Acupuncture and other Eastern modalities of medicine are sometimes referred to as "Alternative" approaches to medicine. This is a little misleading. Although many methods associated with Chinese Medicine, aslo known as Eastern Medicines may stand on there own and in fact were developed long before Western medicine, we believe at Transforming Touch Acupuncture that many, if not all approaches to good health may be integrated.
There are many terms associated with Eastern Medicine that are not well known and a glossary of terms is provided below. The list is concise, though not exhaustive, and the information relatively brief, however it is our intention that you will be inspired to investigate these valuable therapeutic modalities further and gain an understanding of there effectiveness and importance in achieving good health.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for further information or clarification.
There are many terms associated with Eastern Medicine that are not well known and a glossary of terms is provided below. The list is concise, though not exhaustive, and the information relatively brief, however it is our intention that you will be inspired to investigate these valuable therapeutic modalities further and gain an understanding of there effectiveness and importance in achieving good health.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for further information or clarification.
Glossary of Terms
Acupuncture
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being. https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/cim/clinicalcare/Pages/About-Acupuncture.aspx
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being. https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/cim/clinicalcare/Pages/About-Acupuncture.aspx
Acupressure
Acupressure is just one of a number of Asian bodywork therapies (ABT) with roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Examples of other Asian bodywork therapies are medical qigong and Tuina. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure. https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment
Qi Gong
The Word “Qi” (also spelled chi and pronounced “Chee”) which refers to your energy, is not translatable into English. There are no words in English to describe “Qi” accurately. It could be thought of as “basic intrinsic energy” of the body, mind and spirit, but that’s not really quite what it is. Gong means “great skill acquired from hard work and practice over time” Qi Gong loosely translated is “skill with your own energy”. Qu is better understood from having an experience. This automatically comes from practicing the Qi Gong movements.
There are many forms of qi gong some are static, and some are dynamic. There is Qi Gong for Monks to be more spiritual; for scholars to improve memory; for martial artists to have greater power; for everyone to improve Health.
The practicing of Qi Gong is based on a series of movements that are done usually in patterns of 8 repetitions or more. Qi Gong improves circulation, accomplishes the appropriate energy flow through a specific meridian and achieves the appropriate stretch of muscles, tendons or ligaments. the repetitive nature and the unique stretch and strengthening positions will target multiple parts of the body and people feel more calm, relaxed and flexible after doing Qi Gong
Qi Gong cultivates qi or energy flow. Our energy or meridian flow needs to be cultivated by slow movements to show our bodies how to open the pathways and retrain the pathways. Also, physiologically muscles and even more so tendons and ligaments take time to learn how to untangle themselves so our circulation and qi can flow strongly.
When we want our bodies to be pain free, qi gong helps us move slowly so we are giving our bodies the time to use and heal the pathways of our body’s meridians. When we add a bit of mindfulness, our body’s energy pathways open and start to unwind from the contortions of many years of poor posture and movement.
Earl; S Hinds, L.Ac. has studied Qi Gong since 1994. Earl has taught Qi Gong since 2002
There are many forms of qi gong some are static, and some are dynamic. There is Qi Gong for Monks to be more spiritual; for scholars to improve memory; for martial artists to have greater power; for everyone to improve Health.
The practicing of Qi Gong is based on a series of movements that are done usually in patterns of 8 repetitions or more. Qi Gong improves circulation, accomplishes the appropriate energy flow through a specific meridian and achieves the appropriate stretch of muscles, tendons or ligaments. the repetitive nature and the unique stretch and strengthening positions will target multiple parts of the body and people feel more calm, relaxed and flexible after doing Qi Gong
Qi Gong cultivates qi or energy flow. Our energy or meridian flow needs to be cultivated by slow movements to show our bodies how to open the pathways and retrain the pathways. Also, physiologically muscles and even more so tendons and ligaments take time to learn how to untangle themselves so our circulation and qi can flow strongly.
When we want our bodies to be pain free, qi gong helps us move slowly so we are giving our bodies the time to use and heal the pathways of our body’s meridians. When we add a bit of mindfulness, our body’s energy pathways open and start to unwind from the contortions of many years of poor posture and movement.
Earl; S Hinds, L.Ac. has studied Qi Gong since 1994. Earl has taught Qi Gong since 2002
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There are 5 major schools of Tai Chi, and many variations within each style.
It is not known exactly how old T’ai Chi is, because there’s no written history. It is believed to be between 300 and 1200 years old.
