Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine - Preventative Medicine - Holistic Healing

Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.

982 Tiogue Avenue Coventry, RI 02816 phone: (401) 219-6446

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Practices in Wellness Care

promotes health through practical & preventative means.

Traditional wisdom proclaims—”an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Arthritis

Each patient is treated as an individual with a unique pattern of health concerns. Acupuncture is a pattern-based medicine not a disease-based medicine. A detailed intake of your presenting signs & symptoms forms a pattern which establishes a diagnosis and specific acupuncture treament plan for you.

As well as significant improvement in your condition you're also likely to notice a greater sense of vitality and an enhanced quality of life.

* Treatment studies regarding acupuncture for arthritis have shown to improve fibromyalgia symptoms:

Relief of pain & stiffness
improvement in function

The links below provide some information & evidence-based protocols on the treatment of acupuncture for arthritis:

Acupuncture & Arthritis

Acupuncture for Arthritis

Acupuncture Relieves Pain - Knee Osteoarthritis/NIH

Visit NatureHealing - Acupuncture for Arthritis for more info
Call to Schedule Your
FREE CONSULTATION:
(401) 219-6446

Acupuncture for PTSD

Acupuncture is a pattern-based medicine not a disease-based medicine. A detailed intake of your presenting signs & symptoms forms a pattern which establishes a diagnosis and specific acupuncture treament plan for you.

As well as significant improvement in your condition you're also likely to notice a greater sense of vitality and an enhanced quality of life.

* In regarding acupuncture for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments have shown to help improve the following symptoms:

Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Pain
Fatigue

The links below provide some information & evidence-based protocols on the treatment of acupuncture for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

Acupuncture and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Study: Acupuncture for PostTraumatic Stress Disorder

Visit NatureHealing - Acupuncture for PTSD for more info
Call to Schedule Your
FREE CONSULTATION:
(401) 219-6446

Health

Herbal Hot Pouches - Practices in wellness care and prevention

$20

Herbal Hot pouches get your Qi moving!

Make Winter more enjoyable with the warm, aromatic scents of cinnamon and clove!

Herbal Hot Pouches makes great gifts!

Herbal Hot Pouches are gift boxed and cost $20
Dimensions: 5-5/8" x 8-5/8" x 1-3/8"

Call or visit the clinic for more info:
(401) 219-6446

Wellness Care promotes health through practical & preventative means. Traditional wisdom proclaims—”an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the Dan Tian, inside the lower abdomen is a source of Qi (vital life force), an inner power that supports physical energy, body function & sexual vitality. The Herbal Hot Pouch contains herbs that stimulate & rejuvenate the Dan Tian.

As a method of general wellness care - warm & place the pouch on your abdomen or lower back. Try placing it under your feet while sitting or use it as a comforting bed warmer.

Use: Heat in microwave for about 1 minute. Be careful: over-heating may damage fabric or burn skin.

Relax & Enjoy!

Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program

$60

Christopher Carlow, D. Ac. is a certified instructor of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program.

This Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program is a 6-week course based on the Tai Chi for Arthritis program created by Dr. Paul Lam and cosponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, The Family Fitness Zone and Women and Infants. The program uses Sun style Tai Chi because of its slow, gentle movements to strengthen and mobilize joints and muscles, improve physical fitness and improve mental relaxation.

The ancient discipline of Tai Chi combines agile steps, joint safe exercise and mental strength to improve mobility, breathing, and relaxation in ways that help you feel in greater control over your daily life.

Feel Great, Stay Fit, and Keep Moving!

It’s a joint safe way for people of all ages to enjoy life and meet new friends, while taking control of your physical, emotional and mental health.

The Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program has been shown in scientific studies to:

reduce pain, stiffness & fatigue.
improve physical function, muscle strength, flexibility / mobility, and balance.Bring a friend and try it!

