About Asian Medicine

Meggan utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese style acupuncture, five element acupuncture concepts, bodywork (tuina and shiatsu), qigong, essential oils, lifestyle and dietary suggestions as well as Chinese herbology.

TCM originated in China over 3,000 years ago (ancient texts, stone needles and herb samples have been found by archeologists). TCM is an entire healthcare system that recognizes the human body as a wholistic organism where each function / action is linked to many other parts and aspects of the body as well as the surrounding environment. One of the hallmarks of Asian medicine (Chinese and Japanese in particular) is the use of specific tools to communicate with the qi ("Chee") flow in the body: acupuncture, acupressure, qigong (energetic exercises), food therapy, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, moxabustion. The qi ('energy') flow in the body's meridians (channels) corresponds to all the organ and muscle systems in the body and therefore with what we know as pain perception, physiology, hormone regulation, mental and physical health conditions. Stress, trauma, certain predisposing constitutions, poor diet, lack of sleep or exercise, diseases, and environmental conditions can all block or drain the body of essential qi. TCM modalities help unblock and/or build qi as needed to assist the body, mind and emotions back into balance and health. TCM therefore treats symptoms as well as prevents further disharmonies and unbalances in the organism. Chinese medicine is not a religion and does not come from a certain religious practice. Meggan additionally trained in and utilizes "Five Element" Acupuncture, which focuses on the connections between emotional, mental, physical and trauma in the body ~ from conception in the womb through death.

Many people in the USA now use Chinese medicine as a complementary supplement to Western or biomedicine. It is estimated that millions of people utilize Chinese medicine each year. The world health organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an affordable and safe therapeutic method. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has awarded 8 grants (including more than 9.5 million dollars) that directly supported the research of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and TCM practices. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 51% of medical doctors understand the efficacy and value of acupuncture, therefore these doctors refer patients to acupuncturists more than any other complementary medicine provider. There are numerous research studies on acupuncture and Chinese medicine that can be found on the PubMed website for biomedical literature.

Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by an experienced / properly trained practitioner using sterile, one-time use needles (see Meggan's training information). Improperly performed acupuncture can cause serious side effects (for example a punctured lung). Chinese herbs have been found to be contaminated with toxins, heavy metals and drugs within China. Meggan only stocks and sells herbal products from companies that utilize GMP (good manufacturing practices) and that are found to be free of additive substances by a third party testing lab. In 2018 Idaho passed a law allowing non-licensed practitioners do to what they are calling "dry needling." Please see this current article regarding this practice and the risks involved. See also, this brief overview of acupuncture and dry needling. The Idaho Acupuncture Association (IAA) website provides more details.

Acupuncture has been performed successfully on children and animals – who do not have expectations and beliefs about the medical practice and do not understand what the process might be. Therefore, you do not need to 'believe' in it for it to assist you. It does, however, enhance the healing potential to be mentally engaged with the modalities that are communicating with your system. A positive attitude optimizes the mind-body healing connections.

Common conditions and symptoms that bring someone to my office:

Headaches / Migraines
Hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, infertility, menopause
Pain: neck, back, limbs, feet, arthritis, DDD, herniated disc, injuries
Stress management, anxiety, depression, insomnia
Immune support (frequent colds, chemotherapy induced and other)
Neurological support (MS, auto-immune disorders, neuropathy)
GI imbalances (heartburn, Crohn's, IBS, constipation)
Allergies
Fatigue, fibromyalgia
Hypertension, heart disease
Asthma, COPD
Weight loss, diabetes management
Preventative care and general wellness