In Western cultures, acupuncture is probably the most popular and well known of overall traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); in fact, for many people, it may be the only one they know. But there are actually five main branches of TCM, and most practitioners incorporate some or all of them to create a comprehensive, individualized solution.
Right Thinking
There is a proven connection between the mind and body, so if your mind isn’t in the right place, it will be challenging to have everything else come together as it should. To transform your thinking, a practitioner of TCM may suggest daily meditation, yoga, exercise, or keeping a journal to track your thoughts. Positive thinking is a learned activity for many who have always looked at the glass as half empty, and it can take practice and guidance to master right thinking.
Oriental Nutrition
TCM is all about balance, and practitioners understand that the phrase “you are what you eat” is completely true. When your diet is nutritionally and energetically balanced, you will breathe more deeply, sleep better, stay healthy more often, and feel all of the benefits that are associated with a healthy diet.
The Oriental approach to nutrition is not just about eating the right foods but eating them in a way to get the maximum nutrition from them so that your body will absorb what it needs. Food combining is a bit of a science, and recipes and formulas will transform eating into a time to heal, strengthen, and fortify your body.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the act of inserting very fine needles into certain designated areas along the body’s meridians. Each spot on the body is associated with a different function, and a licensed acupuncturist knows exactly where to put the needles to release the Qi, or energy, the body needs to regulate itself. Acupuncture stimulates the body to heal itself, and that is the miracle of the needles.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Ancient Asian cultures used plants and herbs thousands of years before Westernized medicine became the status quo, and modern TCM practitioners continue this tried-and-true methodology. Chinese herbs are mixed together according to the patient’s specific needs, in a symphony that plays the exact tune that will produce the desired results. Herbs are a viable alternative to prescription drugs because they tend to have fewer (if any) side effects while still addressing the presenting issue directly.
A practitioner of TCM will create and prescribe your unique blend of Chinese herbs through pills, creams, or teas. Often, these alternatives can be taken for a much shorter period of time than prescription drugs.
Massage
While acupuncture releases Xi, massage helps the body to release toxins that have built up, thereby detoxifying the system. Massage also relaxes the muscles and, like acupuncture, helps to put the mind into a state of relaxation, or Delta state. This is the slowest of the four brainwave frequencies, and certain frequencies will trigger the release of human growth hormone, which is beneficial in healing and regeneration. When the brain is this relaxed, your body begins to heal more quickly — again illustrating the strong connection between brain and body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the body as a whole and how the organs and circulatory systems work together. By incorporating right thinking, nutrition, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and massage, your recovery will be more effective and more long lasting.
If you have questions about how TCM can make a difference in your overall health and wellbeing, contact Attain Harmony at 602-955-5444 to make your initial appointment. We will create a unique plan that provides exactly what your body needs to heal and regenerate itself.
