AOMA Blog

Introduction to TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and promote overall health. Today TCM is gaining popularity worldwide due to its holistic approach to healing and prevention.

TCM originated in ancient China, with its earliest records dating back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). It is a comprehensive system of medicine that encompasses a wide range of practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, qi gong, and tui na bodywork, among others.

The Principles of TCM

At the core of TCM is the belief in the interconnection between the mind, body, and spirit. TCM practitioners aim to achieve balance and harmony within the body by addressing underlying imbalances that cause illness or injury. The primary concepts of TCM include the theory of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the concept of Qi (life energy).

TCM for Injury Recovery

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a popular TCM method that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been proven to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation, thus promoting faster recovery from injuries. Athletes can benefit from acupuncture as it can help reduce muscle soreness, alleviate joint pain, and improve circulation for faster healing.

2. Herbal Medicine

TCM herbal medicine consists of natural plant-based remedies that can be used to promote healing and recovery. These herbs can be consumed in various forms such as teas, powders, or capsules. For athletes, specific herbal formulas can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support muscle and tissue repair.

3. Tui Na Bodywork

Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic bodywork that combines acupressure, stretching, and manipulation techniques to promote healing. It is particularly beneficial for athletes as it can help release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve joint mobility. Tui Na can also help in injury recovery by stimulating blood flow and promoting the body's natural healing process. By addressing muscular imbalances and promoting relaxation, Tui Na also can play a crucial role in preventing injuries and maintaining overall athletic health.

TCM for Injury Prevention

1. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a gentle martial art that focuses on slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. It is often referred to as "moving meditation" due to its calming effects on the mind and body. Regular practice of Tai Chi can help athletes prevent injuries by improving balance, flexibility, and overall body awareness.

2. Qigong

Qigong is a system of coordinated body movements, breathing, and meditation used to improve overall health and well-being. It can help athletes prevent injuries by enhancing their flexibility, strength, and coordination. Additionally, Qigong's focus on deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and improve mental focus, which can also contribute to injury prevention.

TCM for Improving Athletic Performance

1. Dietary Therapy

In TCM, food is considered to be a form of medicine, and dietary therapy is an essential aspect of promoting overall health and well-being. TCM practitioners often recommend specific foods and herbs to enhance athletic performance, including those that support energy production, endurance, and recovery. Some examples of performance-boosting foods include goji berries, ginseng, and cordyceps, which are believed to increase stamina and strength.

2. Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a TCM technique that involves placing glass or silicone cups on the skin to create suction. This process is thought to help improve circulation, remove toxins, and release muscle tension. Many athletes, including Olympic swimmers and professional football players, have turned to cupping therapy to enhance their recovery and performance. The increased blood flow and reduced muscle tension from cupping may help athletes to perform at their best and recover more quickly from intense training sessions.

3. Mental Focus and Meditation

Meditation is a cornerstone of TCM practices that can significantly benefit athletes in terms of mental focus and concentration. By incorporating meditation into their training regimen, athletes can develop greater mental resilience, leading to improved decision-making and enhanced performance under pressure.

Integrating TCM into Your Training Regimen

To fully harness the benefits of TCM for injury recovery, prevention, and improving athletic performance, it is essential to incorporate these practices into your regular training routine. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner to develop a personalized plan based on your unique needs and athletic goals. This may include a combination of acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, and specific exercises such as Tai Chi or Qigong.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to injury recovery, prevention, and athletic performance enhancement. By incorporating TCM practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tai Chi, Qigong, and dietary therapy, athletes can improve their physical and mental well-being, leading to better overall performance. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner to develop a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

FAQs

1. Is TCM safe for athletes? Yes, TCM is generally considered safe for athletes when practiced by a qualified practitioner. However, it's essential to consult with a professional before starting any TCM treatments or therapies.
2. How long does it take to see results from TCM therapies? The duration of results may vary depending on the individual and the specific therapy or treatment being used. Some athletes may experience immediate benefits, while others may require several sessions or weeks of treatment.
3. Can TCM be combined with conventional sports medicine? Yes, TCM can often be used in conjunction with conventional sports medicine practices. Many athletes find that combining TCM with other treatments, such as physical therapy, can provide enhanced benefits.
   
4. Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a TCM practitioner? While a referral may not be necessary, it's a good idea to consult with your primary healthcare provider before seeking TCM treatments, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
5. How can I find a qualified TCM practitioner? To find a qualified TCM practitioner, it's important to research their credentials and experience. Look for practitioners who have completed accredited TCM training programs and are members of recognized TCM professional organizations.

AOMA is proud to announce its historic partnership with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. AOMA founded its Jingfang institution to partner with Dr. Huang Huang and the International Jingfang institute at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Professor Huang Huang has been a guest professor for AOMA Doctoral program since April 2021.

Jingfang, also known as classical formulae in traditional Chinese medicine, is an ancient herbal remedy that was formed in China around 3,000 BC. These empirical herbal formulae that were solidified through human experimentation by the Ancient Chinese were primarily recorded in a medical book named Shāng Hán Lùn 1800 years ago.

Professor Huang Huang is a world-renowned physician, professor, and one of the preeminent authorities on Jing Fang and Shāng Hán Lùn. He is one of the pioneers responsible for the resurgence of Classical Chinese Medicine in China and in the West. He dedicates his lifelong study to the differential diagnosis of herbal patterns. Professor Huang is also a prolific writer and editor who has many published texts, including the much-celebrated “Ten Key Formula Families in Chinese Medicine” and “Zhang Zhongjing’s Clinical Application of 50 Herbal Medicines”, which have both been made available in many different languages. Professor Huang currently holds the position of Dean of the International Jing Fang Institute of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and is engaged in promoting and lecturing about Jing Fang across the world.

To promote communication and cooperation in Jingfang education, clinical internship, and academic research, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine have signed the Letter of Intent for Cooperation on September 22^nd, 2021.

1. Both parties will explore how we might effectively exchange professors, students, researchers, and administrative personnel. This may occur virtually or in person.
2. NJUCM will work with AOMA to set up a branch of the International Jingfang Institute at AOMA.
3. Both parties will explore how we may jointly implement appropriate research projects of common interest in the field of Jingfang.

We hope the AOMA Jingfang Institute will practice and pioneer Jing Fang (Classical Formulas) in North America.

Back pain and general muscle soreness are common problems for many people. Understanding correct force postures and maintaining your musculoskeletal system will help to both treat and prevent pain and disease. 

What causes musculoskeletal pain? 

The most common causes of musculoskeletal pain are soft tissue injuries (such as car accidents and sports injuries) and aging. Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, poor posture, and some life factors such as lack of exercise and excessive muscle use, can also contribute. In addition, dietary factors, mental factors, and other diseases such as cancer, gastrointestinal discomfort, dysmenorrhea, etc. can cause musculoskeletal pain.

The above factors cause muscle contraction, vasospasm, lactic acid accumulation, accumulation of inflammatory substances, and nerve excitement. They also lead to spasms of muscle and blood vessels which are not easily relieved, causing more metabolites to be developed. Such an abundance of inflammatory substances is too much to be taken away by normal blood flow, leading to a vicious cycle of dysfunction of muscle contraction and metabolism. Then the body will feel soreness, pain, pressure and tingling. So any methods which can increase blood circulation would be excellent ways to treat musculoskeletal pain!

What are the correct postures to prevent musculoskeletal pain?

The most common musculoskeletal pains are due to poor posture; for example, back pain. Being aware of correct posture during all activities can prevent back pain, but most especially when:

1. Picking up items

Bend your knees instead of bending your back. Avoid lifting heavy items with a bent back and straight legs, and do not twist the body when lifting. Try lifting items close to the body using your legs to provide the force, and you should not lift items higher than your chest. Sometimes using a pad will help, and of course it would be better to find someone to help you when lifting a very heavy item.

