Frequently Asked Questions for TCM

What is TCM?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complex holistic system of medicine that is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old.  TCM originated in China but is now available around the world in a variety of forms and techniques, helping millions of people every day with a wide variety of health conditions.  

What TCM modalities are used at Striving for Health?

We use a variety of TCM modalities during a session to achieve the best results since the different therapies work synergistically together for fantastic results. Some of the TCM therapies we use are: herbal therapy, dietary therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, and gua sha.

What can be treated with acupuncture?

There are a multitude of symptoms, conditions and syndromes that are helped, relieved or resolved with acupuncture.  Currently The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 250 illnesses successfully treated by acupuncture.

Just to name a few:

Pre-menstrual syndrome, Anxiety, Gastro-intestinal disorders, stress, fatigue, tension, allergies, arthritis, joint problems, sinusitis, sciatica, gynecological disorders, headaches, adrenal support, infections, immune support, pain, injury recovery, muscular-skeletal disorders, etc.

At Striving for Health, we treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions but our favorite things to treat are gastro-intestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, low immune function, acute colds, acne, PMS, food and environmental sensitivities and allergies. 

We don't specialize in treating musculoskeletal issues but we can give you a great referral if this is what you need. 

What are meridians?

Meridians run throughout the body and integrates all of the body’s systems and functions into a unified whole.  The meridians begin deep in the body and flow internally and externally to connect the different organ systems. Internally, they connect with all the organs, tissues and systems of the body. Externally, they flow along the layers of the skin, where they can be accessed through the acupoints.

What are acupoints?

Acupoints are points along the meridians that connect the area on the surface of the body with the meridian below.  The points are stimulated with a needle to initiate change in the corresponding organ system’s meridian.  There are over 300 points on the main meridians.  Each point has its own unique characteristics for a variety of treatment possibilities.

Does the insertion of the acupuncture needle hurt?

At Striving for Health, we pride ourselves on a pain free visit.  The needles that are used are the smallest gauge available.  In fact, they are so small that 10-20 of them can fit in the end of an 18 gauge hypodermic needle, the kind most commonly used for taking blood.  The needles do not cause any discomfort as most people do not even feel them being inserted.  Only disposable, single use, sterile needles are used for each client.    

Can I get a treatment without needles?

Yes.  There are a variety of things that can be done without needles.  

For adults, the focus of the treatment can move to a more dietary and herbal approach with less emphasis on acupuncture. We can still activate the acupuncture points, just not with needles.

For young children, where it is typical to not use needles during the treatment, other point stimulation can be used.   

In cases where needles are not wanted so therefore not used, the acupuncture points can still be utilized to reap the many benefits that they offer, they are just stimulated with pressure instead of needles.  

How is someone evaluated using a TCM approach?

Evaluation includes a variety of factors including symptoms, history, pain, pulses, temperature, excess, deficiency, location, skin color, systems effected, discharges, nature of the illness, tongue diagnosis, etc., as well as the degree between the pathogenic factor (if there is one) and the body’s resistance to it.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed will vary from person to person as many factors can contribute to the length of therapy.  The duration, severity and nature of the complaint are all important as well as the person’s constitution, overall health, compliance and their response to treatment.  Many people respond very quickly while others can take several treatments before improvement is seen. After the initial evaluation and treatment the practitioner will have a better idea of the amount of treatments that may be needed.  We strive to get client’s health issues resolved in as few treatments as possible.

Generally, within two to three visits a person will have a sense of whether they will receive benefits from acupuncture. Those with acute conditions may only need a few treatments, while those with chronic or complex conditions may benefit from regular sessions over a longer period of time.  Acupuncture may be combined with diet and herbal therapy along with other lifestyle recommendations for the most rapid results.

How does cupping work?

Cupping works by using different types of cups to create a suction on specific areas of the body. The suction pulls the skin and blood vessels into the cup, which brings more blood to the specific area. This can help to improve circulation, nourish tissues, reduce inflammation or muscle spasms and loosen up tight muscles or joints. Body cupping is used when addressing stagnation or pain and facial cupping is used to move stagnant lymph fluid and reduce puffiness.

Why do I need to do dietary changes?

Dietary Therapy forms the basis for (TCM) in daily practice. In TCM, food therapy and diet recommendations are the first treatments given to people who are trying to stay healthy and remain in balance, or who are suffering from illness.  The foods we eat on a daily basis form the foundation of our nutritional and internal health.  The foods we choose can either help us to improve symptoms and maintain a degree of health or can hinder our health and increase or cause symptoms.

How are foods classified in TCM?

Energetic classifications are assigned to foods primarily in four areas: thermal nature, flavor, organ network, and direction of movement.  These are the same paradigms that are rooted in the foundations of TCM.

Four basic criteria:

Thermal nature: hot, warm, neutral, cool, and cold
Flavor: Sweet, acrid, sour, bitter, and salty
Organ networks: Spleen, stomach, lung, large intestines, kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, heart, and small intestines
Direction of movement: up bearing, floating, down bearing and falling

What forms of herbs are used at Striving for Health?

Traditionally, herbs are cooked into concentrated teas, known as decoctions.  Medicinal herbs don’t always make the best tasting teas but they are a wonderful way to get the therapeutic benefits of the herbs quickly into the system.  We have done our best to make the majority of our teas tasty. We offer many tea options that can be prepared at home.  

Herbs can also be made into powders and then placed or formed into pills to be taken with water.   Today, there is a wide variety of herbal tablets, tea pills and capsules to choose from for a multitude of symptoms.  At Striving for Health, we use many different pills for our patients, depending on the best fit.  Tea pills are extremely easy to take and are more convenient for today’s busy lifestyle.  We have a large selection in the clinic. 

What qualifications does the acupuncturist have?

DeBritt is a fully credentialed acupuncturist, is Nationally Board Certified (NCCAOM) and licensed through the Board of Medicine to practice acupuncture and TCM in the state of Virginia.  She has been practicing TCM for over 21 years.  

Does health insurance cover TCM treatments?

We do not set up to take health insurance. However, most Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) cover TCM with acupuncture, herbs, gua sha and cupping.