Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Dr. Rachel Erickson graduated from the Classical Chinese Medicine Program at The National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Classical Chinese Medicine is a system of knowledge based upon the ancient classical texts that can be learned through cultivation of the deep respect for nature and a highly individualized relationship to the medicine.

Below are some of the practices Dr Rachel Erickson regularly uses in her practice to diagnose and treat her patients.

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is an ancient medicine and science that has developed over the last 2,000 years. Chinese Medicine has an entirely different way of looking at the body and describing its function when compared to many of the Western medical theories, but can be implemented with Western medical approaches. Treatment in Chinese medicine can include acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine, exercise, and diet therapy.

Acupuncture

The use of fine needles inserted into specific points on the body that correlate to organs and organ networks to help stimulate qi flow and blood along with helping to breakup blockages.

Chinese Herbal Formulation

These practices have been used in ancient medicine and are proven by modern medical science. There are formulations that can be taken by pill form and unique individualized formulations that can be given by granules. Chinese herbals can help treat both acute and chronic illness.

Cupping

The use of glass cups that create a suction on the body to help move qi and blood and break up stagnation. This can help with the initial stages of illness along and help to relieve pain and tension held in the muscles.

Moxibustion

The burning of Chinese Mugwort which is called moxa over certain areas of the body or acupuncture points to warm points and help circulate qi and blood.