2. Standing and Walking

A good walking position is with raised head and lowered chin, with the toes facing forward and wearing a pair of comfortable shoes. When you are standing, do not stand too long in one posture. Avoid bending back with straight legs. Do not wear high heels or flat shoes to walk or stand for a long period of time. 

3. Sitting Position

Chair height should be moderate in order to keep the knees and buttocks at the same height. It is appropriate that the feet can step on the ground. Your back should be close to the back of chair. Pay attention to the height of the chair armrest and make sure to keep your arms naturally drooping with both elbows resting on the armrest. Do not sit in a chair which is too high or too far away from your work in order to prevent your upper body from leaning forward and your back from arching. Do not slouch in the chair, which has the potential to cause cervical spondylosis and numbness of hands. Such problems most often occur in people who use the computer for long periods of time.

4. Driving a Car

Your seat should move forward in order to keep the knees as high as the waist. Sit straight and hold the steering wheel with both hands when driving. Protect your lower back with cushions or rolls of towels. Do not sit too far away from the pedal, which may cause excessive stretching of the foot and leg or straightening of the arm, which can reduce the curvature of the spine.

5. Sleeping

Sleep on a solid mattress. A good sleep will do great help to your back. When side sleeping, slightly bend your knees. A pillow can be caught between the legs. When sleeping on your back, it is better to put a pad below the knees.

Traditional Chinese medicine for musculoskeletal pain 

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture, with the theory of "Pain to Shu" to find the appropriate point of pain to do the needling, often has a magical effect on pain. Modern studies have shown that acupuncture can improve blood circulation, increase endorphin levels, and inhibit nerve conduction in order to relieve pain.

7. Tuina

Tuina, which is a type of traditional Asian bodywork therapy, can soothe fascia, activate meridians, promote muscle rigidity, improve fibrosis, relieve pain and fatigue, and restore the original muscle function. Asian bodywork combined with acupressure can often achieve a better effect than either modality used alone. 

8. Herbal fumigation and hot compress therapy

Herbal fumigation and hot compress therapy integrate hyperthermia and traditional Chinese herbal medicine to increase muscle blood circulation, reduce pain, and restore the original muscle function.

9. Chinese herbal medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that pain comes from the stasis or malnutrition of Qi and Blood. Chinese herbal medicine can adjust the patient’s constitution to improve blood circulation and PH and strengthen bones and tendons. Commonly used herbal formulas for the treatment of pain can regulate Qi, stimulate blood circulation, dispel wind, drain cold and dampness, and tonify the Liver and Kidney.

This article is written by Dr. Jing Fan, a practitioner at AOMA Clinics. AOMA Acupuncture Clinics offers all of the above Chinese Medicine treatment options, as well as the benefit of an herbal medicine store on site. Please make an appointment with us today!

Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the consistent inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, has become a global health issue with a high prevalence and considerable impact on the quality of life of sufferers and their partners. In addition, ED may share a common pathologic mechanism with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, and other endocrine disorders. The cause of ED is complicated and may be divided into three categories: psychogenic causes, organic causes (including endogenous, vascular and drug causes) and mixed causes.

Currently, research focuses on the dysfunction of endothelial cells of the cavernous body of the penis and disordered release of NO. To date, several phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors have been developed. Despite the advances in clinical and basic research which have led to several new options, the ideal treatment of ED has not been identified [12].

TCM has been used to treat sexual dysfunction such as ED in China for more than 2,000 years. Many studies show that TCM treatment could significantly improve the quality of erection and sexual activity of ED patients [13–17]. TCM achieves better regulation, especially with regard to ED patients’ anxiety, fatigability, changing hormonal levels, insomnia, and gastroparesis.

Correct syndrome differentiation (“Bian Zheng”) was the prerequisite for achieving the hoped-for efficacy of TCM for treating ED. Syndrome differentiation is one of the essential characters of TCM. It means analyzing and judging the data obtained from the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and pulse-taking and palpation) so to differentiate the nature, location, and cause of disease. So pattern differentiation is the premise and foundation of treatment. 