T’ai Chi is the shortened version for martial art taijiquan or tai chi chuan, yet another spelling of taijiquan. The more accurate Mandarin pinyin spelling would be “ji” as in taijiquan and it is pronounced “jee” which means “ultimate”. So, altogether, taijiquan means “supreme ultimate fist”. Even though the name clearly reflects its martial arts origins, the health benefits are still astounding.
The Word “Qi” (also spelled chi and pronounced “Chee”) which refers to your energy, is not translatable into English. There are no words in English to describe “Qi” accurately. It could be thought of as “basic intrinsic energy” of the body, mind and spirit, but that’s not really quite what it is. Qi is better understood from having a felt experience. This comes from practicing the movements.
The practice of Tai Chi is based on a series of movements to achieve the health, balance and movement benefits. Typically, the introductory class teaches basic techniques so students will become familiar with many of the basic moves and techniques. Students learn all the steps of the form (series of Tai Chi movements) from beginning to ending. This helps develop better balance, better posture, and better health.
Whether you’re looking to draw more power from better biomechanics or are seeking to maintain a strong core and balance, Tai Chi is a fun and social way to become surprisingly stronger, more balanced and to learn how to feel your own Qi.
Your energy or meridian flow, Qi, (Japanese pronunciation: “kee”; Chinese pronunciation: “chee”) needs to be cultivated by slow movements. The slow speed helps the body to understand how to open these Qi pathways. The slow speed also retrains the Qi pathways to flow in a healthy and pain free manner. From a physiological standpoint, muscles and even more so tendons and ligaments, require time to learn to untangle themselves, thus strengthening circulation and Qi can flow.
T’ai Chi helps you move slowly so you are giving your bodies the time to use and heal the pathways of your body’s meridians. Your body’s energy pathways open and start to unwind from the contortions of many years of sitting or standing on your feet all day.
Tai chi teaches your body proper balance, posture, alignment and efficiency of movement. The movements are purposeful and aimed at being always centered. Tai chi practice is slow to provide a deep programming to your muscles, so your body learns how to position itself at every moment and it is never over exerted or unbalanced.
Try walking slow motion across a room. It is much harder to do than you might think. All the small imperceptible imbalances are hidden with the momentum of speed when you walk without thinking about it show up when you slow that motion down. You start wobbling around because all the imbalances can no longer be hidden
.
Learning tai chi means that your body gains the muscle memory of how to move so you are always balanced. You start using more of your postural muscles and they become stronger. This relieves the stress you place on the movement muscles which become stiff and painful when you have been sitting or standing with poor posture all day long.
The most important thing is that tai chi is a social practice based around a community of people who are all looking to learn and live better. It is fun. Please take a trial class. Nothing beats experiencing T’ai Chi firsthand.
Earl; S Hinds, L.Ac. has studied T’ai Chi for over 50 years. Earl has taught T’ai Chi since 1989
It is not known exactly how old T’ai Chi is, because there’s no written history. It is believed to be between 300 and 1200 years old.
T’ai Chi is the shortened version for martial art taijiquan or tai chi chuan, yet another spelling of taijiquan. The more accurate Mandarin pinyin spelling would be “ji” as in taijiquan and it is pronounced “jee” which means “ultimate”. So, altogether, taijiquan means “supreme ultimate fist”. Even though the name clearly reflects its martial arts origins, the health benefits are still astounding.
The Word “Qi” (also spelled chi and pronounced “Chee”) which refers to your energy, is not translatable into English. There are no words in English to describe “Qi” accurately. It could be thought of as “basic intrinsic energy” of the body, mind and spirit, but that’s not really quite what it is. Qi is better understood from having a felt experience. This comes from practicing the movements.
The practice of Tai Chi is based on a series of movements to achieve the health, balance and movement benefits. Typically, the introductory class teaches basic techniques so students will become familiar with many of the basic moves and techniques. Students learn all the steps of the form (series of Tai Chi movements) from beginning to ending. This helps develop better balance, better posture, and better health.
Whether you’re looking to draw more power from better biomechanics or are seeking to maintain a strong core and balance, Tai Chi is a fun and social way to become surprisingly stronger, more balanced and to learn how to feel your own Qi.
Your energy or meridian flow, Qi, (Japanese pronunciation: “kee”; Chinese pronunciation: “chee”) needs to be cultivated by slow movements. The slow speed helps the body to understand how to open these Qi pathways. The slow speed also retrains the Qi pathways to flow in a healthy and pain free manner. From a physiological standpoint, muscles and even more so tendons and ligaments, require time to learn to untangle themselves, thus strengthening circulation and Qi can flow.
