Holistic Health Center


Our Practices



Traditional Chinese Medicine



Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system of health and wellness that is thousands of years old. Its tenets hold that a vital energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") flows from the body's primary organs through pathways called meridians. Factors such as physical trauma, improper diet/lifestyles, or environmental stressors can cause disruptions to this energy flow and lead to a diseased state.


TCM primarily uses two components, acupuncture and herbal medicine, to correct these disruptions in the flow of energy to improve health. Other modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electroacupuncture, and/or acupressure may also be used to bolster the healing effects of the acupuncture and herbal medicine therapies.



Acupuncture



Acupuncture is the practice of using thin, metallic needles to superficially puncture the skin. The needles are then gently manipulated by the practitioner's hands or with light electrical stimulation. Within the TCM system, acupuncture is understood to enhance or rebalance the flow of energy. It can increase overall energy levels, or "unblock" energy to reestablish proper circulation and restore health.


Where needles are placed, and which treatment modalities are used is based off of which "pattern of disharmony" is noted by the practitioner. Studies have shown that acupuncture can cause the release of several naturally occurring substances in the body that can help reduce or eliminate pain, elevate the mood, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation and circulation.



Herbal Medicine



Q: What are Chinese herbs?

A: Chinese herbs are plant, animal or mineral substances used in specific combinations and dosages to treat disorders in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each herb has its own medicinal qualities which are enhanced or reduced when used with other herbs.


Q: How can Chinese herbs help me?

A: Chinese herbs can help by replacing bodily substances that are deficient or by removing substances that are in excess. They also help by moving stagnant energy or blood away from an injury site or to an area where these are lacking. This rebalancing act can help help fight pain, diseases, or prevent disease in some cases.


Q: Do herbs really work?

A: Yes, herbs work. Most of the medications available today have plant origins so it is not as weird as you think. Herbal medicine has been around for thousands of years and many cultures still use them today. Remember, not everyone has a drugstore around the corner, but they still have health concerns to address!


Q: How do the herbs taste?

A: Herbs have a wide variety of tastes depending on where they are from, how they are prepared and how they are combined with other herbs. Some common herb tastes are bitter, sour, sweet, salty or woody and in many cases, the same herb may taste different to different people or even to the same person as their condition changes. The taste of the herbs is part of its medicinal quality.


Q: Do I have to brew the sticks and leaves?

A: Not anymore! Chinese herbs are now available in raw or prepared form.The raw form (sticks and leaves) which is what people are used to seeing or hearing about, need to be brewed before drinking. Herbs in prepared form have already been cooked and concentrated and are ready for consumption. They are available in pill, tablet, capsule or powder.


Q: Are the concentrated herbs as good as the raw herbs?

A: It is my opinion that concentrated herbs are as good, if not better, than raw herbs in certain instances. By eliminating incorrect preparation, concentrated herbs can sometimes be stronger and easier to ingest. The basic difference is a matter of convenience. Raw herbs need to be cooked while the concentrated form does not.


Q: How often are the herbs taken?

A: Depending on their application, herbs may be taken several times a day or as a one time dose. Usually, herbs are taken for a length of time to allow for changes in the condition being treated. As the symptoms change, the herbs are changed too.


–By Eric S. Wu, L.Ac



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Therapeutic Massage



Therapeutic massage is a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice that is often used to treat muscle pain, injury, and stiffness. Massage therapy is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues to stimulate circulation, increase flexibility, decrease tension, decrease pain, and to increase a person’s health and well-being.


At Holistic Health Center, we provide customized massages tailored to your needs. Prior to your massage appointment, patients will fill out a form to indicate where on their body needs more focus and what to avoid as well as the pressure level. Throughout the massage, the therapist will be assessing areas on the body that needs special attention and will adjust accordingly.



Tui Na



Tui Na refers to Chinese orthopedic bodywork, which utilizes the same theories of TCM to treat and prevent illness and injuries. Tui Na has a wide range of manual techniques that can be applied to different parts and levels of the body, including manipulations and acupressure.



Craniosacral Therapy



Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to work with the membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. It has the capability to relieve tension in the central nervous system and promote myofascial releases throughout the whole body.



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