The Ancient Art of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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06 Feb

The Ancient Art of Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is traditional Chinese medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete holistic system of natural healing that has existed for more than 2,500 years.  There are five main complex branches to ancient Chinese medicine including acupuncture, nutritional therapy, Chinese bodywork (called Tuina), Chinese herbal medicine, and mind-body exercises called Qi gong.  The philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine believes that all disease comes from a blockage in the flow of Qi.  Each of the therapies in traditional Chinese medicine are designed to restore Qi circulation.

What can traditional Chinese medicine treat?

Based on Chinese medicine theory, Chinese physicians treat an imbalance of Qi, but in Western terms this corresponds to treating thousands of symptoms and conditions called diseases.  The focus of traditional Chinese medicine is to address the root cause of the disease, and not just the symptoms.

Are there any side effects to acupuncture?

Side effects to acupuncture when performed by licensed, qualified acupuncture physicians are very rare but may involve local discomfort at the acupoint, minimal bruising, or a slight tingling sensation.

What are meridians?

Just as water, a life-giving substance travels through a hose to nourish a garden, meridians allow Qi, the vital force, to circulate to every part of the body including the internal organs.  Meridians, or ‘channels’ form a highly-complex invisible network transporting and directing Qi to every part of the body.  Along these channels the Chinese have identified specific points called ‘acupoints’ where Qi can be accessed and stimulated when the flow of Qi has been blocked.

How do Chinese doctors diagnose?

Chinese diagnostic procedures center on finding blockages and imbalances of Qi.  In examining the patient, traditional diagnostic methods, included four main procedures.  An intricate expert ‘pulse diagnosis’ was completed that evaluated the disharmonies of Qi and internal organs.  The physician observed the patient noting the color and condition of the tongue, texture and condition of the skin, hair, and quality of the voice.  The patient was interviewed by the physician who sought a history of the illness, as well as the patient’s lifestyle, diet and emotions.  Lastly, the physician palpated for tender acupoints and performed a physical examination.

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LIMITED ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY CARE

I have received multiple requests from patients for acupuncture treatment.  In following CDC, federal and State of Florida orders, the following policy and procedures have been implemented in considering the patient’s benefits and risks of urgent, emergency care in my clinic.

To limit the exposure of patients and health care personnel to viral illness, only those patients with non-viral, acute health conditions with severe symptoms that put the patient’s immediate health, safety or well-being at risk will be treated with acupuncture.  Acupuncture treatments for chronic conditions, corrective or maintenance care should be postponed until local, state and federal governmental orders for healthcare practitioners and shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted.

The office will continue to perform initial consultations, evaluations, and examinations via telemedicine on a medium such as Facetime, Skype, Zoom, or other telemedicine platform.  Herbal and nutritional medicines may continue to be picked up at the office in the front reception area or mailed.

Office Policy and Procedures:

Patients will be screened for respiratory symptoms upon confirming appointments for treatment.  The patient may report temperature monitoring by phone.

Upon entering the office, patients will be requested to complete and sign a screening questionnaire for potential viral exposure and have their temperature checked.  Any patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infections will be asked to leave the premises and seek biomedical urgent care.  Suspected symptoms would include but not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

Patients will be required to utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer and don facility-provided facemasks when entering clinic to encourage respiratory hygiene for protection the duration of their visit.

Patients will be isolated to separate treatment areas that include private rooms.

The patient will only have immediate contact (within 6 feet) with the physician thus limiting the number of staff providing care.

Progress notes for patient documentation will be left in the individual treatment rooms.  The notes should indicate symptoms of an acute health condition requiring immediate attention.

Patients will be asked to present to the office at their scheduled treatment appointment time.  If arriving early, patients will be asked to wait in their cars until their appointment time.

Patients will not be allowed to loiter in the medical office reception area before or after their treatment.  If herbal medicine is prescribed, it will be placed on a table next to the front door for pick-up.  Patients are to call the office 2-3 days prior to their office visit for herbal or nutritional product refills.  Payment for products or services provided in the office will be collected in advance.  Personal checks or cash may be used for payment by leaving at the front desk.

Best of health,
Dr. Stuart Shipe