Tai Chi also promotes correct body posture, integrates body and mind coordination, imparts tranquility of mind, and the cultivation of Qi (known in Oriental Medicine as ‘vital life force’ or ‘energy’; pronounced ‘Chee’).

Tai Chi for Health

Tai Chi Chuan (more appropriately written as Tai Ji Quan and pronounced - 'Tai Jee Chuen') is a rejuvenating form of exercise that integrates mental concentration, body movement and breathing techniques for health and well-being. The Yang Style Tai Ji Quan form is made up of 38 postures that are performed sequentially as a graceful form of meditation in motion. Steeped in philosophy and tradition, this ancient art form holds modern health benefits promoting relaxation, physical balance, and mental concentration, improving circulation, and strengthening the body. The level of difficulty in practicing this rejuvenating exercise is flexible and can be easily adjusted to suit all ages and capabilities. The only equipment required for this wonderful practice is your attention.

Wellness Workshops

Visit the home website for a variety of wellness workshops and events.

If you missed a recent event and would like to schedule a wellness workshop in your own home or location please contact us. A custom class can be designed for your needs regarding wellness, meditation, lifestyle counseling, Tai Chi, diet and more. Visit the site to see what classes have been offered in the past.

Qi Gong (CHi Kung) for Health

Qi Gong (Chi Kung) - an exercise that inspires self-cultivation for managing your Health. Chi Kung (pronounced 'chee kung' and more appropriately written as Qi Gong)) is an ancient art form that integrates mental concentration, body movement and breathing techniques into an exercise that promotes health through higher self-awareness. A more popular form of Chi Kung is known as Tai Chi Chuan. The level of difficulty in practicing this rejuvenating exercise is flexible and can be modified to suit all ages and capabilities. Chi Kung is often taught as a complementary form of therapy for patients seeking treatment within Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Understanding the fundamental principles of Chi Kung can help you design personal exercises that can support your individual health concerns.

Click here for more info on Chi Kung
Click here for more info on Tai Chi

View the Home Page for info on current lectures/classes
Contact us to schedule a group lecture/class
View Directions for scheduled events listed on Home Page

New Study shows Chi Kung improves students' health and overall behavior

Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage

What is Tui Na?
Tui Na (pronounced "twee - nah" / translated as "push pull") also know as acupressure or Chinese Medical Massage is one of five major therapeutic modalities of ancient and modern Chinese Medicine, the other four methods being Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Qi Gong.

Tui Na, being apart of Traditional Chinese Medicine, utilizes the same diagnostic techniques, energy points and meridians as those in acupuncture. Instead of needles, Tui Na applies deep pressure in addition to other techniques to stimulate the meridians. The meridian system is a complex network of energy pathways that support the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee" / Western equivalent - bioelectricity / Eastern terminology - "vital life force"). Meridians connect all of the internal organs and various tissue structures throughout the entire body.

Tui Na uses a variety of hand techniques and passive/active stretching to restore and correct anatomical muscular-skeletal interaction, joint disorder, neuro-muscular irregularities, to increase the circulation of Qi and Blood, to release toxins, facilitate healing and prevent further injury.

There are eight basic massage techniques that can be combined in a myriad number of ways therapeutically depending on the specific condition being treated.

Tui - Pushing
Na - Pulling or Dragging
An - Rapid & Rhythm-like Pressing
Tao - Strong Pinching Pressure
Nie - Kneading
Nien - Nipping, Pinching
Moa - Rubbing
Pai - Tapping

What types of conditions can Tui Na benefit?
Tui Na integrates techniques that are similar to Western and Asian massage, osteopathic, chiropractic, and Western physical therapy.

Tui Na is very effective in treating chronic pain associated with muscular-skeletal disorders such as sports injuries, muscle spasms, neck, shoulder and back pain, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, frozen shoulder, joint pain (including arthritis), and sciatica. It is also beneficial for chronic conditions such as headaches, migraine, tension, constipation, insomnia, and mental restlessness. Tui Na Massage relieves stress and induces a deep relaxation affecting the energetic, mental, emotional, and physical layers of the body promoting vitality and general overall well-being.

