In this harried, overbooked culture, we often feel out of control. The yin aspects of life (ie: stillness, rest, quiet) can be in short supply. Yang energy then becomes depleted and disease will result.

Chinese medicine is built upon a three-legged stool of Herbal Formulas, Acupuncture and Qigong or some form of movement practice to return balance, and maintain good health.

Human beings cannot be seen as separate from natural patterns because we are an integral part of nature. Therefore, conditions of disease and illness in humans are related to seasonal and weather patterns. A practitioner of Chinese medicine utilizes pulse and tongue diagnostic tools as well as many other traditional methods to best determine the course of treatment needed for a patient.

The Acupuncture Leg

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into particular locations in the body to correct the disordered flow of Qi and Blood. I tend to use fine acupuncture needles with a fairly shallow insertion accompanied by a period of rest to allow the Qi and Blood to return to proper, “natural” flow. Generally, acupuncture is administered once a week for six to eight weeks depending upon the patient’s condition. Our Chinese Medicine physicians offer acupuncture during patient visits, but Emerge also offers a Community Acupuncture clinic where patients are treated in a communal setting.

The Herbal Leg

The prescribing of herbal formulas are a challenging and fascinating aspect of Chinese medicine. Several formulas I use have been prescribed for thousands of years. Formulas need to fit the particular needs of each patient. Whether a person requires drying, moistening, warming, cooling or moving, there is a formula that will perform the necessary function; however there are times when it is not correct to give herbs at all. Occasionally formulas are changed throughout a treatment cycle.

The Qigong Leg

Qigong literally means “energy work” and is a mind-body-spirit practice that helps to improve one’s mental and physical health through specific postures, movement, breath techniques, and focused intent. Traditional qigong theory states that by focusing on a certain part of the body, feeling, emotion, or goal, we can send our Qi towards it.

“From ancient times it has been recognized that there is an intimate relationship between the activity and life of human beings and their natural environment. The root of all life is yin and yang; this includes everything in the universe, with heaven above and earth below, within the four directions and the nine continents… The universal yin and yang transform into the five earthly transformative energies, also known as the five elemental phases that consist of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.”

— Huang Di