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I'm compelled to write a bit about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as I have found a great misunderstanding of this label even among my colleagues.

Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM is a comprehensive health care system. Within this system are many modalities a practitioner may use to treat a patient. These modalities include: acupuncture, herbal medicine, gua sha, Tui Na, moxibustion therapy, cupping therapy, Qigong, exercise counseling, dietary therapy, and lifestyle counseling.

In TCM, we utilize whichever modalities are best suited for an individual patient to promote healing, to prevent disease, and to create a better state of health. Sometimes it is one modality such as acupuncture, sometimes it is a combination. Sometimes it is a mixture of our Eastern medicine combined with Western medical interventions. Both Nhan and I were taught that you need to do what is 'In the best interest of the patient'. This is what we do at Green Dragon. 

There are some clinics currently operating in more of a 'spa' mentality versus a medical clinic. There are 'options' for the patient in regard to their treatment. Offering longer time for their acupuncture needles to be retained, or a patient having the opportunity to just have cupping. We do not subscribe to this approach. Retaining needles for a lengthy period of time does not produce a 'better effect' and can, in some cases do damage to the energy of the body. Having cupping when it is not appropriate for your condition will not promote health and well-being. Additionally, having more needles inserted doesn't create a better effect, nor do more cups all over bring a state of balance.

I hope that this is informative and lessens the adulteration of a medicine that has thousands of years of history and should be protected in its original form.

We are frequently asked about weight loss and acupuncture. This is complicated, and yet uncomplicated when we get to the nitty-gritty of it. We prefer the concept of weight management. Weight loss and 'dieting' are concepts that seem to have a beginning and an end game concept.  I'm going to do a thing, to achieve a goal and once I get to that goal I have achieved! Yet it is not a real change.  It is not a personal growth strategy. 

Most individuals with excess weight have a weakened digestive system. The body consumes food and beverages and tries to convert them into usable resources, and it does, to a certain extent. You're still alive! The essential functions are fueled, but with a weakened digestive system food and beverages are not completely transformed into good quality fuel, and thus we end up with a lot of material which I call junk.  This junk looks like, fat, cholesterol, acne, vaginal discharge, sinus and lung phlegm, a sense of heaviness, foggy thinking, cysts and tumors.  Therefore, we first need to strengthen the digestive system which we can do with some acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise and dietary counseling. 

Acupuncture speaks to the central nervous system/brain to attempt to strengthen the digestive system (metabolism). Herbal medicine can also do this as well as aid in getting rid of the junk. Exercise is integral, but many patients aren't exercising due to some sort of pain or injury-so let's fix that so you can move! Dietary counseling is learning about the various energies of foods.  These concepts are often very different from the western nutritional approach, but are very common sense and easy to implement.

So ultimately, strengthen the digestive system, get rid of the junk and alter some behaviors.

These things do not happen overnight.  A person doesn't wake up one morning 30lbs over weight. Therefore the expectation to lose 30lbs in a short period of time is unrealistic.  Consistency in exercise, food choices and strengthening the digestive system are the key to successful weight management. 

The following are some interesting plant options for an individual looking for a potential benefit to health as well as creating a more vibrant space with live plants.

Aloe Vera

This plant increases oxygen levels in a space and fortunately is happy in low light.  It also can be beneficial for insomnia.

Lavender

This plant can be beneficial to aid in sleep and reduce anxiety as it decreases heart rate.

English Ivy

This plant decreases air molds thus it is good for individuals with respiratory issues.

Jasmine

This plant can improve the quality of sleep, and increase productivity and alertness while still decreasing anxiety.

Snake Plant

This plant increases oxygen levels by decreasing carbon dioxide in the air and filtering air toxins as well.

If you'd like to read the February newsletter highlighting weight management and the year of the Water Tiger...click here

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