NEWS RELEASE

Chinese Medicine Offers Solutions During Healthy Aging Month

As Healthy Aging Month approaches this September, we become reminded of how difficult it can be to maintain health as our bodies age. Though aging is never an easy process, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers many solutions to the physical and emotional strains of getting older.

As the baby boomers are aging, the number of seniors in America has been increasing and the trend is projected to continue. While there were only 33.9 million people over the age of 65 in 1996, by 2030, that number is expected to reach 69.4 million. As of 2004, persons over 65 years or older represented 12.4% of U.S. population, or one in every eight Americans. With such a large portion of the population facing old age, Americans are increasingly looking for more holistic modalities to ease this process.

As one ages, the number of illnesses and ailments a person can suffer from increase. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 88% of the population over 65 have at least one chronic condition and many have multiple chronic conditions that they battle with on daily basis. The most frequently occurring conditions among the elderly are hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and sinusitis.

TCM encompasses a variety of preventative techniques that can all work to make the aging process easier and, for some, even slower. These include manual therapies, such as acupuncture and massage; exercises like tai chi and Qi gong, whose gentle movements and low physical impact are ideal for aging bodies; and herbal formulas.

All of the modalities of TCM are based on the same principal of health, which has been used effectively in Chinese medicine for approximately 3,000 years. According to TCM, there are 14 major pathways, called meridians, in the human body. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that these meridians conduct qi, or energy, between the surface of the body and internal organs. It is qi that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. When the flow of qi is disrupted through poor health habits, aging or other circumstances, pain and/or disease can result. Acupuncture, massage, tai chi, Qi gong and herbs help to keep the normal flow of this energy unblocked.

By treating every patient as an individual and working to balance qi, TCM can alleviate and prevent many of the health problems experienced by seniors, such as depression, arthritis, memory loss, pain, muscle and joint stiffness, heart problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, insomnia, bladder and kidney problems, and impotence. Acupuncture can help aging bodies by increasing the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, reducing muscular tension, relieving pain and releasing endorphins. Improved circulation brings fresh oxygen to body tissues, which eliminates waste products from inside the body and enhances recovery from diseases. By keeping the body balanced, acupuncture can both restore and maintain health.

For more information on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can ease the aging process, please call American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at (415) 355-1601 x12.