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TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE [TCM]
A comprehensive medical system used to identify, treat and prevent disease + patterns of imbalance. TCM offers various benefits for those seeking natural, holistic + effective approaches to health + wellness. The TCM system aims to bring the body into a harmonious state by encouraging the movement of your body’s natural life energy called “Qi” [pronounced Chee]. It is based on the understanding that the healthy movement of Qi in your body will keep your health at an optimal level and improve your quality of life.
TCM aims to address the underlying cause of health issues to relieve your symptoms. As a holistic medicine, practitioners assess the body as a whole, and symptoms offer insight into what might be happening on a deeper level. Practitioners of TCM are regulated health professionals who will tend to your concerns while treating the root of the problem, preventing relapse + supporting your body in maintaining good health. Metta offers one-to-one, personalized care. Your session may include some of the modalities listed below:
Herbal Medicine
Registered TCM practitioners consider your unique constitution, current health condition(s) + specific symptoms before creating a personalized herbal prescription. Herbal medicine is especially valuable for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical options. Herbal medicine can manage chronic pain + inflammatory conditions, boost immunity, balance emotional well being, enhance digestive health, support women’s health + alleviate discomfort associated with various stages of a woman's life.
Acupuncture
The most common branch of TCM. The World Health Organization now recommends Acupuncture for treating over 100 conditions! Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, FDA-approved (steel, sterile, nontoxic) needles at strategic points on the body. These points are located along “meridians,” or energetic channels to direct the flow of Qi and blood. Blockages in these channels are often the cause of imbalance + illness. Acupuncture aims to remove congestion along these pathways to boost circulation, improve immunity + strengthen resilience while reducing pain + other unfavourable symptoms.
Gua Sha
A therapeutic technique that uses a smooth-edged instrument such as jade or rose quartz. Oil is applied to an area + the tool is repeatedly stroked across the skin with varying levels of pressure. This massage technique, known as “scraping” is intended to balance Qi + restore health by breaking up stagnant energy + clearing blockages. Gua Sha can also be used to reduce inflammation + pain, stimulate the immune system + relieve muscle tension. Gua Sha is generally performed on a person’s back, neck, legs + arms. On the face, Gua Sha massage is a popular technique to sculpt, tone + decongest the skin.
Electricostimulation Acupuncture
This technique involves placing Acupuncture needles at two separate points + then stimulating those points with a gentle electrical impulse. A small electrode is attached to each needle + then connected to an electro-machine which passes the current between the two needles. The goal is to create a slight vibration in order to activate the points + stimulate the flow of Qi to enhance the healing potential of the session. Expected benefits may include increased blood flow, muscle warmth, relief of pain + inflammation, and improved overall wellbeing. Electroacupunctue may be used to address a range of health issues and is particularly effective in treating neurological conditions and muscle + joint pain.
Cupping Therapy
This technique involves placing special glass or silicone cups on the skin + creating suction, which lifts the skin + underlying tissues into the cups. This process releases tension, breaks up adhesions + alleviates stagnation. It also dilates blood vessels, encouraging a flow of fresh blood + lymph which aids in cellular repair + the elimination of waste products. Unlike massage, which compresses tissues, cupping lifts them. While cupping can cause redness or dark circles in the treated areas, it is generally safe for most people seeking to relieve pain + tension and restore the healthy flow of qi.
Eastern Nutrition
An ancient system of bodywork that follows the same principles as Acupuncture. Instead of needles, the practitioner uses their hands + fingers to apply varying types of pressure techniques to the muscles + joints. Specific acupoints are targeted to remove energetic blockages that may manifest in illness + disease. Tui na Massage aims to restore balance, stimulate Qi + blood flow, relieve pain and support a harmonious state of physical + emotional health.
With principles rooted in TCM, the concept is that food has energetic, therapeutic properties + functions that can be used to maintain health + prevent illness. Dietary options are tailored to each persons constitutional profile with considerations for lifestyle, climate, environment + season. Eastern nutritional counseling aims to guide you towards dietary choices that promote balance + optimize your body’s functioning for overall physical, mental + emotional wellbeing
Moxibustion
A form of therapy that traditionally involves burning an herb called Mugwort near the skin’s surface to enhance healing with Acupuncture. We use an alternative Moxa devise which emits an equivalent heat/light spectrum to burning the herb but without the odour or smoke. Warming the underlying tissue helps invigorates blood + stimulates flow of Qi. The goal is to dispel cold + dampness, relieve pain + achieve optional health. Moxa can be used to relieve a variety of conditions including muscle + joint pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, depression, infertility + more.
Tui Na
Facial Acupuncture
An effective, natural approach to improving your skin’s health while holistically supporting overall vitality from the inside out. Based on your specific needs, these sessions may incorporate targeted facial modalities such as Gua Sha, Cupping, medical-grade LED light therapy + acupuncture needling.
The combined approach has multiple cosmetic benefits while repairing damage, addressing concerns and enhancing the strength + resilience of your skin. TCM diagnostics are seamlessly integrated throughout to contribute to a comprehensive full-body treatment that nourishes a healthy, rejuvenated glow.