T’ai Chi helps you move slowly so you are giving your bodies the time to use and heal the pathways of your body’s meridians. Your body’s energy pathways open and start to unwind from the contortions of many years of sitting or standing on your feet all day.
Tai chi teaches your body proper balance, posture, alignment and efficiency of movement. The movements are purposeful and aimed at being always centered. Tai chi practice is slow to provide a deep programming to your muscles, so your body learns how to position itself at every moment and it is never over exerted or unbalanced.
Try walking slow motion across a room. It is much harder to do than you might think. All the small imperceptible imbalances are hidden with the momentum of speed when you walk without thinking about it show up when you slow that motion down. You start wobbling around because all the imbalances can no longer be hidden
.
Learning tai chi means that your body gains the muscle memory of how to move so you are always balanced. You start using more of your postural muscles and they become stronger. This relieves the stress you place on the movement muscles which become stiff and painful when you have been sitting or standing with poor posture all day long.
The most important thing is that tai chi is a social practice based around a community of people who are all looking to learn and live better. It is fun. Please take a trial class. Nothing beats experiencing T’ai Chi firsthand.
Earl; S Hinds, L.Ac. has studied T’ai Chi for over 50 years. Earl has taught T’ai Chi since 1989
CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by John E. Upledger after extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
CranioSacral Therapy is a complementary treatment that releases tensions deep in the body to help reduce pain, relieve dysfunction, and improve whole-body health and performance. By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CranioSacral Therapy is increasingly used as a preventive healthcare measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.
The Cranial Rhythm is felt all through and around the body and is a monitor of many levels of wellness and wisdom. This system utilizes the Cranial Rhythm and the wisdom of the body. We can unwind and release physical, emotional and energetic blocks and imbalances for optimal health wellbeing and vitality. The reason to talk to the body is the body can heal itself. We use CranioSacral Therapy to tap into the body's wisdom, self-knowledge and healing abilities.
Upledger.com
CranioSacral Therapy is a complementary treatment that releases tensions deep in the body to help reduce pain, relieve dysfunction, and improve whole-body health and performance. By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CranioSacral Therapy is increasingly used as a preventive healthcare measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.
The Cranial Rhythm is felt all through and around the body and is a monitor of many levels of wellness and wisdom. This system utilizes the Cranial Rhythm and the wisdom of the body. We can unwind and release physical, emotional and energetic blocks and imbalances for optimal health wellbeing and vitality. The reason to talk to the body is the body can heal itself. We use CranioSacral Therapy to tap into the body's wisdom, self-knowledge and healing abilities.
Upledger.com
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CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by John E. Upledger after extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CranioSacral Therapy releases tensions deep in the body to help reduce pain, relieve dysfunction, and improve whole-body health and performance, by facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes,
The Cranial Rhythm is felt all through and around the body and is a monitor of many levels of wellness and wisdom. Upledger CranioSacral Therapy utilizes the Cranial Rhythm and the wisdom of the body. We can unwind and release physical, emotional and energetic blocks and imbalances for optimal health wellbeing and vitality. The reason to talk to the body is the body can heal itself. We use CranioSacral Therapy to tap into the body's wisdom, self-knowledge and healing abilities.
SomatoEmotional Release™ (SER) is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help a person rid their body of the residual effects of past injuries and negative experiences. SER is based on university research conducted by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger and biophysicist Zvi Karni. Physical forces enter a person's body at the time of an accident or injury. The injured body may immediately begin dissipating these forces and the natural healing process will follow, or the physical forces imposed upon the person's body may be retained rather than dissipated. Drs. Upledger and Karni came to realize that very often the body retained the emotional energy along with the physical force, and called this localized and concentrated area that formed, an "energy cyst." Initially the body accommodates to the presence of the energy cyst, but over time the body weakens or tires of this accommodation, and can develop symptoms of pain, dysfunction, or emotional stress.
SomatoEmotional Release™ facilitates a gentle process for releasing tissue memory, thereby helping the person to decrease the adverse effects of past traumas. There is vast research to show that a change in physical health is accompanied by a change in mental health, and it is equally documented that the reverse is apparent. SER is a holistic mind-body somatic approach that may also assist a person in gaining insight as to how that held trauma is influencing their physical and emotional health. SER can support the person’s transition from dysfunction and unresolved issues towards wellness and optimal function.
https://www.upledger.com
