Chinese medicine

What Does Acupuncture Actually Do? Here’s What You Need to Know

You’ve probably heard someone say, “You should try acupuncture for that.” Whether it’s back pain, stress, migraines, or fertility challenges, acupuncture is often recommended—but what does it actually do? Let’s explore how acupuncture works, what it does in the body, and why so many people are turning to this ancient practice to support modern health. Acupuncture in a Nutshell Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points lie along channels called meridians, which are thought to be pathways for the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. When your Qi is flowing freely, you feel healthy and balanced. But when Qi is blocked or deficient, symptoms like pain, fatigue, or illness can arise. Acupuncture’s goal is to restore balance and promote the body’s natural healing ability. What Acupuncture Does—According to Both Eastern and Western […]

Why “Acupuncture Near Me” Is More Than Just a Search—It’s a Step Toward Better Health

In today’s fast-paced world, most of us head straight to our phones or laptops when something’s off in our bodies. Maybe your back has been aching for weeks, or your anxiety has been creeping up again. Instead of guessing which supplement to try next, you search “acupuncture near me.” But this phrase isn’t just about convenience—it’s about connection, care, and choosing a trusted practitioner who can support your health journey. Let’s break down what a typical acupuncture treatment involves, how to vet a practitioner, and why “acupuncture near me” is the first smart step toward healing. What Happens During a Typical Acupuncture Treatment? If you’ve never had acupuncture before, here’s what you can expect: Consultation: Your first visit usually includes a thorough intake. The acupuncturist will ask about your main concerns, medical history, digestion, sleep, emotions, and more. Some might also look at your tongue and feel your pulse—classic diagnostic […]

Tenants of Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that encompasses various practices, theories, and principles. It is rooted in a holistic understanding of the body, mind, and spirit. Here are the key tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Qi (Chi): Qi is the vital energy that flows throughout the body, maintaining health and vitality. It is the fundamental concept in TCM and is believed to be the basis of life. The balance, circulation, and harmonious flow of qi are considered crucial for overall well-being. Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang are opposing forces that exist in a complementary and interconnected relationship. Yin represents the cooler, passive, and nourishing aspects, while Yang represents the warmer, active, and dynamic aspects. Health is achieved when Yin and Yang are in a balanced and harmonious state. Five Elements (Wu Xing): The Five Elements theory categorizes natural phenomena and the human body into five interconnected […]

Cupping in Social Media

Cupping has gained attention in mainstream media over the past few years, primarily due to high-profile athletes and celebrities showcasing their cupping marks or discussing their experiences with the therapy. Here are some factors that have contributed to cupping’s presence in mainstream media: Olympic Games: Cupping gained significant media exposure during the 2016 Rio Olympics when several athletes, including swimmer Michael Phelps, were seen with circular marks on their bodies. The images sparked curiosity and discussion among viewers, leading to increased media coverage and public interest in cupping as a potential performance-enhancing therapy. Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, have publicly shared their positive experiences with cupping, generating media attention and raising awareness about the therapy. Their endorsements have influenced popular culture and made cupping more visible in mainstream media. Social Media Influence: The rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, has provided […]

Hijama and Chinese medicine bloodletting

Hijama and Chinese medicine bloodletting are two different practices with distinct origins, techniques, and theoretical foundations. Hijama (also known as wet cupping) is an ancient traditional practice primarily associated with Islamic medicine. It involves making small incisions on the skin and applying cups to create suction, which draws out a small amount of blood along with other bodily fluids. The underlying belief is that Hijama helps remove “harmful” substances from the body, balances the humors (body fluids), and promotes healing. Hijama is often performed on specific points on the body, such as over the acupuncture points or areas of pain or congestion. On the other hand, Chinese medicine bloodletting (Xuefeng or Xueyu in Chinese) is a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It involves puncturing the skin or superficial veins to release a small amount of blood. The aim of bloodletting in TCM is to […]

What is Qi?

  • What is Qi

Qi (also spelled “Chi” and pronounced “chee”) is a central concept in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. It is a vital energy or life force, or potential force that is believed to flow throughout the body, connecting and animating all aspects of the human system. In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi is believed to circulate along pathways called meridians, which correspond to different organs and bodily functions. When Qi is flowing smoothly and in balance, the body is believed to be healthy and in a state of harmony. However, when Qi is blocked, deficient, or imbalanced, it can lead to physical or emotional symptoms and illness. Qi is also a key concept in martial arts, where it is seen as a source of power and focus. Practitioners of martial arts seek to cultivate and harness Qi through various techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements. While the concept […]

Biography of Samuel Lo

In 1994 I was involved in a bike accident, and I had difficulties walking. The Western physicians wanted to do surgery, but my mom was insistent that we seek alternative healthcare. She asked all her friends who to go to and Dr. Lum Mun was the one I was introduced to by Mrs. Lau (a family friend). So my mom took me to Scarborough to her clinic which was a small dank little room behind the bookstore. Nothing was clean and there were mice. She said that she can get me walking pain-free within six weeks. Within four weeks I was walking without pain. I was really impressed. Around this point in time, mom was involved in a car accident, and was seeking help from dr lim. Dr lim asked me to treat mom “massage here everyday” so I did. When dr lam checked her over the week after, she was […]