Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient healing system that aims to restore and maintain health by balancing energy within the body.

Historically, the Chinese proposed that every living thing is sustained by a balance of two opposing forces of energy, called Yin and Yang. Together, they determine the nature of energy that flows through the body via channels called meridians. When Yin and Yang are out of balance in the body, this causes qi disharmony and subsequent illness.

For diagnostic purposes, Yin and Yang are further subdivided into interior and exterior, hot and cold, deficiency and excess. TCM philosophy also proposes that energy within the body is also composed of 5 Elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood, and hence mainfest particular characteristics. Chinese Medicine is an intricate and complex system based on the above philosphy, and optimal health involves a balanced relationship between these elements within our body. Practitioners of TCM begin treatment by diagnosing a patient through interviews, and close examinations of the pulse, tongue and the body.

TCM strives not only to help relieve the symptoms of disease but also alleviate the underlying causes. To do this, TCM employs numerous tools which primarily include: Acupuncture, Tuina (Massage), Herbal Medicine, Dietary and lifestyle advice, Moxibuston, Cupping, and Gua Sha.

TCM is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders such as: 

• Digestive problems
• Musculo-skeletal disorders
• Eczema and psoriasis
• Gynaecological disorders and infertility
• Hepatic (liver) disorders
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Stress and psychological disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Allergies and autoimmune disorders 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine gauge surgical steel needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture points are part of an extensive system of meridians which traverse the entire body (internally and externally). Each acupoint can have a specific effect on the energy (or qi) within our body when stimulated. Acupuncture aims to restore homeostasis, basically harmonising the qi within our body.

Tuina (Massage)

Based on the meridian and acupoint system, Chinese acupressure and massage use manual techniques to stimulate energy and blood flow witihin the body.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicines are mainly plant based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. Different herbs have different properties (pharmacological and energetic) and hence have specific actions within the body.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion refers to the burning of the Artemesia Vulgaris herb (mugwort). Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff or process it further into a stick that resembles a (non-smokable) cigar, and it becomes known as moxa.

The fluff is moulded into a cone or placed into a Moxa Box (which allows the heat and energy of the burning moxa to penetrate large areas of the body). The moxa cones may also be placed onto slices of ginger or salt, and are removed before burning the skin. Alternatively, a burning moxa stick is positioned over an area of the body, or an acupuncture point. Specially prepared moxa may also be placed on top of a needle after its insertion, to warm and further stimulatie the acupoint.

Practitioners use moxa with the intention of strengthening blood and qi within the body, and stimulating its circulation. For example, various scientific research has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. Hence, it is particularly known for its ability to significantly increases foetal movements in pregnant women and alleviate menstrual cramps. Moxibustion is also used to treat inflammation, bruising, and deficient conditions.

Cupping

Cupping involves the attachment of glass (or bamboo) cups to specific areas of the body with suction. This suction is the result of a vacuum, which is generated by inserting the flame from a burning alcohol swab in an upside-down cup. The flame is removed, then the cup is placed quickly onto the skin, where it is held in place by the suction created.

Cupping therapy stimulates blood circulation. Cupping also disperses and moves qi by exerting suction and pressure. Cupping is used when the qi is blocked at certain points, or when qi needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from deep within. For instance, cupping is used to treat lung infections and colds, because it is believed that the suction disperses and energizes the qi that has become blocked and stagnated in the lungs. It is also used to treat muscle and joint pain and spasms, particularly in the back.

Cupping is generally a painless procedure. More than one cup at a time may be used, and the cups may be left stationary or glided along the body to create the feeling of a deep massage. Cups are sometimes placed over acupuncture needles that have been inserted.

Cupping causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin, which can cause temporary red marks, swelling and bruising. 

Gua Sha

Gua- meaning to scrape or extract
Sha- meaning sand or toxins.

This healing technique promotes the circulation of qi, blood to nourish tissues and shift stagnation. Gua Sha also stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluids. These fluids often contain metabolic waste that congests the surface tissues and muscles.

The method of applying Gua Sha involves the layering of Gua Sha oil on the skin. This oil is enhanced either with herbs/essential oils chosen to aid the extraction of toxic waste. The skin is then scraped using a specific Gua Sha tool.

Gua Sha creates a suction on the skin that pulls stagnant intercellular fluid to the surface, removing toxic debris, and replacing it with fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich fluid, which in turn accelerates regeneration and revitalizes the region. As the toxic fluid (Sha), floods to the surface it resembles a rash and is often hot on the area where the toxins are extracted. The exposing of the Sha is literally removing disease from deep within the system, and is temporary.

In addition to resolving musculo skeletal pain, Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorder involving pain, congestion of Qi and Blood.

your traditional chinese medicine practitioner 

Sarah Folwell ~ traditional chinese medicine (TCM) | herbal medicine | acupuncture | massage therapy
B.H.SC(TCM) Dip.RM
Sarah is a fully qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and
Remedial Massage Therapist.
She has a Bachelor of Health Science (TCM) from the University of Technology Sydney, Certificate of TCM and Diploma in Health Science (Massage Therapy). She has experience working in several clinics around the Sydney area as well as an internship she completed in a hospital in Beijing.

Sarah’s treatments utilize techniques from various massage modalities and Traditional Chinese Medicine, including:

• Remedial Massage (specializing in trigger point therapy)
• Sports massage
• Relaxation / Swedish massage
• Thai and Chinese massage
• Acupuncture
• Moxibustion
• Cupping
• Gua Sha
• Chinese Herbal Medicine
• Chinese Dietary Therapy

Through improved circulation of blood, lymph and energy (qi), etc, and the subsequent regulation of body systems,, these techniques aim to optimize your total wellbeing.
During her experience as a health practitioner, Sarah has achieved measurable positive results for her clients. As your therapist she believes her aim is to help you to fulfill your potential.

Why not let her skills and enthusiasm benefit you?