De-stress and Energise Days “finding the balance”
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM),
ACUPUNCTURE, CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE & TUINA
TCM is a holistic medicine developed in China over 2,500 years ago that uses natural substances and methods based on the philosophy of nature. An integral part of TCM diagnosis is also a tongue and pulse diagnosis. And treatment is aimed at targeting the symptoms as well as the ‘root’ cause of the condition.
TCM is founded on traditional Chinese philosophy, whereby health is dependent on the vital life energy known as Qi moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. TCM consists of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tuina (Chinese massage) and Qi Gong exercises.
ACUPUNCTURE is a treatment in which special fine needles are inserted into points under the skin to stimulate the body’s own natural healing response and rebalance the flow of energy. It is based on the belief that health is determined by maintaining a balanced flow of Qi which circulates along 12 major energy pathways in the body, called meridians.
CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
Medicinal Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to treat diseases and alleviate discomfort due to many different disorders. Each prescription is tailored to the individual to balance yin and yang and restore normal physiological function of the body. They may be prescribed as loose herbs, powders or pills.
TUINA Chinese massage developed alongside both Qi-gong (therapeutic exercise) and acupuncture, as it depends on the same philosophical belief system and theories that underlie TCM, such as the meridians and the flow of qi in the human body.
Manipulations are used to stimulate points or other parts of the body surface to correct physiological imbalance in the body and achieve therapeutic effects.
PERSONAL PROFILES
CHRISTINE KIM
Christine Kim is a graduate of Middlesex University’s 5 year BSc.Hons. TCM programme, validated by the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), from which she has also been awarded a degree. Her training includes clinical experience in Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture in Beijing at the XiYuan Hospital, a Collaborating Centre of Traditional Medicine, World Health Organisation (WHO). Her past qualifications include BSc.Hons. in Social Work from England; as well as a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) from Canada.
She is a guest lecturer at Homerton College, Cambridge University and she practises privately in Cambridge, Bury St. Edmunds and in Botesdale in a centre founded and supported by a GP surgery. As Acupuncturist to the Pain Clinic, she is part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Pain Medicine at West Suffolk Hospital (A Cambridge University teaching hospital). Her NHS work is based on Consultant and GP referrals, but in her private practice patients may book appointments directly.
CAROLINE WILLIAMS Lic . Ac.
Caroline has a Licentiate in Acupuncture from The Integrated College of Chinese Medicine, Reading. and a Postgraduate Certificate in Chinese Patent Herbal Remedies from The Integrated College of Chinese Medicine, Reading. She also obtained a Certificate in Professional Studies in Integrative Psychotherapy, The Iron Mill Institute, Exeter. 2002-2004 and an Introductory Certificate in Gestalt Therapy, GATE Training Course, Bury St Edmunds in 2006.
Caroline has trained in Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine styles of Acupuncture and uses these together in her practice. She specialises in improving people’s ability to be effective and happy, relaxed and symptom free.
She looks at a core emotional response to stress and addresses this with strengthening treatment that allows the person to cope and feel capable. This is the Five Element approach; traditionally this approach treats depression, stress related problems, sleep and self confidence issues.