What We Treat Here at Totem

Chinese medicine states that signs and symptoms indicating a Western diagnosis of allergies have to do with imbalances in the body’s meridian and organ systems. This may come from a variety of causes such as a poor diet, stress, environmental pollutants or toxins, or a weakness in the body’s constitution.

If imbalances stay present in the body, they will affect the functions of the organ systems. Some systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to acupuncture and Chinese medicine theory, it is essential to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi moving within the body in order to maintain optimal health.

Those living with arthritis know the challenges of finding relief from joint pain and other symptoms. However, there are many options for managing arthritis and for living a normal, healthy and active life. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be valuable additions to any health plan without leading to harmful side effects.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provide a natural, safe, effective and drug-free approach to reducing the signs of aging. The ancient technique of facial rejuvenation improves muscle tone of the face and neck and addresses factors that may have led to visible aging.

If you experience tingling in your fingers or hands, pain that goes from your wrist to your shoulder or even challenges holding small objects, you could be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This is an uncomfortable and occasionally debilitating condition that affects nearly five million Americans.

Lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms, and many treatments can help. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are used to treat CTS without harmful medications or side effects.

Stress is a natural response to the variety of demands we face. Our stress response, sometimes known as fight or flight, gives us energy to maintain life during challenging situations. It is similar to an attack or threat by a wild animal that happened in ancient times. Unfortunately, stresses of the modern day are considerably more frequent than what earlier humans might have experienced. Today, all we have to do is look out of our windows or at our computer screens to experience various forms of stressors. Think of the modern 24-hour news cycle, road rage or expectations of instant communication.

However, this doesn’t mean that stress is always negative. There is a difference between healthy and unhealthy stress. Healthy stressors are typically short lived and keep us awake and motivated, supporting our body’s strength and dynamism. 

Using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat infertility dates back 2,000 years. These ancient techniques raise fertility rates and encourage a woman’s entire body in a way that unlocks potential for good health and childbearing.

Studies documented by The American Pregnancy Association show that the most powerful fertility treatments include a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional medical practices. Conception can also occur without traditional medical interventions when solely acupuncture and herbal medicines are used.1

Sometimes you relax into a comfortable bed and close your eyes, but nothing happens. You simply cannot fall asleep, no matter how badly you try. Hours pass and you are still awake. The next day you are fatigued, grouchy and unable to focus. 

Nights without sleep happen to nearly everyone at some point, but continual insomnia can signal deeper issues and lead to greater health concerns. Unfortunately, common approaches to treating insomnia include prescription medications, which can come with side effects or dependence. Consider an all-natural approach to treating your sleep problems. Acupuncture is often very effective in improving quality of sleep without side effects.

Eighty percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s one of the main issues for which people seek medical care. Low back pain, in particular, can become a chronic or ongoing problem. Back pain isn’t always easy to diagnose or relieve. 

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are very effective and natural methods for treating back pain. They can also be used in tandem with traditional Western treatments to maximize recovery and stimulate healing.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a challenging disorder in which the intestines are no longer able to effectively move their contents. The main symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, anxiety and depression. Symptoms may be set off by stress, diet, medications, emotional factors or hormone levels.

Acupuncture and IBS

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, effective, and drug-free way to address IBS. This natural healthcare system views the body differently than Western medicine. According to Chinese medicine, the body is a garden and has to be cultivated and taken good care of in order to be strong and remain healthy. Good health is realized when all of the meridian systems and organs are balanced and working together.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often thought of as a problem or illness, which is inaccurate. PMS is rather a combination of responses to menstruation, an ordinary event in a woman’s life. PMS typically occurs monthly, accompanied by specific symptoms and signs that can appear a week to 10 days prior to menstruation. These symptoms then disappear after the beginning of the menstrual flow. It is important to look at the whole picture to better understand PMS

Although PMS is due to unbalanced hormonal changes, other factors such as stress, an inadequate diet or lack of exercise or sleep can make the symptoms worse. Because most women show as many as 10 symptoms one to two weeks prior to menstruation, their ordinary experiences may become diminished. It can be more difficult to interact with family and friends, be productive at work or take pleasure in your own body.

Pregnancy is a time in which support and care for your well-being is more important than ever. Expectant mothers experience significant physical and emotional changes. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meet these unique challenges, ensuring optimal health for you and your baby in a safe and natural way, free of harmful medications.