Microbial Infections and Imbalances

Like Western medicine, Chinese medicine understands that pathogens like microbes can cause disease. To combat them a special type of chi called wei-chi circulates on the outer layers of our body, fortifying and protecting us against invasion. On a deeper level, internal organs that are strong and healthy are better at fighting disease. Symptoms occur, therefore, when either the pathogen is strong, overwhelming our defenses, or when we are weak and unable to keep them at bay. One of the most famous acupuncture points for fighting pathogens is found on the hands between the thumb and index finger. Though it is most commonly known as a point for headaches, its main function is to boost immunity and "release the exterior," inducing a sweat in order to help the body eliminate pathogens by pushing them out to the surface. 

Many acupuncture points are beneficial for improving the functioning of the internal organs. For example, every organ has an acupuncture channel that passes through it and every channel has what is called a "yuan-source point." These points stimulate the vital energy of their respective organs and help them eliminate pathogens. Every channel also has a point that "clears heat" in its respective organ. Heat includes symptoms like fever, infection, and inflammation.

 

I have experience treating many different types of infections, whether due to viruses, molds, fungi, or bacteria. This includes infections of the sinuses, skin, and internal organs, such as the lungs, intestines, liver, and bladder. I have also worked on conditions that manifest as microbial imbalances in the gut, including candida, infectious diarrhea, SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). In addition, I have helped people with the long-term symptoms associated with certain types of infectious diseases such as Chronic Lyme Disease, Viral Arthritis, Long COVID, and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia.

 

Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. I am also trained in herbal medicine, 5-element nutrition, and different types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find that these complementary therapies can help enhance the effects of acupuncture. For example, there are formulas for infections of the lungs, intestines, and bladder as well as formulas that boost immunity. Sometimes nutritional adjustments can help, especially with candida or other microbial imbalances of the intestinal flora. Hands-on techniques can be beneficial as well, like using acupressure to help with Post-Herpetic Neuralgia or Viral Arthritis. Acupuncture is the fundamental therapy upon which all of my treatments are built, but my toolbox also includes Chinese herbal medicine, 5-element nutrition, ba guan (cupping), tui na (Chinese medical massage), zhi ya (acupressure), chi nei tsang (internal organ massage), gua sha (massage with jade and horn tools), and topical herbal formulas for pain. If your condition would benefit from any of these traditional techniques they are included at no extra charge. Please click here for more information about my combination treatments.