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Eastern Medicine is a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and preserve health. The Eastern paradigm of medicine uses a sophisticated and intricate system of diagnosis that places importance of the person as a whole, uncovering the body’s pattern of disharmony rather than solely treating isolated symptoms. The goal is not only to remove or relieve symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, thereby improving the ability to function and improve the quality of life.
Illness and pain occur when the flow of qi (or energy) through the body is disrupted or blocked. The consequence of these blockages is disease. Also contributing to health concerns are pathogens, trauma/injuries, medication and subsequent side-effects, as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotional stress, lack of rest, and environmental factors or genetic predispositions.
Acupuncture utilizes the careful insertion of fine, single use, sterile needles into specific points along meridians of the body that control the flow of Qi energy. The experience often results in sensations of heaviness, tingling, electricity or warmth in the area of insertion as the flow of Qi increases. The balance of Qi flow throughout the body mitigates symptoms ranging from pain, reproductive challenges, mind-body imbalances, immune system disorders and more.
Even though Asian medicine has been predominant in Asia for thousands of years, it is one of the newest primary health care professions in California and the U.S. The potential benefits of acupuncture and Asian medicine are widely recognized, and it is increasingly being integrated with the Western healthcare system. Since the 1970’s, when acupuncture and Asian medicine first became available in the United States, more than 15 million Americans have tried it. The risk of side effects is low and the potential benefits are endless.
OTHER MODALITIES
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is use of the herb Mugwart to active qi in the body without using needles.Practitioners use moxibustion (also called moxa) to warm specific areas of the body and acupuncture points in order to stimulate circulation and through the channels and encourage the movement of qi and blood. Research has shown that moxa stimulates blood flow to the uterus and pelvic region and also turns breech babies, as well as alleviates pain and strengthen deficient conditions like anemia. The warmth of moxibustion is soothing and produces instant relaxation.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is the “other half” of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture alone offers many benefits, but it is the herbal formulations tailored specifically for you that will work with the innermost nature of your being to resolve health problems and restore balance. Licensed by the State of California, acupuncturists are thoroughly trained in herbal contraindications and pharmaceutical drug interactions. Many conditions can be treated with herbs alone. Ask Mia if she thinks herbs can help your condition. She only prescribes herbs and supplements that have been tested and proven safe.
Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling
You diet and lifestyle are crucial components to your health and course of treatment. Mia will educate you as to which foods and/or supplements should be added or discarded based on your diagnosis and health goals. There will be an opportunity to talk about your lifestyle and areas you would like to change. You will be given meditation and stress reduction techniques, dietary advise and an exercise program that suits your body.
Cupping
Traditionally, cups are heated with alcohol and flame to create a vacuum of suction that pulls the skin up into the cups. Plastic cups with a manual pump are also used. Acupuncturists sometimes place the cups at various positions along the meridians. Many times these are the same lines used in acupuncture. Cupping is used for respiratory disease, as well as digestive and gynecological disorders, headaches, dizziness and lymphatic blockages. The common cold can be tackled with cupping, as can insomnia and soft tissue injuries. Cupping does not hurt and the patient will often feel the muscles release in the area where cups were used.
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