Modalities

Traditional Chinese medicine is a system of medicine partially based on the idea that an energy, called qi (say “chee”), flows along pathways in the body called meridians. If the flow of qi along these meridians is blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. In China, doctors have practiced traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and it is gaining in popularity in many Western countries.

Causes of qi imbalance are thought to involve external forces, internal forces as well as lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, too little sleep, or too much alcohol.

Another important concept in traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of yin and yang. In this approach, all things, including the body, are composed of opposing forces called yin and yang. Health is said to depend on the balance of these forces. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and prevent illness.

Traditional Chinese medicine doctors look at the balance of body, mind, and spirit to determine how to restore qi, the yin-yang balance, and good health.

Some people use traditional Chinese medicine to treat problems such as asthma, allergies, and infertility. Traditional Chinese medicine doctors may use several modalities of traditional Chinese medicine to restore qi balance including:

Acupuncture | Uses thin metal needles placed along the body’s meridians.

Acupressure | Uses the hands or fingers to apply direct pressure to points along the body’s meridians.

Chinese Herbs | Help to restore balance in the body.

Cupping | Uses warm air in glass jars to create suction placed on areas of the body to help stimulate qi.

Diet | Yin and Yang foods can help restore the yin-yang balance in the body.

Massage (Tui Na) | Used on specific areas of the body or along the body’s meridians.

Moxibustion | Uses small amounts of heated plant fiber (moxa, or Chinese mugwort) on specific areas of the body.

Qi Gong | Uses movement, breathing techniques, and meditation

Research in China and worldwide has shown traditional Chinese medicine to be helpful for many types of illnesses. Because traditional Chinese medicine differs from Western medical practice in diagnosis and treatment methods, it is difficult to apply Western scientific standards to it.

For example, in Western medical practice, any two people with a similar infection (such as sinusitis) may be treated with a standard course of antibiotics. In traditional Chinese medicine, each person might receive a different treatment for the same illness depending on the person’s own qi and yin-yang balance.

In Canada, provincial governments accredit schools of traditional Chinese medicine, so choosing a practitioner certified by an accredited school ensures that he or she has had extensive training in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ongoing research of many complementary therapies is being done to determine their benefits and risks. Acupuncture is safe when done by a certified acupuncturist.

Like conventional medicines, traditional Chinese herbal medicines may also cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with other prescription and non-prescription medicines or herbs.

Craniosacral Therapy

CST is a non-invasive, hands-on therapy that aims to enhance the body’s own healing capabilities.

CST uses light touch to “release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.” This affects the pressure and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This process releases fascial restrictions and relieves pain and dysfunction. CST is thought to relieve compression in the head, neck, and back. This can soothe pain and release both emotional and physical stress and tension. It’s also helps restore cranial mobility and ease or release restrictions of the head, neck, and nerves.

Cranial sacral therapy can be used for people of all ages. It may be part of your treatment for conditions like:

• Migraines & Headaches
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Disturbed Sleep Cycles & Insomnia
• Scoliosis
• Sinus Infections
• Neck Pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Recurrent Ear Infections or Colic in Infants
• TMJ
• Trauma Recovery, Including Trauma from Whiplash
• Mood Disorders like Anxiety, Depression & PTSD
• Difficult Pregnancies

SomatoEmotional Release

SomatoEmotional Release is a technique for bringing psycho therapeutic elements into Cranio Sacral therapy. It helps rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma by anatomically freeing the central channel of the body and calming the sympathetic nervous system.  A result of meaningful, intentional touch and presence, SomatoEmotional Release allows for identification and removal of energy cysts along with their associated emotions.