Traditional East Asian Medicine:

Acupuncture, Herbalism, Qi Gong and Diet Therapy

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healing that encompasses a wide range of practices and therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. TCM was and still is a form of primary care in China.

The Video Below Is A 3 Min Explanation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Acupuncture is the practice of using [thin, clean, sterile] needles to change the body’s metabolic processes to alleviate pain and suffering, and promote longevity.  Acupuncture is usually LOW RISK HIGH REWARD.

The earliest recorded use of acupuncture dates back to around 100 BCE in China. The practice was first mentioned in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, one of the oldest and most important texts in traditional Chinese medicine. The text describes how the Chinese had been using thin needles to stimulate certain points on the body in order to relieve pain and treat various conditions.

Over time, the practice of acupuncture evolved and became more refined, and it eventually spread throughout Asia and beyond. Today, acupuncture is used in many countries as an alternative or complementary form of medicine. The exact date when acupuncture was discovered is uncertain, but the book is believed to be written by multiple people over a long period of time, the earliest being from Han dynasty.

Herbology is the study of the use of herbs as internal and externally applied medicine. Traditional East Asian Medicine as well as just about every other culture on earth practices herbs for every medical ailment. This is or was a primary form of medical care in most cultures, that predates modern allopathic medicine. Herbs are usually administered for a few days, up to several weeks, and are often times less expensive than western medicine.  

Traditional Chinese herbalism is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that uses various plants, minerals, and animal products to promote health and treat disease. The practice has been used in China for over 2,000 years and is still widely used today. Chinese herbal medicine is based on the principle that the body has a natural ability to heal itself, and the practitioner's role is to support and enhance this ability by using natural substances to balance the body's energy.

The practitioner will typically conduct a thorough consultation to gather information about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and overall health. Based on this information, they will create a personalized treatment plan that includes one or more herbal formulas. These formulas are often made up of several different herbs and are designed to work together to achieve a specific therapeutic effect.

The herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine can have many different functions, including tonifying (gathering) the body's energy, promoting circulation, clearing toxins (spreading, clearing, draining), relieving pain, and nourishing the body's organ systems. Some of the most commonly used herbs include ginseng, ginger, licorice, and peony.

Herbs are usually used in formulas of 3-15 ingredients, rather than used as single ingredient. They are mostly prescribed in raw or dried forms, grinded and decocted to make a tea. The practitioner will adjust the dosage and frequency of the herbs depending on the patient's response to the treatment.

Chinese herbal medicine is considered to be generally safe, however, it's important to note that herbs can have side effects and may interact with other medications. It is highly recommended to consult a licensed practitioner with proper training to evaluate your condition and create a customized treatment plan.

Diet Therapy is the use of food (adding and removing certain foods) to leverage the metabolism to change. TCM diet therapy is a highly organized and sophisticated system [herbs and diet are sometimes considered the same pillar, sometimes different].  

East Asian medical dietetics is an approach to eating that utilizes the properties of food and drink to promote health and treat disease, and it can be used to support and enhance the effects of other therapeutic modalities, or as it’s own core/central modality.

Physical Manipulation is a system of correcting the arrangement of bony structure in the body with the techniques of distraction, propping, and stretching.

Kyo-Jung Physical Manipulation is a manual therapy technique used to help balance the body's structural and functional integrity. It uses various manual techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and stretching to alleviate pain, improve function and healing faculty of the person.

Qi Gong is a broad term for methodologies of longevity, usually in the form of breathing techniques, postures, and visualizations (exercises like “The 5 Healing Sounds”). 

Qi Gong (also spelled Qigong) is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breath control, and meditation to promote balance and harmony within the person. It can improve circulation, boost the immune system, and promote overall sense of well-being and inner peace.

It is not at all unscientific, it is not witchcraft, it is real and scientific though many charlatans and “cult of personality” types have spoiled its reputation and legitimacy at times throughout history.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is a form of traditional Chinese exercise that is rooted in Buddhist and Daoist traditions, as well as in Budo traditions from Japan and beyond. In these traditions, Qi Gong is viewed as a holistic practice that promotes physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

In Shaolin tradition, Qi Gong is an integral part of the martial arts training, used to develop internal power, cultivate mindfulness, and enhance martial abilities (your ability to operate in the world with success and morality).

