Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of solid, generally thin needles in the body. Through its origins, acupuncture has been embedded in the concepts of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its general theory is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by the flow of an energy-like entity called qi. Acupuncture aims to correct imbalances in the flow of qi by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin called acupuncture points, most of which are connected by channels known as meridians.
The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by an energy called qi which flows through the body; disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture describes a family of procedures aiming to correct imbalances in the flow of qi by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin (usually called acupuncture points or acupoints), by a variety of techniques.
In addition to asking questions, the acupuncturist may want to take your pulse at several points along the wrist and look at the shape, color, and coating of your tongue. The acupuncturist may also look at the color and texture of your skin, your posture, and other physical characteristics that offer clues to your health. You will lie down on a padded examining table, and the acupuncturist will insert the needles, twirling or gently jiggling each as it goes in. You may not feel the needles at all, or you may feel a twitch or a quick twinge of pain that disappears when the needle is completely inserted. Once the needles are all in place, you rest for 20 - 40 minutes. During this time, you'll probably feel relaxed and sleepy and may even doze off. At the end of the session, the acupuncturist quickly and painlessly removes the needles. For certain conditions, acupuncture is more effective when the needles are heated, using a technique known as "moxibustion." The acupuncturist lights a small bunch of the dried herb moxa (mugwort) and holds it above the needles. The herb, which burns slowly and gives off a little smoke and a pleasant, incense like smell, never touches the body. Another variation is electrical acupuncture. This technique consists of hooking up electrical wires to the needles and running a weak current through them. In this procedure, you may feel a mild tingling, or nothing at all. Acupuncturists trained in Chinese herbal preparations may prescribe herbs along with acupuncture.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin.People experience acupuncture differently, but, most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, and pain during treatment. Acupuncture performed by a skilled and qualified practitioner is safe, comfortable and highly effective for many conditions.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can deal effectively with many acute conditions as well as chronic ones, but they have the further strength of being able to stop the start of trouble before the acute phase begins- by identifying the tendencies that could develop into illness treatment at this stage ensures that , as far as possible, everything can be kept on the best lines for optimum health.
A series of controlled studies has shown evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including insomnia, allergy, skin problem, stress, depression, infertility, menopause syndrome, etc.Studies on acupuncture have also shown positive results in the areas of chronic pain and addiction management, the two areas where western medicine is very limited.
The total number of treatments required depends upon the conditions of the symptoms. For acute conditions, 80% of patients can see some improvement after 1-2 treatments; after 4-6 treatments, they will notice significant changes in their conditions. For complex or prolonged conditions, more treatments may be recommended. It usually takes 4-6 sessions to see the improvements, and It may take 2-3 months for a chronic condition to be completely cured.
Moxibustion is an external method of preventing and treating diseases by ignition of moxa to stimulate the points. The material mainly used is moxa wool, which is made of moxa leaves dried, ground and sieved to remove the stalks and impurities. Moxa leaf smell fragrant and is easy to be ignited. The leaf, which has been used for several thousand years by acupuncturist, has the functions to warm channels and expel cold, to induce the smooth flow of qi and blood, and subdue swelling and disperse accumulation of pathogen.
Based upon the theories of TCM, the practice of acupuncture and moxibusion therapeutic method to prevent and treat diseases by needling with acupuncture or warming the points with moxa, Over many centuries of medical practice the practitioners summarized that acupuncture and moxibusion can balance “Yin” and “Yang”, dredge the channels and collaterals, reinforce the healthy qi and eliminate heretic.
Cupping is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the removal of the air in the jar created by introducing heat in the form of an ignited material. This method has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of qi and blood in the channels, diminishing swellings and pain, dispelling cold and dampness. The jars could be bamboo jar, pottery jar and glass cup.
Auriculotherapy, also called ear acupuncture, applies the principles of acupuncture to specific points on the ear. Auriculotherapists believe that healing processes can be promoted by working with these points on the ear, because the ear contains many blood vessels and nerve endings that, when stimulated, influence the organs and bodily functions.
Tongue and pulse diagnosis are just two of the many diagnostic tools used in Chinese medicine. The colour, shape, moisture, coating and areas of the tongue are used to diagnose the state of our internal organs. The pulse is used, not just the pulse rate as in Western medicine, to assess no fewer than 28 different qualities including Qi energy and the condition of both the Yin and Yang organs.
Overweight refers to excessive adipose tissues caused by the calorie intake exceeding the calorie consumption except for those of endogenous and hereditary factors. Generally speaking, the diagnosis of obesity may be the body weight which exceeds the standard body weight by 10%, we can also treat endogenous disorder before or at the same time when we do weight loss treatment depending on the patients’ needs.

