balance

Tenants of Traditional Chinese medicine

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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 […]

Treatment of Patterns not Diseases

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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. […]

Acupotomy and Pain

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Acupotomy, also known as acupoint knife therapy or needle knife therapy, is a specialized technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat pain and various musculoskeletal conditions. It combines principles from acupuncture and surgical methods, involving the insertion of a thin, specialized needle or knife into specific acupoints, muscles, or soft tissues. Here’s how acupotomy is believed to help with pain in TCM: Dispersing stagnation: Acupotomy aims to address areas of stagnation or blockage in the body’s energy flow (qi) and blood circulation. By inserting the needle or knife into the affected acupoints or tissues, it is thought to help disperse stagnant qi and blood, relieving pain and promoting healing. Stimulating acupuncture points: Acupotomy targets specific acupuncture points associated with pain relief and healing. The insertion of the needle or knife at these points is believed to stimulate the flow of qi and activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It […]

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the belief that the body is a complex system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain health and balance. This system includes the organs, meridians, Qi (pronounced “chee”), and other bodily functions. TCM practitioners believe that illness and disease are caused by imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi. This can be due to a variety of factors, including stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental factors, and emotional issues. To address these imbalances, TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques and therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, and mind-body practices such as tai chi and qi gong. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and help restore balance. Herbal medicine uses natural substances such as roots, bark, and leaves to treat various conditions. Dietary therapy involves making changes […]

Yin and Yang and how it is used it to help you achieve optimal health – Toronto Acupuncture Clinic – Samuel Lo

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Yin and Yang are famously associated with Chinese medicine, you may already know that it is the foundation of diagnosis and treatment.  Did you know that the concept is just as important to my work with osteopathy and western medicine? Let me explain.   In Chinese medicine, Yin and Yang are used to represent the balance between health and disease. It represents a constantly changing homeostasis. We can only be healthy when they are in balance.   In osteopathy I also seek to maintain a homeostasis.  In the practice of osteopathy we aim to strike a balance of structure (yin) vs balance (yang).   In traditional medicine there are numerous systems that we try to keep in balance.  Which include, muscles and bones, hormones in the endocrine system, and the nervous system.   During my assessment of  a patients health identifying the balance between the Yin and Yang is the foundation […]

Fact or Fiction? The Great “Triple Burner” Debate!

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  • Acupuncture needles, moxa sticks, TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine

Have you ever seen the show, “Fact or Fiction?” If not, it goes like this: each week, an unbelievable story is told and the viewers get to judge if they believe the story is fact or fiction.   In Chinese medicine, we have our very own “fact or fiction” debate. Except this debate is centuries-old and we still don’t have the answer.   This ongoing debate has stayed in the back of my mind for years.   Here’s what it’s all about: TCM practitioners have long questioned the existence of the organ, The Triple Burner. Unlike all of the other organs in the human body, it is the only one with no physical component.   It’s said to be the organ with a name but no form.   How could that be?   Well, the triple burner “holds the office of the sluices (water channel controlled by gates); it manifests […]

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