Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine has been used for over 3,000 years to treat illness and maintain health in the body. Practitioners of Chinese medicine seek to restore balance to the body, mind and spirit which uncovers the patient's own healing capacity. Rather than just treating symptoms, the body is viewed holistically in order to determine the deeper causes of disease. The practice of Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupressure, massage and nutrition therapy.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile and disposable needles into the body just beneath the skin. Chinese medical theory teaches that the human body has a natural flow of energy, called Qi (Chee). Qi is the animating force within us that allows us to move, think, and feel. Health is said to exist when the energy, blood and body fluids are flowing smoothly through the body and its organs. Pain and illness are due to a blockage of this energy. Acupuncture is a gentle therapy that adjusts the flow of qi through the meridians or channels in the body. Acupuncture points are like gates which are opened and closed to adjust the movement of Qi and blood in the body. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to help harmonize the flow of Qi to restore health in the body, organs, muscles and tissues.

From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture elevates white blood cell counts to boost immunity, increases blood flow through arteries and veins, stimulates hormones and neurotransmitters, and releases endorphins causing pain relief and deep relaxation.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine includes over 300 herbs and a systematic way of classifying and prescribing them. Herbal formulas contain an average of 10 herbs and can be taken in a pill, powder or tea form. The practitioner prescribes a formula based on the patient's constitution, symptoms and energetic imbalances. There are few if any side effects from the use of Chinese herbs. Practitioners of the Acupuncture Wellness Center prescribe herbs in a powder (granule) or pill form. The granules are made by Evergreen herbs, a company that uses pharmaceutical precision and testing to ensure their purity, potency and safety. Their herbs must pass strict analytical processes that include macroscopic and microscopic testing, thin layer chromotography, and high performance liquid chromatography. All herbs are free of heavy metals, chemicals, preservatives and additives. For more about Evergreen Herbs, visit www.evherb.com.