Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese & Japanese Acupuncture: Two Traditions, One Lineage
Both Japanese and Chinese acupuncture spring from the same classical East Asian medical roots, yet they diverged over centuries into distinct clinical styles. In Japan, techniques evolved toward gentler, highly tactile methods. And in China, the practice of acupuncture tended to emphasize stronger needle sensation and standardized point prescriptions within Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM. While some have their preferences, neither is “better” than the other. The right choice often depends on the patient’s condition, sensitivity, and their goals. continue reading
What is Five Element Acupuncture?
Five Element Acupuncture is a classical style of East Asian medicine that organizes diagnosis and treatment around the dynamic interplay of five phases/elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated (in this framework) with organ networks, emotions, sensory patterns, and seasonal cycles. Treatment aims to restore harmony among these elements when one becomes predominant or deficient. continue reading
Stillness in Motion: The Healing Power of Qi Gong at Home
Life can seem overwhelming and unmanageable at times. Everyone is looking for the secret self-care miracle that helps us cope. What may have been a desperate Google search for “natural anxiety relief” has become a daily anchor; the secret to staying calm, focused, and physically energized.
A growing number of people are turning to Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, for its healing benefits. And more importantly, they are practicing it at home, making wellness a simple part of daily life without special equipment, gym memberships, or medication. continue reading
Pinpointing Migraine Relief with Acupuncture
According to the CDC, in the United States, over 15 percent of all adults complain about severe headaches or migraines, with prevalence among women more than twice as high as among men. In 2021, 4.3% of adults aged ≥18 years reported being bothered a lot by headache or migraine in the past 3 months, with a higher percentage among women (6.2%) than men (2.2%).
Treatment options include medication that can often leave sufferers feeling groggy and unlike themselves for hours after taking it. Many people are looking for a drug-free way to combat the root cause of migraines and they’re finding it with acupuncture. Let’s look at how acupuncture can truly provide relief to those suffering from chronic migraines. continue reading
Unlocking the Basics of Acupuncture: Understanding Qi, Blood, Yin & Yang
If you’ve been thinking about trying acupuncture but aren’t sure what to expect, this article just might be the best place to start. Let’s explore the basic concepts that form the foundation of acupuncture, including the nature of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, and how these elements influence health and healing. continue reading
Discover Acupuncture’s Role in Digestive Health
No matter how clean you eat and how healthy your lifestyle, you reach a certain age, and you might begin experiencing persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. Conventional treatments may prove frustrating and provide little relief. It might be time to look for a drug-free, non-toxic alternative: acupuncture. continue reading
Let Acupuncture Help You Get Better Sleep
It’s the middle of the night, usually between 2am and 4am, and you’re desperately searching for the elusive Sandman to bring you a dream, any dream, that will quiet your mind and make sleep less of a stranger. You resist the urge to scroll through your phone because that just may be the reason you are still awake now. continue reading
Finding the Calm in the Storm: How Acupuncture Can Help Treat Anxiety
If you haven’t experienced an anxiety attack, you might not know the symptoms: clammy hands, heart pounding in your chest, your breath coming in short gasps, and an all-consuming sense of dread consuming you. Anxiety had been an unwelcome companion, interfering with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Many who suffer from it try therapy, medications, and meditation, but just can’t find lasting relief. continue reading
4 Ways Acupuncture Supports Women’s Health
Imagine the hopelessness of knowing you’ve tried everything. For years, you have struggled with painful menstrual cycles, relying on over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes that barely made a difference. Frustrated and exhausted, you search for something else that might help. A friend recommends acupuncture and after a few weeks of research, skeptical but desperate, you make your first appointment. And this is where hope begins. Within a few months, your cramps became manageable, your mood improves, and your energy levels have noticeably increased. What once seemed like an endless battle with your own body has transformed into a newfound sense of balance and well-being. continue reading
How Acupuncture Combines with Adjunctive Therapies for Holistic Wellness
You might not think of combining acupuncture with other holistic wellness practices, but it is a great option to pair with a variety of adjunctive therapies. Let’s look at three different options to see how they might compliment each other and benefit a patient’s overall health and wellness journey.
Perhaps the easiest way to express this concept is through the story of a fictional patient. Let’s look at the life of “Emma” and use her to illustrate just what such a wellness journey might look like. When Emma first walked into her acupuncturist’s office, she carried more than just physical pain. Years of chronic stress had manifested as migraines, insomnia, and a persistent feeling of being unmoored. Traditional medicine offered her temporary relief, but she longed for something deeper — a way to reconnect with herself and cultivate lasting well-being. That’s when her practitioner introduced her to a holistic approach, weaving together acupuncture with complementary therapies like sound bathing, essential oils, and herbal medicine.