Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for over 2,000 years. TCM encompasses a wide range of modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, and tui na.
While TCM is often associated with China, it is also practiced all over the world, including in Los Angeles!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the most well-known modality of Chinese medicine in Los Angeles. Acupuncture can be utilized to treat various conditions, including pain, stress, anxiety, digestion issues, and reproductive problems.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is another cornerstone of TCM. Chinese herbs are prescribed based on everyone’s unique constitution and the specific condition being treated. Herbal formulas are custom-made for each patient and are dispensed in various forms, such as teas, tinctures, granules, and pills.
Dietary Therapy
In TCM, they believe that food is medicine. By eating the right foods and avoiding others, you can restore balance and harmony to your body. Dietary therapy is an important part of treatment in TCM and can be used to prevent disease as well as treat existing conditions.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique that uses glass or bamboo cups to create suction on the skin. The suction pulls toxins to the surface and helps improve blood circulation. Cupping is often used to relieve pain, but it can also be used for respiratory problems such as colds and coughs.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique that uses heat to stimulate acupuncture points. Moxa (mugwort) sticks are burned near the skin or inside an acupuncture needle for a warming effect. Moxibustion is often used for chronic pain or inflammation as well as menstrual cramps and digestive issues.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is traditional Chinese medicine in Los Angeles that involves scraping the skin with a tool to improve circulation. Gua sha lifting enables fresh blood flow by breaking up restrictive adhesions under the skin’s surface. This therapy can be helpful for treating pain, stiffness, migraines, anxiety, and fatigue.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a form of bodywork that uses Chinese medical principles to assess imbalances in the body and provide treatment accordingly. Tui Na techniques include acupressure/massage, compression, mobilization, tuina techniques, and vibration.
Tui Na can be helpful for treating pain, fatigue, digestive issues, stress, anxiety, tension headaches, and much more.
