Monday, August 27, 2012


Conditions treated with Oriental Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui-Na, cupping, moxibustion) is complete system of medicine that can treat any psychological, physical and spiritual problem.  It doesn’t only treat the disease, it also treats the Patient as a whole system, restoring balance and harmony.
  1. Musculo-skeleton
Sciatica, muscles and joints pain, back pain, neck pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia,  tremor, paralysis.
  1. Respiratory
Bronchitis, sinusitis, cold and flu, coughing, asthma
  1. Gynecology/Urology
Infertility (men and women), PMS, irregular and painful menstruations, amenorrhea, menopause, fibroids, cysts, cystitis, impotence, painful urination
  1. Dermatology
Acne, eczema, dermatitis, itching, dry skin, wrinkles, droopy skin, scars, aging spots, rashes
  1. Gastroenterology
Constipation, diarrhea, IBS, GERD, abdominal pain, gastritis, indigestion,  hepatitis C
  1. Cardiology
Chest pain, hypertension, palpitations
  1. Psychology
Anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, insomnia
  1. Autoimmune
Multiple sclerosis, diabetes and more...
 
by Olga Ivashkov LAc
Health consaltant
CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa
1(201) 784-5575 x 124
 
 
 
 

Monday, August 20, 2012


What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is the main modality or treatment method within Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. TCM is the world’s oldest, continually practiced, professional medicine and known more then 2000 years. Acupuncture was the first Chinese modality to gain wide acceptance in the West, Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.
What’s the difference between Western folk herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine?
The Western folk herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms, such as headaches, runny nose, pain, etc. Chinese herbal medicine, when practice as part of TCM, is based on individualized pattern diagnosis as well as disease diagnosis. TCM patient receives a custom-written herbal prescription designed to treat both the symptom or disease and also their individual pattern. A TCM pattern identifies a person’s emotional temperament and bodily constitution as well as their signs and symptoms. Also Western folk herbalism primarily uses single herbs or groups of herbs that treat the same symptom. TCM formulas include 5-10 herbs and include herbs addressing a person’s main symptoms as well as their particular pattern.

How are Chinese herbs taken?
The most common method of taking Chinese herbs is as a decoction. This means that the herbs are boiled for 30-40 minutes and then strained and drunk 2-3 times per day. However, there are also herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts.

What is Chinese herbal medicine good for?
Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human diseases. It treats acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold, as well as chronic diseases, such as allergies, GYN disorders, autoimmune diseases. Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body’s ability to heal and recuperate. In acute conditions results can be expected in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. But some chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time.

Does Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?
No, not if the formula has been correctly chosen and written. Most of the medicinals in the Chinese material medica have a very low toxicity compared to common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When TCM formula prescribed according to a correct pattern diagnosis, it should have no side effects, only beneficial healing results.

by Olga Ivashkov
Health Consultant
CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa
201-784-5575 x 124


Monday, August 13, 2012

What is Acupuncture?


What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Oriental medicine. Although what is called Acupuncture in the West is comprised of several different therapies (such as moxibustion and cupping), mostly it consists of the insertion of fine sterile needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health conditions. The Chinese have mapped these points over a period of 2,000 years, and there are more then 1,000 known acupoints.  In the three past decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. Olga Ivashkov L.Ac. uses individually packaged, sterile, disposable needles. So there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion.

How does acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot yet explain how acupuncture works. Traditional Asian acupuncture based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body) through distinct channels that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of Qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it from areas where it is stuck and/or superabundant. In this way, acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts. In Chinese, there is saying, “if there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain.” Acupuncture promotes and reestablishes the free flow of Qi.

How many treatments will I have?
That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 5-10 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

What can I expect after treatment?
Patients often experience dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases , there may be no immediate relief, only to notice the pain will diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better with results that vary from patient to patient.

by Olga Ivashkov
Health Consultant 
CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa
201-784-5575 x124

Monday, August 6, 2012

Foot Reflexology - What is it, what are the benefits and how does it work?



Feet Reflexology
Feet reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques with or without the use of oil  based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet.

History
Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE).

Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways.
1. Stress reduction and relaxation.
2. Improves blood circulation
3. Pain management (reduction of pain)
4. Helps to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar.
5. Benefits mental health
6. Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients
7. Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects
8. Reset body homeostasis.

How does feet reflexology work?
Reflexology works as the pressure techniques applied to the feet interact as a part of the body's nervous system creating: relaxation, improved circulation, exercise of the nervous system and the benefits of touch.

















by Olga Ivashkov
Health Consultant 
CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa
201-784-5575 x124
call Olga for your reflexology session today!