Shaolin Qi Gong training emphasizes the coordination of breath and movement to generate Qi (vitality and regeneration) throughout the body, promoting youthfulness, regenerative health, clarity of mind, and potency of spirit.

In Daoist traditions, Qi Gong is viewed as a means of cultivating Qi for the purposes of spiritual development also. Daoist Qi Gong emphasizes the cultivation of inner tranquility and the harmonization of Yin and Yang energies within the body. This is achieved through specific breathing techniques and physical exercises that aim to cultivate and circulate Qi throughout the body.

In Budo traditions from Japan, such as Aikido and Kendo, Qi Gong is known as "Ki training" and is used to develop the connection between mind and body, and harmonize with the universe. Ki training emphasizes the cultivation of mental focus, physical relaxation, and the integration of movement and intention.

There is a place where all of these traditions blend together. Too many similarities and differences to list in one lifetime.

Overall, in these traditions, Qi Gong is viewed as a means of cultivating inner strength, vitality, and spiritual growth. By developing the flow of Qi throughout the body, Qi Gong can improve physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

Qi Gong Treatment:

Qi Gong treatment involves a practitioner using Qi Gong techniques to help balance and restore circulation of the body’s resources (Qi).

During a Qi Gong treatment, the practitioner may use a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and gentle movements to stimulate the flow of Qi through the body's energy channels.

They may also use light touch or no touch to move energy through the body and clear any blockages.

Qi Gong treatment is a non-invasive and holistic approach to healthcare that aims to promote overall well-being by addressing the root cause of imbalances in the body.

It is often used to help manage stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and other health conditions.

The goal of a Qi Gong treatment is to bring the body back into a state of balance, restoring health and vitality to the individual. Overall, Qi Gong treatment is a gentle and effective way to support the body's natural healing abilities and promote optimal health and wellness.

What is Kyo-Jung partner assisted stretching?

Kyo-Jung, also known as "Korean Physical Manipulation" is a system of manual therapy used in traditional Korean medicine (TKM). The practice is based on the principle of correcting the body’s internal function and ease of movement, through correcting the form and structure of the body. Imagine partner assisted stretching, on a massage table.

The therapy involves the use of various techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, stretching, and traction to help release tension, improve range of motion, and stimulate the body's natural healing process.

The operant principle is that by correcting structural imbalances and misalignments of the larger structure, the internal workings will optimize as well; think unkinking of hoses, or reliving friction between tissues and joints.

The practitioner typically evaluates the patient's overall health and symptoms in the first few minutes of each treatment, then create a treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of the patient.

The practitioner may also use other diagnostic tools like palpation, range of motion tests, and observation of the patient's posture and gait.

Kyo-Jung therapy is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as well as internal disorders like digestive issues and respiratory problems, though is in no way limited to just those issues.

Kyo-Jung is considered to be generally safe, and it's considered to be relatively low-risk compared to other forms of manual therapy. The practitioners are highly trained and have a deep understanding of the human body and how it works. However, it's important to note that there is limited scientific research available on the safety and effectiveness of Kyo-Jung therapy.

Kyo-Jung is a system of manual therapy used in traditional Korean medicine that utilizes various techniques to balance the body's energy and promote healing. It's often used to treat musculoskeletal and internal disorders and typically performed by highly trained practitioners. Our practitioners are credentialed by the State of Hawaii, and the Institute of Classical Asian Studies.

Kyo Jung is a distinct form of therapy that is based on the principles of traditional Korean medicine.

Kyo Jung practitioners take into account not only the physical symptoms of their patients but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. Kyo Jung is a unique and holistic approach to manual therapy that aims to restore balance to the body and promote overall health and well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Sports Medicine

The four pillars of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be used in sports medicine to prevent and treat sports-related injuries and improve athletic performance.

Acupuncture can be used to alleviate pain and inflammation, promote healing, and improve circulation.

Herbal Medicine can be used to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote healing.

Tui-na massage can be used to relieve muscle tension and promote circulation. Diet therapy can be used to support optimal nutrition and hydration for athletic performance.

Qigong exercises can be used to improve flexibility, strength, balance, cardiovascular health, mindset, and more.

In sports medicine, the 4 pillars of TCM can be used in combination with other therapies, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and nutrition counseling, to create a holistic approach to injury prevention and treatment.

By addressing the underlying imbalances in the body, TCM can help athletes recover more quickly and improve their overall athletic performance.