Blog

How Bloodletting is Good for your Health

Bloodletting, the practice of intentionally removing blood from the body, has historically been used in various medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ancient Western medicine. However, it is important to note that modern medical practices and scientific evidence do not support the routine use of bloodletting for general health benefits. Bloodletting may have limited therapeutic applications in specific medical conditions but should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals under appropriate circumstances. Here are some historical perspectives on the potential benefits of bloodletting: Balancing Humors: In ancient medical systems, such as Greek and medieval European medicine, bloodletting was believed to restore the balance of bodily fluids, known as humors. It was thought that removing excess blood could correct imbalances and alleviate symptoms associated with various illnesses. Removing “Bad Blood”: Bloodletting was often used to remove what was perceived as “bad blood” from the body. This concept was based […]

What type of pain does acupuncture help?

Acupuncture has been used for the management of various types of pain, both acute and chronic. While individual responses may vary, acupuncture has shown efficacy in relieving pain associated with the following conditions: Musculoskeletal Pain: Acupuncture can be effective in treating musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. Headaches and Migraines: Acupuncture has been used to alleviate tension headaches, migraines, and other types of headaches. It may help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches. Postoperative Pain: Acupuncture may be utilized as an adjunctive therapy to manage postoperative pain and reduce the reliance on pain medications. Dental Pain and TMJ Disorders: Acupuncture can be beneficial for dental pain, including toothaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and jaw pain. Menstrual Pain: Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and associated symptoms such as abdominal cramps and lower […]

Treatment of Patterns not Diseases

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the approach to diagnosis and treatment is based on identifying patterns of disharmony in the body rather than focusing solely on specific diseases or symptoms. TCM views health and illness as a reflection of the balance or imbalance within the body’s systems. Here’s how TCM treats patterns rather than diseases: Individualized Diagnosis: TCM practitioners take a holistic approach, considering the individual as a whole rather than focusing solely on the disease or symptoms. They assess the person’s signs, symptoms, medical history, constitution, and overall pattern of disharmony. This includes observing physical characteristics, listening to the patient’s description, asking detailed questions, and palpating specific points on the body. Through these diagnostic techniques, TCM practitioners aim to identify the underlying patterns of imbalance or disharmony unique to each individual. Pattern Differentiation: Based on the diagnostic findings, TCM practitioners classify the individual’s condition into specific patterns of disharmony. […]