How Can Chinese Medicine Help Me?
We've all probably been told how ancient Chinese medicine is. With thousands of years or so in practice, that reason alone it should be valid, right?
Well, Yes and No.
While the medicine has been around a long time, it has given us opportunities to find what works and what doesn't. And in the days of modern medicine, which absolutely saves lives and works modern day magic, there are some conditions that fall through the cracks. For instance, maybe you’ve been given a medication for one thing and it creates a host of new symptoms and issues you now have to deal with. This is where Chinese medicine can help people thrive in their everyday lives.
Chinese medicine is evidence based and it's important that be understood. Chinese medicine has clinical efficacy on various autonomic nerve-related disorders, like anxiety, circadian rhythm disorders (insomnia), cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and sub-fertility. Increasing numbers of studies demonstrate that acupuncture and herbal medicines can control autonomic nervous system functions like blood pressure, skin temperature, pulse rate, and muscle nerve activities. It is speculated that this is the central mechanism of acupuncture - that it modulates various autonomic responses which might provide the foundations for the effects of acupuncture and Chinese medicine!
My favorite part about Chinese medicine is how it is tailored to your needs.
No viruses will present itself in the exact same way with every person. No injury will cause the same pain in every person and the way that it presents will depend on your body constitution. Chinese medicine allows for diagnostic nuances that aren't addressed in western medicine. We allow needles and herbs to communicate with your body in a specific way and help aid in healing underlying issues that may be keeping your pain or illness from resolving. We also recommend lifestyle and diet changes based on your presentation, so you can resolve issues faster and live a life full of vitality.
It's important that this medicine is integrative.
Your practitioner should encourage working with your other healthcare providers. You should never feel pressured to abandon the things your doctor has prescribed or advised. Your Chinese medicine practitioner may be able to take a deeper look into your health history and provide recommendations based on evidence. If changes need to be made, your practitioner should present evidence and work in-conjunction with your current health care team to make sure you get the best quality care in a safe and effective manner.
What else can acupuncture and herbal medicine provide relief from?
Chronic Pain
Anxiety
Depression
Viral Illness
Asthma
Dermatology issues
Menstruation Dysfunction
Insomnia
Pregnancy Discomforts
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Menopause
Many other things!
How to Find a Practitioner
Check to see if your provider is a licensed acupuncturist or Chinese Medicine specialist (Certified by the NCCAOM). While many chiropractors and physical therapists may use needling techniques to help with tight muscles and lack of blood flow, they are not trained in the many intricacies of Chinese medicine that allow the full body picture to come together for rapid and effective healing.
A licensed acupuncturist studies, on average, 7 years before they can become licensed to practice the medicine. They also spend thousands of hours in the classroom and in the field, gaining clinical experience before even sitting through four board exams required to become licensed.
The NCCAOM has a wonderful tool dedicated to finding licensed practitioners in your area!
