B.S. Nutrition M.S. Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM) Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of McHenry.
As healthcare prices soar and health insurance continues to be a problem for many people, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an extremely viable option worthy of consideration for a variety of health conditions. Acupuncture comes to mind when TCM is considered, but what is often unknown is that acupuncture is only one component of a very complete healthcare system. In fact, TCM is a scientifically proven form of medicine that has evolved with practice, scientific research and study over the course of thousands of years. It has its own intricate theory that explains how and why sickness originates and which course of treatment will resolve it.
A licensed practitioner of TCM has completed a demanding program at a medical school dedicated to this study, including extensive study of Western medicine. Although TCM differs from Western medicine in terms of theory and diagnostic methods, it is beneficial to have knowledge of both systems to provide the highest level of care for patients.
It is not accurate to label TCM as “alternative.” TCM has undergone great scrutiny over many years, and has been scientifically proven by many reports and studies which support its efficacy.
At Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of McHenry, we find that our average patient is someone who has seen other medical professionals. Sometimes, a medical doctor has found nothing wrong with them in spite of their symptoms; sometimes they have received a diagnosis with limited treatment options or with treatments consisting of medications with negative side effects.
We treat a variety of illnesses, including such things as asthma, pain, poor digestion, low energy, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, hepatitis, arthritis, infertility and, very commonly today, stress. We also provide treatments for lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, weight loss and even facial rejuvenation.
Acupuncture treatment consists of inserting very fine, sterilized, disposable needles into the skin at various depths and with varying degrees of pressure. This process stimulates the channels of energy, and in turn, the body’s natural healing response is triggered. The flow of energy can be disturbed by a great number of factors, including emotional states and external factors such as changing weather. By balancing the whole system, the body’s healthy condition can and will return.
In addition to acupuncture, we often recommend Chinese herbal formulas to our patients. There is growing interest in natural medical treatments as people are seeking safe alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Our herbal formulas answer this call and are effective with very few side effects. In fact, there is growing research that confirms that certain Chinese formulas can increase the effectiveness of some Western treatments. For example, some Chinese herbal formulas increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation, while decreasing side effects and protecting healthy tissue from damage.
Other modalities of TCM include various types of bodywork therapies, including Tui Na massage, cupping and Gua Sha.
Tui Na massage is used to treat specific internal illnesses such as insomnia, diarrhea, menstrual cramps and headaches, as well as musculoskeletal ailments, such as back pain, frozen shoulder, slipped discs and fractures. Tui Na is vital to Chinese medicine because it allows for treatment in most any situation, even for children and those who are needle-sensitive.
Cupping is a technique used to increase circulation and remove deeper stagnation of toxins, often used for chronic injuries or areas that hold tension. Gua Sha is a type of “scraping” technique that releases toxins and relaxes muscles. Both are effective for treating many conditions, such as musculoskeletal pain, asthma and even common colds.
TCM also considers diet, nutrition and exercise when working to restore one’s body to optimal health. In TCM, foods have particular qualities that affect the body in specific ways. A TCM practitioner may recommend the use or exclusion of certain foods to assist the patient in returning to a healthy condition.
Exercise is also an important part of maintaining optimal health because activity is necessary for the body to release stress and keep fit. A proper combination of activity, rest and proper diet all work together to help the body remain healthy.
We welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the benefits of TCM and our clinic, where healing comes naturally.
Michelle Tate and Lisa Tomoleoni are co-owners of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of McHenry (616 S. Route 31, Suite H in McHenry, 815-363-1390, www.aommchenry.com). Both are graduates of the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, with a B.S. in Nutrition and M.S. in Oriental Medicine, are certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and are licensed acupuncturists in Illinois and Wisconsin.
