Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine & Nutrition

Chinese medicine has endured and evolved for thousands of years because of its elegant potency as a complete system of healing. Its aim is to bring into balance the root cause of all that disturbs the body, mind, and soul.

The life energy of the body (Qi or Chi) flows through a series of pathways called meridians or channels along which are located 361 distinct points. In the art of acupuncture, extremely fine needles are inserted at these points to produce a desired effect.

Acupuncture can be understood on many levels. On the physical level, each meridian corresponds to a certain organ, and each acupuncture point has a specific set of actions and indications. Points on the lung meridian, for instance, are generally good for allergies, asthma, coughs, etc.

The ancients who developed this system, however, had a higher purpose in mind than the treatment of symptoms such as these. Each acupuncture point has a name and a story, and can be more deeply understood by how it affects the mind and spirit. Far beyond the treatment of sickness, the Daoists claimed, is the art of assisting a person to realize and achieve their potential.

Since symptoms of imbalance can make it difficult to live to our potential, I reconcile these viewpoints by addressing both the roots (lifestyle and awareness) and the branches (the symptoms).

I also enlist the help of plant medicines. Every plant is a complex pharmacy with innate intelligence. A skillfully crafted herbal formula can be as effective as (or more effective than) modern drugs without the side effects. The Dragontree features a complete herbal dispensary with over 250 raw Chinese herbs.

A short list of some types of conditions Chinese medicine effectively treats (most of these corroborated by the World Health Organization) includes:

• Chronic, debilitating and autoimmune disorders: HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, environmental sensitivities, etc.

• Musculoskeletal disorders and pain: frozen shoulder, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, tennis elbow, low back pain, arthritis, neck pain, trigeminal neuralgia, toothaches, earaches, sciatica, etc.

• Respiratory disorders: allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, etc.

• Digestive disorders: ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

• Cardiovascular disease: high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, heart palpitations, etc.

• Reproductive disorders: infertility, PMS, impotence, painful menstruation, irregular menstruation, fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, menopause, etc.

• Emotional and spiritual problems: depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief, fear, obsession, mania, etc.

• Addictions: nicotine, alcohol, and drug withdrawal.

• Eye disorders: inflammation of the conjunctiva, nearsightedness (most effectively in children), inflammation of retina, uncomplicated cataracts, etc.

• Neurological problems: carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, facial paralysis, post-stroke sequelae, inflammation of nerve endings, tremors, seizure disorders, etc.

• Also excellent for colds and flus, fatigue, insomnia, and much more