Channels and Collaterals or “JING LUO” in Chinese are pathways that transport Qi and Blood, and connect the internal Zang-Fu Organs with the surface and other parts of the body. “JING” originally means “ longitudinal line” and translated as “Channel” or “ meridian” which has meaning of path or straight in. Channels” are the main components of the channel systems, and travel at a relatively deeper level and connect the entire body from both the interior to the exterior in an upward-downward fashion. “LUO” means “ network”, which is translated as “Collaterals” and refers to branches which are separated from channels and run superficially and transversely all over the body like a net.

Channel theory studies the pathway distribution, physiological functions, and physiological changes of the channels and collaterals and in the human body, as well as relationships with internal zang-fu organs. It is the foundation of acupuncture and moxibusion and remains as an important component in the basic theories of traditional Medicine (TCM). Moveover, the channel theory plays a significant role in the physiology and pathology of diseases and provides guidance in diagnosis and treatment etc. clinical practice of all subjects of TCM.

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy using a jade board scrape on the body to promote blood circulation and remove toxic heat, blood and lymph. From TCM point of view, our body needs a constant and 是vigorous movement of energy ("Qi") to keep us healthy and alive. But if there is a presence of toxins, "Sha" will be formed and caused congestion in the circulation. In Chines...e, "Gua" means scrape or rub over the skin, and “Gua Sha” means toxins are being brought to the surface by the rubbing (thus it restores and rebalances "Qi" circulation in the body).

If Gua Sha is performed on the body, as an aftermath, blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue will be raised and brought out by Gua Sha shown as petechiae, which shall fade away in 2-5 days. Note that the petechiae is actually the “Sha” that causes the health issues.

Gua Sha is simple, scientific, effective and safe, as it has no side effects. It has been practiced for more than 25 centuries by Chinese people and is a precious heritage of TCM. Traditionally, Gua Sha can be performed when a patient has pain due to an acute or chronic disorder, or a knotty feeling in the muscles. However, nowadays, since more and more people are seeking effective and safe ways to make them look better and stay younger, Gua Sha is systematically developed and getting popular in China recently for medical cosmetology. This holistic beauty therapy can balance, restore and rejuvenate the skin condition without leaving any signs of petechiae, and without uses of chemical acids, microdermabrasion, Bottom drug injection or painful cosmetic surgery. It not only promotes blood and "Qi" circulation but also accelerates skin cell regeneration, improves skin absorption, and prevents aging.

The following effects will be seen immediately after Gua Sha therapy: reduced eye bags/puffiness; reduced fine lines/wrinkles; improved uneven tone; smoother and radiant skin; smaller pores; lightened freckles/dark spots; lifted and firmer skin; reduced double chin/refined face shape.

Essentially, Gua Sha therapy addresses underlying causes, like digestive problems, emotional stress, hormonal imbalance, which become reflected in the face through puffiness, dark circles around the eyes, dryness or dullness of the skin, sagging skin, drooping eyelids, blemishes, acne, fine and deep wrinkles, pigmentations. Gua Sha is performed by applying gentle scraping with some unique shaped jade boards and natural oil and cream on specific points, so that it is guaranteed that it is not painful and there is no petechiae or any red spots left on the face.

In Chinese Medicine theory, we are sick because our body loses the balance between "Yin" and "Yang". Four basic factors determine health and well being, they are: lifestyle, diet, exercise and mind. Diet is most important because diet is considered the primary cause of sickness as well as the main reason for longevity and healthy. We are sick because our body is not in balance. Traditional Chinese food therapy is a practice of healing using natural foods instead of medication. It is a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as Chinese nutrition therapy.

Proper diet is a good medicine with treatment effect. Food can be used to adjust the imbalance of Yin and Yang. Learning dietetic therapy of Chinese Medicine is a good way to treat and prevent diseases. Cooking not only meets the needs to fill up the stomach, but also can become good medicine。

Traditional Chinese food therapy dates back as early as 2000 BC. Neighing, the "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine", written around 300 BC, was the most important in forming the basic theory of Chinese food therapy. It classified food into four "food groups", and "five tastes" by the natures and characteristics.

Food plays an important role in Chinese culture. Cooking good food for family members is a pride and duty for most women. Children are brought up with general knowledge of the nature of their daily foods. Dietary restriction is commonly understood and observed. Eating well and healthy is almost a national obsession and definitely the most valued activity of family life.