Using Tui Na as a preventative therapy.
Tui Na can be used as a preventative therapy to correct imbalances and restore harmony to the body diminishing signs and symptoms from developing into more serious ailments.
Additional treatment modalities typically combined with Tui Na massage are moxibustion (heat therapy) and cupping (suction therapy).

How do I dress for a Tui Na treatment?
Tui Na does not usually apply oils or use mechanical devices so it is not necessary to undress during a session. It is suggested to wear loose fitting clothing such as a jogging outfit or carry extra clothing that you can change into when you arrive for your Tui Na treatment.

Are you interested in learning Tui Na Medical Massage for health and wellness?
Learning Tui Na massage can prove to be an excellent form of self-healing. It is a safe and effective way to promote health and well-being for yourself and to share with others. If you are interested in learning Tui Na massage please use the contact information to obtain further details. Usually folks who are interested in learning will find a partner or a group of people that are interested in learning Tui Na together.

The Ancient Art of Cupping

Cupping is a simple therapeutic technique that has been used since ancient times throughout many parts of the world. In the treatment scope of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine cups are used to improve circulation, stimulates internal organ functions, and move Qi and Blood through the meridian system of the body. The meridian system is a complex network of energy pathways that support the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee" / Western equivalent - bioelectricity / Eastern terminology - "vital life force"). There are many styles of cupping regarding the application and the type of material used to make a cup.

Historically animal horns or bamboo were used but modern cups are typically made out of glass or plastic.

A vacuum is formed inside the cup and applied to the surface of the skin. The skin and underlying tissue are firmly drawn up by the suction causing a local congestion of blood just under the surface. As blood and body fluids are drawn closer to the surface fresh fluids are drawn into the underlying tissue revitalizing the treated area.

Cupping has been used for various health conditions such as headaches, dizziness, cough, asthma, common cold, menstrual pain, muscle pain, tendinitis, bone pain, epigastric pain, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion.

The mild pulling sensation during a cupping treatment calms the nervous system and relaxes the body.

A word of caution - cupping should only be performed by a trained professional and should not be applied to the abdomen or low back during pregnancy.

Are you interested in learning the therapeutic technique of cupping?
I am currently offering classes on proper cupping techniques to professionals who would like to use cupping as an adjunct therapy. Please use the contact information to inquire about the details.

Moxibustion - Heat Therapy

Moxibustion (moxa) is a form of heat therapy in Oriental Medicine use by itself or in combination with acupuncture to create a synergistic effect. The term moxibustion comes from the Japanese word "Moe Kusa" translated as "burning herb". Artemesia vulgaris commonly known as mugwort or Chinese wormwood is the herb used in moxibustion.

Traditionally Moxa, as a heat therapy, is used to balance disharmony brought on by cold patterns or yin disorders, which can prove to be difficult to treat using only acupuncture. According to the new Materia Medica (a Chinese herbal text reference), "The moxa leaf is bitter and acrid, producing warmth when used in a small amount and great heat when used in a large amount. It is purely yang in nature and has the ability to restore the primary yang from collapse, open the twelve regular meridians, traveling through the three yin meridians to regulate qi and blood, expel cold and dampness, warm the uterus, stop bleeding, warm the spleen and stomach to remove stagnation, regulate menstruation and ease the fetus… When burned, it penetrates all the meridians, eliminating the hundred diseases."

Moxibustion is most commonly used to treat asthma, diarrhea, arthritis, rheumatic pain, vomiting, abdominal pain, and certain gynecological disorders.

Two general methods of using moxa include direct and indirect contact with the surface of the skin. Indirect moxibustion requires a medium to be placed between the burning moxa and the skin surface. Some of the choice mediums are ginger, garlic, salt, aconite, white pepper paste and mud plasters.