herbal medicine are the most popular ones.
- Acupuncture
- Electro Acupuncture – use of micro current technology on needles
- Acupressure -- manual pressure on acupuncture point
- Herbs
- Cupping – glass cup as a suction device to stimulate blood circulation
- Tui Na
- Moxibustion - heat therapy using mugwort plant
- Gua Sha
- Dietary Therapy
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the key components of Asian Medicine. Acupuncture stimulates certain
points in the body by inserting very thin, hair-like needles into skin.The purpose of acupuncture is
to correct imbalances in the flow of Qi through a network of meridian that connects every
organ and part of the body. If the flow of Qi is blocked, the system is disrupted and illness
may occur. Acupuncture re-establishes the free flow of Qi and restores balance. This balance
stimulates the body’s natural healing ability, as well as promoting physical and emotional
well-being.
After a treatment, most patients feel relaxed and refreshed with some relief of symptoms.
Acupuncture also decreases the body’s stress and inflammatory response (sympathetic dominance)
and allows the body to operate in a more relaxed, healthy state. A stressed body and mind is much
more susceptible to illness and disease. A body, mind and spirit at ease remains healthy and strong.
Scientific Research on Acupuncture Effect
Acupuncture has been used to treat many diseases and illnesses for thousands of years but only
recently scientists have been documenting the acupuncture effect using high-tech tools.
Neuroimaging studies : show that acupuncture treatment seems to calm areas of the brain that
register pain and activate those involved in rest and recuperation.
Doppler ultrasound :shows that acupuncture increases blood flow in treated areas.
Thermal imaging :shows that it can make inflammation subside.
Some of other researches on acupuncture effect: acupuncture stimulates neurotransmitters which
affect nervous system, metabolism, emotions and immune system. Endorphin which is brain
hormone produced by body as response to stress helps modulate pain, elevate mood and increase
immune system response. Serotonin strongly affects mood and behavior and acts as a precursor
to Melatonin which is a neurohormone. Melatonin helps the body deal with stress more effectively. In
addition, acupuncture enhances circulatory function by stimulating central and peripheral blood flow.
Conditions can be treated by Acupuncture
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a
wide range of medical problems, including:
Digestive disorders:
Spasms of esophagus, gastritis and hyperacidity, chronic duodenal ulcer, spastic colon,
constipation, and diarrhea
Respiratory disorders:
Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and recurrent chest infections
Neurological and muscular disorders:
Headaches, facial tics, trigeminal neuralgias, neck pain, rib neuritis, peripheral neuropathies,
frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, knee pain, osteoarthritis,
and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Functional disorder:
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Mental and emotional problem:
Stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems
Herbs
Herbal medicine is an integral aspect of Asian Medicine. Herbs greatly enhance the effect of
acupuncture because they are not only able to redistribute substances within the body but are also
able to add essential substances to the body. As dietary supplements, Asian herbs can boost
internal deficiencies as well as eliminate harmful substances that accumulate pathologically.
Herbs are all natural and safe. Most of them are plant origin, though some animal and mineral
substances are also used. Asian herbal medicine consists of individual herbs made into formulas that
have each herb functions and also the combined effects. The herbs in formulas work synergistically to
increase effectiveness and minimize unwanted effects. When prescribed and used correctly,
Asian herbal formulas rarely cause unwanted side effects.
There are several different forms of formulas. Decoction is the most strongest and effective form and
pills, granular powder and liquid tinctures are convenient and easy to take. When prescribing herbs in
granular powder or decoction, the practitioner can customize the formula for each individual for
complicated conditions.
Medi Points Acupuncture clinic uses the best quality herbs from reputable companies. They perform
extensive testing for heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins for safety and quality.
Cupping
Cupping is one of most effective techniques in Asian Medicine. It creates a vacuum in a suction cup
over various parts of the body, sucking out toxins and accumulated stress and tension.
It is primarily used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, congestion,
gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, stiff joints and muscle pain. Its primary purpose is to affect
the flow of Qi and blood through the body. It is used when the Qi is inhibited at certain points or when
Qi stagnation needs to be drawn to the surface from the deep within. For pain conditions, it relieves
symptoms and resupplies vital nutrients to local tissues by drawing blood flow to area of pain.
In results, it mobilizes and stretches soft tissue and loosens area of adhesion or restriction.
Cupping is also used to treat body tension and stress. Fleshy sites on the body, such as the back
and stomach (and, to a lesser extent, the arms and legs), are the preferred sites for treatment.
While cupping is considered painless, red marks, swelling, and bruises can appear since the
treatment causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin. These marks typically disappear within
a few hours or days.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a manual bodywork technique that utilizes Chinese meridian theory. As a complement to
acupuncture, Tui Na is combined with Western thoughts on anatomy, physiology, and orthopedic
injuryto manually target areas where injuries and tension have created stagnation and pain.
One of Tui Na's advantages over simple massage is its ability to focus on specific problems,
especially chronic pain associated with muscles, joints and the skeletal system. It is particularly
effective for joint pain associated with arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasm, and pain in the back,
neck, and shoulders. It can also be used to ease chronic conditions such as insomnia,
constipation, headache, migraines, and stress-related tension. Whenever possible, specific self-
massage or Tui Na techniques are recommended to promote well-being in between treatments.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a warming technique which involves the burning dried mugwort leaves. Moxa can be
applied directly or indirectly in order to warm acupuncture points or areas in which cold has been
accumulated. It stimulates the circulation of blood and Qi and quickens the healing process.
It also has a function of protecting the body against cold and dampness. It has been clinically effective
for treatment of common conditions such as acute and chronic pain (frozen shoulder, back pain,
carpal tunnel syndrome), digestive upset (diarrhea, IBS), women's disorders, and sexual
dysfunction (impotence, decreased libido).
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is another technique used to release musle tension, tightness and constriction,
especially neck area. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area.
Gua Sha feels a bit like a deep massage. This may leave some redness that will dissipate in a couple
days.
Dietary Therapy
The foundation of a healthy diet is regularity and balance. Foods should be eaten calmly, slowly,
and at regular intervals throughout the day. Chinese medicine separates food into flavors – salty,
bitter, sweet, spicy, sour, and bland – each of which acts on the body in a specific way. Foods also
have temperatures due to their inherent nature as well as the way they are prepared. The best way to
maintain health is to avoid eating too much of one flavor or temperature by choosing a wide range of
foods that are seasonal, fresh, and unprocessed.
Diet as cause of disease
If too much of a certain flavor, sugar for example, or too much of a certain temperature, such as cold
beverages is eaten, it is easy for imbalances to occur. Not only do these imbalances create illnesses,
they also weaken the body and make it more susceptible to other environmental stressors. By eating
a varied diet, one can maintain an internal balance that fuels both the body and the mind.
Diet as meidcine
Diet can be used as medicine by manipulating the balance of flavors and temperatures.
Because every person has different needs and predispositions, no one diet is good for everybody.
While some people must eat foods that are warming and energizing, others benefit from foods that
are cooling in nature. Also, specific food cravings or food allergies can draw attention to imbalances
within the body that can then be treated by changing the ratios of food flavors and temperatures being
ingested.
Copyright 2011 Medi Points Acupuncture Clinic. All rights reserved.
1220 University Drive Suite 202B
Menlo Park, CA 94025
ph: 650) 400-8946
fax: 408) 962-0188
Moon