The World Health Organization recognizes many diseases, symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture has been proved (through controlled trials) to be an effective treatment. The WHO also acknowledges many diseases, symptoms and conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown, but for which further proof is needed. Though Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for thousands of years, western research on its uses and functions is still being conducted throughout the world by universities, research institutions, and the National Institutes of Health.

The foundation of a TCM treatment is rooted in the fact that each patient is diagnosed and attended to uniquely. While this method can afford a more tailored approach, it doesn't fit easily into the western research method where it is required that researchers be able to replicate their findings across many large populations in order to prove their results.

Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into predetermined points along channels which run throughout the body and correspond to symptoms, diseases and organ functions. The insertion of needles into these points can alter physiological and biochemical conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Acupuncture has been shown to transmit its effects via electric, neurological, hormonal, lymphatic, and cardiovascular pathways. When a needle is inserted it will stimulate one of these pathways. For example, when the needle is inserted it may stimulate a nearby nerve fiber to transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain, thus activating parts of the central nervous system. The spinal cord and brain then release specific hormones responsible for controlling everything from heart-rate to sleep. Acupuncture has also been show to help regulate blood circulation, body temperature, white blood cell activity (responsible for our immune function), reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.

The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on whether your condition is chronic or recent, the complexity of your illness, and your general health. For example, you may only need one treatment for a recent neck spasm, whereas for long-standing anxiety and insomnia you may need treatments once or twice a week for several months to achieve or maintain desired results. This is an important topic that your practitioner will discuss with you during your treatment.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world extending back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Traditional Chinese herbal medicine consists of over 11,500 substances derived from plant and mineral sources, as well as some animal and insect. If you are vegetarian or vegan please let your practitioner know so your formula can be altered accordingly. Terra Nera does not condone or use substances from endangered species.

While many pharmaceuticals are derived from herbal medicine, pharmaceuticals are generally based on singular molecular compounds; many of which are isolated extracts of the herbs’ active ingredients. Often times extracting only the active ingredient can leave out or ignore compounds present which may have other important or useful effects. Chinese herbs are usually prescribed in combination to increase the efficacy of treatment and help decrease any possible side effects. Most importantly, an herbal formula can treat the internal imbalance at the root of the problem not simply the temporary relief of symptoms.