WHAT IS IT?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, (TCM).
Circulation is the cornerstone of good health. It is also the key to understanding Chinese Medicine. A balanced and healthy circulation implies and intact transportation system capable of supplying energy, nutrients and appropriate signals to adequately regulate and meet the demands of all parts of the patient.

This insures maximum performance, repair and nourishment of each of each organ system as the demands indicate. Abnormalities in circulation are diagnosed primarily via the history of the illness and with an accompanying physical examination.

Chinese medicine always includes a thorough investigation of the acupuncture meridians. Many times the most important and revealing information regarding the underlying cause of the blockage can be found only by using these investigative tools. Knowing how to interpret this data in conjunction with the information obtained with TWM techniques is extremely helpful in establishing the most complete diagnostic picture of the problems and how best to implement an effective treatment.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE, (TWM)
Measuring the blood pressure consists of recording the systolic and diastolic numbers obtained with a blood pressure cuff or similar instrument. The numbers reflect the peak effort required by the heart to circulate the blood throughout the vascular system (systolic) and it measures the resting tension of the system as well (diastolic). Hypertension traditionally was any recording greater than 150/90 mmHg, then it was revised to greater than 140/90 mmHg and recently it was lowered to above 120/80 mmHg. The main purpose of controlling hypertension is for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Essential, or primary, hypertension’s cause is unknown. Secondary hypertension is due to kidney or endocrine dysfunction.
Abnormalities of circulation can exist in the arteries, veins or lymphatic system. The mechanism of the blockages are diagnosed, but the exact nature as to why they occur is still being investigated.
Examples - hypertension, hypotension, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, Raynaud’s, migraine, stroke, congestive heart failure.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, (TCM)
Pain is always the primary indicator of circulation problems. By identifying the various characteristics of the pain (quality, intensity, area of involvement, frequency, timing, and so on) the cause of the imbalance that led to the pain can be pinpointed. The search includes a review of the meridian paths for changes in sensitivity, color and temperature to determine which are involved.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE, (TWM)
Hypertension is asymptomatic until secondary complications arise. The symptoms are nonspecific and include headache, dizziness, nausea and mental status changes.
Circulation symptoms are specific to the type of blockage and the anatomical region involved, such as, heart pain, foot pain, intestinal pain and so on.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, (TCM)
Because healthy circulation is so important to all aspects of our health we always use a holistic approach in our treatments. Diet, exercise and rest are essential to recovery.

Acupuncture and herbs support the gradual changes in lifestyle choices necessary for the body to heal itself. This integrated approach educates the patient and supports them as they go through the changes, making the process safer, more comfortable and more successful.

When the disease process is already well advanced the patient’s current drugs are frequently able to be safely reduced with the addition of TCM into the treatment approach, while still maintaining the desired results. This lower effective dose of western drugs decreases the risk of toxicity and unpleasant side effects. It is possible to improve the overall health to the point where drugs can be safely discontinued entirely.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE, (TWM)
If the circulation and/or blood pressure is mildly compromised, then lifestyle changes may normalize the problem. If this approach is inadequate then drugs are introduced, antihypertensives, antiplatlet, antivasospastic and so on. Usually these drugs are required to be taken continuously for life because they are only aimed at treating the resulting symptoms. These drugs are very potent and must be taken only as prescribed to avoid serious risk of complications. Also, both the patient and the physician must carefully monitor for side effects and drug interactions.