The Next Journey of Education

Acupuncture uses commonly uses sterile stainless steel disposable filiform needles to assist the proper movement of qi within the body. This phenomenon enhances an individual's ability to increase communication between every aspect and system of the body. Qi is the energy and force that is the connection and relationship of an individual. It can be the relationship between DNA to cells, cells to tissue, tissue to organs, system to system, our body to our environment, and even who we are to the universe. It is the intangible force that is ruled by universal and natural law. However, when the qi becomes stagnant, it will eventually illness and can be the pattern of the disorder itself. Acupuncture is a powerful tool used to correct and balance the free flow of qi to allow us to live our highest quality of life.

The Chinese ancients noted medicinal properties in various foods, plants, animals, and even mineral substances. Each herb or food had various properties according to its nature and clinical usages. Food was a concern the superior medicine because it was for everyday use to enhance one's well-being. In contrast, medicinal herbs were considered more inferior because they would only be effective when treating an individual when they are ill. As a result, the ancients places a large focus on preventative medicine by incorporating a nutritious and well-balanced diet. However, due to over 2,000 years of study, these herbs were combined and formulated. They became very effective in treating pathology based on an individual's specific signs and symptoms that were displayed. As a result, the ancients were able to develop simple nutritional guidelines and very effective medical formulas to best aid every individual's route to a healthy lifestyle. 

Moxabustion or Moxa is the practice of burning mugwort. This allows for a different route of administration of an herb besides oral. Moxa has many benefits. It allows for deep penetration of heat to the affected layer, especially since much pain is caused by a concept of cold. Therefore, moxa can be very effective in the treatment of pain. Also, moxa is often used as a preventative practice to boost one's immune system. It is a very popular modality used in various East Asian cultures and thus there are various administration techniques. 

Cupping has been popularized within the past few years due to its appearance during the olympics. Most of the athletes displayed their large red cupping marks. In Chinese Medicine, the practice of Cupping can be use for various ailments throughout very different techniques. Cupping is one of the most commonly used way to release toxins from the body. It can also promote the movement of qi and blood, which in turns addresses many pain conditions. In Western Medicine, cupping is often used as a Physical Therapy tool to help release and promote the movement of fascia. Cupping is often used with specific movements to increase the Range of Motion and promote the concentration of blood to a specific area.

Gua Sha has also been gaining popularity due to its presence in cosmetics and beauty industries. This is due to its effective property of increasing superficial blood circulation. However, those are only one type of Gua Sha technique. Another commonly purpose that Gua Sha has been used for thousands of years is for releasing toxins from the body. It has also been used to release stiffness and pain from those suffering from colds. It promote hyperemia, a superficial blood circulation to the skin and open pores. This allow the pathogen and cold to escape, thus treating headaches, stiffness, and other tightening sensations.

Tui Na is an ancient form of body work that has been used in conjunction with acupuncture for many years. Bodywork was said to be the first form of healing since ancient times. Tui Na uses the concepts of Yin & Yang, meridians, and acupoints to restore the free flow of qi and blood. It also have the ability to directly engage with the body to correct the qi and energy dynamic. It is also able to physically manipulate the bones, sinews, joints, and muscles of the body. 

Cultivating your mind and spirit is as important as cultivating the body. The body, mind, and spirit or soul share a very strong connections to one another. For example, your mind has a tremendous influence on how much pain you feel. This due to the fact that pain is a psychological effect of the mind to threat stimulus that is elicited from the body. Depending on the sensitivity of the mind to those threats, it can increase or decrease the sensations that are felt. As a result, training and cultivating the mind, along with the body will also strengthen the spirit and soul. The spirit and soul can be viewed as how we interact with ourselves and the world. In East Asian Medicine, it is important to develop the body awareness and various aspects of the mind to live a healthy lifestyle. 

Since ancient times, it was stated that a superior physician treats an individuals before get sick so they never reach that point. An inferior physician is stated to treat the patient when they are sick. This power statement portrays the importance of wellness and living healthy lifestyle. The ancients understands that preventative medicine is essential to enhance one's quality of life. It is also the best cure to any illness as clique as it may sound. Understanding how to navigate through life, thoughts, and our environment is one of the key pillars of East Asian Medicine.