Many in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas are aware of acupuncture and its benefits, but traditional Chinese medicine (“TCM”) also includes another component: supplements. Using both acupuncture and supplements together constitutes the longest recorded medical system in history.

Ancient Chinese literature records about 13,000 medicinals and more than 100,000 medicinal recipes. Ingredients are typically plants and plant extracts, but also include animal parts and minerals. Some animal parts are a bit odd, like cow gallstones, and the infamous snake oil, of old west shyster fame! While snake oil is not the cure all it was portrayed to be, it is used to help with joint pain.

TCM supplements use ancient theory that includes the Four Natures (hot, warm, cool and cold), Five Flavors (acrid, sweet, bitter, sour and salty), Meridians, and specific function. Meridians are pathways of energy running throughout the body that unifies all parts of the body, even connecting the interior of the body with the exterior. There are twelve regular meridians, one for each organ, and eight extra meridians that have relationships with multiple organs and biological functions. The specific function is a lot like western medicine, in that each supplement will have a use in healing. Acupuncture uses fine needles placed at meridians to restore the balance and the supplements address the symptomology and base organ for a total release of blocked energy and relief of symptoms. The supplement works in conjunction for the same aim.

Keep in mind that TCM supplements are chemicals that alter body functions, such as lowering blood pressure or blood sugar. These chemicals may produce beneficial or harmful effects, and you should discuss supplementation with your doctor and your acupuncturist prior to starting any supplemental regimen to be sure there will be no negative interactions with current western drugs you may be taking.

For more information about acupuncture in Sarasota/Bradenton, please click the link.

Let’s hear it from our patients…

Dr. Dube’s professional enthusiasm and passion in Alternative Medicine gave me great impression while he was working with me in my clinic. His strong desire to gain new knowledge made him pursue to the Doctoral Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Dube’s unique combination of a variety of new techniques and deep care about his patients made him the most successful practitioner in this field.

Dr. Shan Liang, DOM, AP, Sarasota, FL

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