Traditional Chinese Medicine Explained
The main theories of TCM are based around yin and yang, the five elements, and Qi.
With TCM, practitioners view the body as an intricate and interconnected network with an ultimate goal of achieving balance.
Although the TCM organ systems aren’t quite the same as typical Western systems, there are certain organs that take a pronounced focus in TCM, such as:
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Kidneys
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Heart
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Spleen
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Liver
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Lung
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Gallbladder
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Small Intestine
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Large Intestine
In traditional Chinese medicine, the main objective is to address and correct imbalances in the body.
Acupuncture for Fertility
Acupuncture has long been used to treat different health conditions, as well as to relieve muscular tension and pain, but it can also be used to optimise different phases of the menstrual cycle.
I often incorporate acupuncture for fertility as part of my naturopathic treatment for women looking to conceive.
When using acupuncture for fertility, we support different phases of the menstrual cycle (menses, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phase) by choosing acupuncture points specific to the unique properties of each phase.
Acupuncture can also be used alongside IVF/IUI, used for common pregnancy complaints, help to relieve stress and tension, and eventually to induce labour.
Calgary’s cold winters can be tough on soon to be mothers, and acupuncture can be a great tool to make the journey more relaxing.
Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Moxibustion, and Cupping Process
Trigger point acupuncture: after inserting needles into trigger points, or areas of tension, blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area will help your muscles release.
This type of acupuncture is less traditional, and more based on pain management and sports medicine.
Electroacupuncture: this process involves adding an electrical current to the needles, which allows the treatment to penetrate deeper and cover a larger area through a patient’s body.
This is often combined with trigger point acupuncture.
Moxibustion: can be used in patients to further the desired effect of the acupuncture. This process includes adding heat near the acupuncture points through moxa sticks.
Cupping: special cups are put on the skin creating a suction effect. By creating this vacuum between the cup and skin, the skin sucks up into the cup helping to treat areas of tension and stagnation. This is another treatment made popular in sports medicine.
Let’s See How Acupuncture and TCM Can Help You
Acupuncture is typically scheduled every 1-4 weeks, but can be adjusted to meet your individual needs.
If you have questions about how traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help you relieve tension, stress, pain, and support fertility, hit the link below and schedule a 1 on 1 assessment with me!