"listening"      (silver beach in milford, ct)


Chinese medicine is an ancient, traditional medicine, that incorporates a unique system of diagnostics, and unique therapies that work with the body's energy, the physical body, the mind and also the spirit. 

It is an art, and also, it is modern science.

With foundations in early Chinese shamanism, Chinese medicine is at least 5,000 years old.

The arts of qigong healing, meditation, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage (tui na, specifically) along with other arts such as moxa, cupping and more, make up the therapies of Chinese medicine.  These are experiential arts, with modern science also supporting their use, clinically, more and more, particularly with acupuncture, qigong and meditation and also herbal medicine.  Studies on moxa have even been done.  

As we continue on into integrating medicines, and acknowledging the old traditional medicines as powerful and useful in the landscape of modern healing work, more science will definitely continue to appear.   But the most empowering effects of Chinese medicine are in experience.  Each life is unique, individual.  And so, each life needs personalized medicine and healing.

How does it work?  Chinese medicine acknowledges the presence of an intricate energy system in the human body.  this system is responsible for the acquisition, respiration and distribution of qi (pronounced "chee") otherwise known as vital energy... in the body.  This system of energy channels, (meridians) and acupoints, is both experiential,  (can be felt, and experienced directly)  and increasingly more scientific, as it is now being studied and documented in the studies of subtle energetics, and medicine. 

The energy system must be kept healthy, like any other body system.  Energy in general, needs to be free flowing, abundant and also in balance.  Obstructions in the flow of qi, blocks, and weakness can result in poor health or health problems.   The goal of Chinese medicine is to maintain a strong energy system, healthy and open, free flowing.  Also, the goal of Chinese medicine is to promote healthy living habits, balanced... good diet, sleep, exercise... and peaceful mind and heart.  These factors, both in western and eastern medicines, are shown directly to affect healing and wellness, and happiness in life.

Chinese medicine looks at the whole person, their life, environment and body, mind and spirit.

What causes imbalance/blockages in the energy system?  Commonly, stress, overwork, or injury can affect the energy system.  Also, emotional imbalance, such as fear, shock, grief... protracted stress, and lifestyle habits such as poor sleep and diet.  Sometimes people are born with constitutional difficulties, or challenges, to a strong body and mind.   Chinese medicine addresses these imbalances, with various therapies, to nourish the body and strengthen the healing system we all have born into us. 

Chinese medicine treats the root cause, not just symptoms.  Often, when energy imbalances are cleared, and the body begins to heal, many health concerns will clear up simultaneously, because they had the same root cause. 

Some therapies we use to restore health and balance are...

Acupuncture - The insertion of fine needles along the channels, into acupoints, to help tonify/clear and circulate energy.

Moxa - An ancient art of burning herbs (primarily mugwort) over the channels and points to strengthen and enhance the flow of qi.  Also, to directly use for healing work.

Herbal Medicine - The art of Chinese herbal medicine involves blending to unique diagnostics, formulas that balance and heal the body from the inside out.  The Chinese classical formulas are based upon energetic diagnosis, but also there is tremendous science and support of the use of various herbs in modern health care.  The skillful use of the blend of herbs makes Chinese medicine unique, rather than just a general suggestion.  Herbs that are good for one person, may not be effective for another.  Chinese herbs can be used safely, and very effectively, in a Chinese medicine clinic with good patient communication.   In China, it is often referred to as "internal medicine," showing the importance of the art of herbs, and the understanding of addressing energy imbalance from the inside out.

Tui Na - A form of energy massage, which is therapeutic and also energizing.  Often incorporated into acupuncture treatment.

Qi Gong Healing - The energy medicine of China.  External Qi Healing involves the practitioner directly sensing the energy field, extracting imbalances, correcting flow and literally giving the patient energy for healing.  Also, Qi gong healing involves touch at times, light touch on acupoints, and the body, similar to Reiki or other hands on healing methods, but much older.  Qi healing is gentle, and also very empowering and can be used with all therapies.  It is empowering because the client/patient can learn to do certain healing practices on their own, at home, and carry the therapeutic effect into their own life, learn good health practices, and strengthen their own energy.    Many hospitals and clinics now commonly use energy healing methods as part of the care of their patients, and with the increase in the science that shows positive effects of healing from meditation and qi healing and practice, qi healing will be used more and more in modern medicine, I believe, as a side effect free and peaceful healing life practice.