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Showing posts with the label TCM

Bleeding Therapy in Traditional Medicine I: 5 Key Acupoints for Healing

  Ancient Wisdom, Modern Curiosity For thousands of years, healers have used a surprising yet powerful technique— bleeding therapy —to restore balance and promote health. While it may sound alarming to modern ears, this traditional practice is rooted in the idea that releasing a few drops of blood at specific acupoints can help improve Qi flow, reduce excess heat, and quickly ease certain symptoms. Today, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) still turn to bleeding therapy for urgent conditions ranging from sore throats to sudden headaches, and even to help with neurological symptoms like numbness or dizziness. If you’ve ever wondered how this ancient method works—or which points are most effective—here are five important acupoints used in bleeding therapy. What is Bleeding Therapy in TCM? In TCM, bloodletting is believed to: Improve the circulation of Qi and blood Relieve stagnation and reduce pain Release heat to help with fever and infl...

Rosacea and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Natural Remedies, Causes, Herbs, and Healing from Within

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. While Western medicine recognizes rosacea’s symptoms, its root cause often remains unclear. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, offers a unique and holistic lens, focusing on internal imbalances that manifest externally on the skin. Rather than suppressing symptoms, TCM aims to address the root cause —restoring balance and harmony within the body. TCM View of Rosacea: What’s Happening Beneath the Surface? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the skin reflects the health of the Lung, Stomach, and Liver systems, particularly in terms of Qi (vital energy) and Blood circulation. Rosacea is typically seen as a heat-related condition caused by internal disharmony—whether due to emotional stress, poor digestion, accumulated toxins, or external environmental triggers. Common TCM Patterns Associated with Rosacea: Liver Heat or ...

The Future of Acupuncture: The Intersection of Acupuncture and AI

  Will acupuncture survive in the age of evolving artificial intelligence? I've been wondering as an acupuncturist how the quickly developing AI technology would impact manual acupuncture in the future. This article is based on my short conversation on the future of acupuncture with AI.  Q) Do you think that acupuncture will endure AI advances?   >AI replied: Yes, acupuncture will survive and even thrive in the AI-driven era. It offers unique benefits that modern AI-based technologies cannot entirely replicate, including its deeply personalized, human-centered approach to healing and its focus on energy balance.  Acupuncture excels at treating chronic conditions and pain, and AI integration enhances its diagnostic and treatment precision, bringing acupuncture into alignment with evidence-based practice. AI tools will not replace acupuncturists but rather act as complementary resources.  From wearable devices monitoring patient vitals to predictive analyt...

Smoking Cessation with Traditional Chinese Medicine /TCM

  Smoking cessation is a significant milestone in improving overall health, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to support individuals who are trying to quit smoking. TCM not only addresses the physical aspects of addiction but also acknowledges the emotional, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the habit. By using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and lifestyle modifications, TCM helps individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and restore balance to the body. The Challenge of Smoking Cessation One of the biggest hurdles in quitting smoking is managing withdrawal symptoms. The first week after quitting is often the most difficult, with intense cravings and emotional symptoms. These can include: Physical symptoms : increased appetite, hunger, irritability, fatigue, and digestive issues (like constipation and mouth ulcers). Emotional symptoms : anxiety, depression, mood swings, restlessness, and a genera...

Cervical Dystonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM: A Holistic Approach to Treatment/Management

What is Cervical Dystonia? Cervical dystonia (CD), also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions in the neck, leading to abnormal head postures and painful spasms. People with cervical dystonia often experience their head tilting to one side, twisting, or turning in unnatural directions, which can cause significant discomfort, limited neck mobility, and pain. The exact cause of cervical dystonia remains unclear, but it is believed to result from dysfunction in the brain’s motor control regions, particularly the basal ganglia. While Western medicine often focuses on symptom management through medication, botulinum toxin injections, and physical therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach that seeks to restore balance to the body’s energy (Qi), alleviate symptoms, and improve overall health. Let’s   explore how TCM can help manage cervical dystonia through acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, he...