In the past, traditional treatments based on syndrome differentiation (an overall analysis of signs and symptoms) placed importance on the kidneys and liver. Herbs and acupuncture points to invigorate qi can enhance physical fitness, and to warm the kidneys can regulate sex hormones, increase sexual drive, invigorate the spleen, regulate the stomach and improve the overall situation. Herbs and acupuncture points used for a stagnated liver provides tranquilisation and helps stabilize the mind, which can improve mental processes and emotional wellness. This treatment can not only increase the effects but also improve the patient’s overall condition and quality of life. More research also shows that using the concepts of integrative Chinese medicine, sexual dysfunction, especially ED with premature ejaculation, should be treated concurrently based on syndrome differentiation of the heart.

This approach does not conflict with the concept of TCM that the heart controls mental activities, blood circulation, and eroticism. Concurrent treatment of the heart and kidneys can coordinate these organs. Thus, the concept of integrated medicine offers a perfect, traditional treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

According to the latest pharmacological research on TCM, many Chinese herbal medicines (e.g., ginseng, epimedium and pilose antler) function as the male sex hormone. According to domestic and international research, ginsenoside and red ginseng extracts can stimulate penis tissue to produce NO and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. Additionally, ginsenoside and red ginseng extracts can also regulate the function of sex glands and increase semen volume to reinforce sexuality. Epimedium and Lycium berry can inhibit nitric oxide synthase and are helpful for improving endothelial cell function in the penis and promoting the formation of NO.[18] Research has shown that Chai Hu Shu Gan San can increase the duration of erection in the male rat and can increase NO content in penis tissue. Medicine that promotes blood circulation, such as Tao Ren Si Wu and Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, can help to regain an erection that was lost or achieve a repeat erection. Therefore, the treatment of ED with TCM has practical effects and is supported by scientific research.

In ED, acupuncture also has shown moderate efficacy, with an early study in 1999 of 16 men with ED treated with twice weekly acupuncture for 8 weeks demonstrating an improvement in erectile function in 39 % of men [19]. The potential mechanism of acupuncture for ED is that it may modulate the nitric oxide related to the treatment of ED [20].

Overall, TCM treatment for sexual dysfunction can not only increase the effects of simultaneous treatments but also improve the patient’s overall condition and quality of life.

Dr. Jing Fan treats at the AOMA acupuncture clinics. Request an Appointment with us today! 

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[9] K. T. McVary, “Sexual dysfunction,” in Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, A. S. Fauci, E. Braunwald, D. L. Kasper, S. L. Hauser, D. L. Longo, and J. L. Jameson, Eds., chapter 49, section 8, pp. 271–275, McGraw-Hill, Chicago, Ill, USA, 17th edition, 2008.

[10] S. H. Golden, K. A. Robinson, I. Saldanha, B. Anton, and P. W. Ladenson, “Prevalence and incidence of endocrine and metabolic disorders in the united states: a comprehensive review,” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 94, no. 6, pp. 1853–1878, 2009.

[11] J. Buvat, M.Maggi, L. Gooren et al., “Endocrine aspects of male sexual dysfunctions,” Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 1627–1656, 2010.

[12] D. K.Montague, J. Jarow, G. A. Broderick et al., “American urological association guideline on the management of priapism,” Journal of Urology, vol. 170, no. 4, pp. 1318–1324, 2003.

[13] L. S. Yaman, S. Kilic, K. Sarica, M. Bayar, and B. Saygin, “The place of acupuncture in the management of psychogenic impotence,” European Urology, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 52–55, 1994.

[14] P. F. Engelhardt, L. K. Daha, T. Zils, R. Simak, K. K¨onig, and H. Pfl¨uger, “Acupuncture in the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction: first results of a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study,” International Journal of Impotence Research, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 343–346, 2003.

[15] Y. Cui, Y. Feng, L. Chen et al., “Randomized and controlled research of Chinese drug acupoint injection therapy for erectile dysfunction,” Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, vol. 27, no. 12, pp. 881–885, 2007.

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[17] J. Jiang and R. Jiang, “Molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for erectile dysfunction,” Zhonghua Nan KeXue, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 459–462, 2009.

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