Traditional Chinese Medicine is the oldest primary health care system developed.  It has a history of about 5000 years.  It encompasses treatment of the whole person-mind, body and spirit.  This is a Wholistic approach to healing.  Ancient Chinese perceived individuals to be constantly moving patterns of energy in a dynamic interchange with their environment.  Individuals are microcosms and the universe is the macrocosm.

In about 200 B.C., Buddha, Confucius and Lao Tzu formulated the ideas for Buddhism, Confuciusm and Taoism.  These philosophies are the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine that includes modalities such as Acupuncture, Amma, Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and other methods of traditional healing.

Diagnosis is based several methods of obtaining information. These include:

1. LOOKING:  Observing the individual (posture, gait, facial color, expression, and tongue diagnosis.
2. TOUCHING:  Palpation of the skin for moisture and temperature, pulse and palpation of the abdomen.
3. ASKING:  Asking questions about thirst, sleep, menstrual patterns, urinary and bowel patterns.
4. LISTENING AND SMELLING:  Listening to breathing and speech patterns and noting any unusual odors.

Treatment can consist of Acupuncture, herbs, diet, exercise, meditation, Amma, and others.  Many of these can be prescribed together for a complete treatment plan.