About Us

acupuncture licenses

Dr. Yijin Qiu received his medical degree from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1984. Yijin is nationally certified (NCCAOM) to practice acupuncture and is licensed by the state to practice in NC. His past experiences include:

  • Faculty of Minnesota Institute of Acupuncture and Herbal Studies
  • Clinical supervisor at the Aliveness Project for HIV/ AIDS patients, St. Paul, MN
  • Physician of TCM in Shu-Guang Hospital, Shanghai, China
  • Editor of the Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yijin has practiced Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, for over 30 years. He believes that Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer long term benefits in balance and wellness.

What is Acupuncture?

bagua design featuring yin and yang

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method of TCM administered by applying very fine needles in specific points on the body. The method has been used for over 4000 years with its origin in China.

There are many ways to practice Acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture is a very gentle and safe treatment modality. Although needles are involved, it is quite different compared to having an injection or other needle puncturing experiences. Acupuncture uses very fine needle, and it is usually painless. In fact, many clients fall asleep during treatment due to the relaxing effect. Acupuncture is an excellent way to regulate the Qi and restore balance.

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have all officially recognized the value of acupuncture as a treatment modality in many clinical disorders. Today, there are over 60 schools and colleges that offer acupuncture training in North America. The basic training for TCM and acupuncture takes four to five years of fulltime study. Since acupuncture and TCM focuses on balancing the energy, it can treat a dysfunction in a very early stage, before an imbalance becomes an illness. For more information on Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, please call the Clinic at (919)-649-4976 or check out additional resources.

ginseng plant

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a major part of TCM system. Although acupuncture is more known to the west, Chinese herbal medicine is now quickly become one of the most popular and effective treatment modalities for many modern chronic illnesses.

Why is Chinese herbal medicine so special?

Because Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed based on a comprehensive TCM diagnosis; and it is highly individualized. The prescription often consists of a group of herbs called "formula". It is synergetically combined to create a ¡°team work" to correct a fundamental imbalance or an acute condition. Herbs are combined to enhance the effectiveness and to reduce side effects.

The forms of Chinese herbal medicine may consists of

  • Decoction - a liquid form, prepared by boiling selected herbs. With this form, formula can be easily modified;
  • Concentrated granule - a powdered form, concentrated through spray-dry of boiled herbal liquid. The powder can be taken with water like tea, or taken in capsule form;
  • Patent pill form - there are hundreds of classical or modern formulas that have been tested and proven to be effective through time and research. When used correctly, those pills can be convenient and cost effective.

Modification of herbal formula is expected especially at the first few weeks of starting herbal treatment, so that the formula can best fit the individual condition.

Additional Resources

Acupuncture.com
AcupunctureToday.com
AssistedLiving.org

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