Treatments
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a highly effective method used for over 5,000 years to treat pain and dysfunction in the body. This therapy stimulates "acupoints" on the body to affect the physiological functioning of the whole body or specific parts. These points are stimulated by the insertion of very fine disposable stainless steel needles. The theory of Acupuncture is based on the concept of Chi. Disruption in the flow of this bioelectric energy results in disease or pain. Stimulation of certain Acupuncture points along the affected meridian opens the blockage, allowing the Chi to flow through the body and restoring balance. Acupuncture increases the pain resistance of the body by enhancing its capabilities and has such a powerful painkilling effect that it has been using in some surgical procedures as the sole form of anesthetic.
Organic Chinese Herbs
The method of treating a Yin Yang imbalance is to provided herbs and a diet with a somewhat more Yang character to those with a more Yin constitution, and vice verse. Herbal therapy and diet are used to boost a deficient Tin and Tang or to suppress an excessive Yin and Yang, thereby establishing the correct balance of elements in the body.
Herbal formulas have three basic functions:
1. Purification and Detoxification
2. Health Management and Maintenance- Herbs are used to counteract physical symptoms
and stimulate the body's own healing power.
3. Health Building- Herbs are used to tone the organs and nourish the tissues and blood.
At the Natural Medicine Institute, hundreds of the finest quality organic Chinese herbs are used synergistically when combines into prescription teas for each individual patient.
Special Diet
Dietary requirements and restrictions are tailor-made for each patient in accordance with their constitution and ailment. Since the Western diet has certain limitations, it is necessary to pay attention to dietary intake when treating a medical condition or as a preventative measure. Diet is also important when seeking to improve vitality and quality of life.
Exercise
Exercise and other lifestyle change can also be effect in building the body's energetic life force or Chi. These are important factors in a holistic approach to health care. Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qi Gong are the most well known forms of exercise. Posture, movement and breathing foster a state of intense concentration and have a positive effect on the body's vital energy.
Acupressure
Acupressure is used to stimulate the body's own recuperative powers and to balance the flow of energy. When any of the meridians are blocked, proper application of finger pressure can loosen muscular tension, send the blood circulating and stimulate the energy flow. At the Natural Medicine Institute, Tui-Na is used, which is an ancient Chinese massage technique that stimulates the pressure points using a wide variety of hand movements.