Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture
Appointment
Cupping
EYS Member Card Privileges
Heating Lamp
Herbal Medication
Pediatric Tui Na
Qi
Scraping
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment
Tui Na
Weight Management
Practitioners
Premier TCM Centres
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
A typical acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into specific acupoints on the body to elicit a healing response by regulating the flow of qi in the body, thus restoring good health.
What are the benefits of doing acupuncture?
TCM sees the human body as an organic whole, which is divided into opposite aspects of Yin and Yang. When Yin and Yang are in harmony, qi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When there is an imbalance of Yin and Yang, the flow of qi is obstructed, and this manifests itself in ailments and sickness.
Acupuncture serves to restore healthy balance of Yin and Yang, clear blockage within the meridians and strengthen vital energy (qi) which in turn, reinforces the immune system. Along with a host of medical benefits, acupuncture also helps to cure diseases and alleviate pain by promotion flow of qi and blood.
World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that acupuncture has been proven, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment for various conditions such as headache of various origins, pain management, arthritis, depression, hypertension, allergic rhinitis and many more.
What happens during acupuncture?
The sterilized and disposable needles used in acupuncture are so thin that most people feel nothing more than a slight 'any bite'. In fact, patients may report a 'tingling' sensation while the needles are in place. Heat or an electrical current may occasionally be used in conjunction with the needles to enhance the effects. The needles are typically left in the skin for 10 - 30 minutes while the patient rests, after which the physician will remove them.
Generally, a typical acupuncture session will last between 20- 45 minutes including the physician's preparation time.
The exact duration for an acupuncture treatment may differ as determined by the complexity or severity of a patient's condition as well as their treatment needs.
What conditions are suitable for acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Some of which acupuncture is commonly used to treat include:
• Musculo-skeletal & neurologic eg. headache, stroke, arthritis
• Reproductive eg. Fertility, Irregular period/ cramps
• Mental-Emotional eg. Stress, Insomnia
• Internal eg. Asthma, High blood pressure, Stomach cramp
• Ears-Nose-Throat eg. Dizziness, Sinus infection
• Dermatological eg. Eczema, Acne
• Cold, Flu
Are there any possible adverse outcomes to acupuncture?
A minority of patients may experience the following when and/ or after undergoing acupuncture:
• Slight bruising
• Soreness or pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Slight bleeding upon extraction of needle
Slight bleeding or bruising occurs after acupuncture in about 3% of treatments while pain during treatment occurs in about 1% of treatments. The bruising and soreness will usually disappear after a few days.
Due to increased blood circulation as a result of anxiety and activities like running prior to acupuncture, patients may sometimes experience slight bleeding upon extraction of needles at the needle sites after acupuncture treatment. Just apply slight pressure to the affected areas and the slight bleeding should cease soon after.
In rare cases, patients may also experience fainting during their first treatment due to anxiety, poor health or hunger. Symptoms include general weakness, sweating, dizziness and nausea.
Appointment
Do I need to make an appointment with the clinic or can I walk-in?
At the present moment, only our Premier TCM Centres accept appointments. Although no appointment is required with our general clinics, you are advised to call before going down to the clinic in view of any changes on the physician's schedule due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cupping
What is cupping?
Cupping is a practice that has its foundation in the 'Meridian Theory' of the human body.
Cupping has two major medical benefits; firstly it helps to remove any stagnation by opening the Meridians in the body to encourage movement of the qi in both the body and internal organs thoroughly. Secondly, it serves to rejuvenate Meridians and internal organs that are not functioning at their optimal condition.
Scientifically, cupping has been known to stimulate the lymphatic system, promote blood circulation, and encouraging deep tissue repair.
What happens during cupping?
A partial vacuum is created in a glass cup by means of heat or suction and applied, along the Meridians, on the patient's body. The vacuum forms a suction effect that exerts pressure on the numerous acupoints on the patient's body.
When the cup is left in place, blood stasis is formed by the strong suction exerted. In some cases, the physician may slide the cup along the Meridians of the patient's body while it is still adhered to the skin, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (this technique is called 'Gliding Cupping'). The entire process of Cupping is painless.
It is common to have distinctive circular marks (or bruise) on the skin after each Cupping session. These marks will slowly subside before disappearing completely in a few days time.
The exact duration for the treatment may differ as determined by the complexity or severity of a patient's conditions as well as their treatment needs.
What conditions are suitable for cupping?
Cupping is commonly used to treat respiratory disease such as the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis, and musculosketal pain in the back, neck and shoulder area.
The number and frequency of treatment will vary from patient to patient depending on the condition of a patient's health and how his or her body responds to treatment.
EYS Member Card Privileges
I have the EYS members' card. How much discount do I get?
You will be entitled to a 5% discount on medication and treatment.
Heating Lamp
What are the benefits of doing heating lamp treatment?
Heating lamp treatment improves blood circulation and removes stagnation. The heating effect also helps to ease conditions caused by 'cold' related syndrome such as tight or stiff muscles, muscle spasm, inflammation, swelling, pain and aches.
What happens during heating lamp treatment?
The heating lamp is pre-heated prior to usage. After which, the attending physician will place the lamp at a safe distance of at least 20 - 30cm away from the affected area. The exact duration for the treatment may differ as determined by the complexity or severity of a patient's conditions as well as their treatment needs.
What conditions are suitable for heating lamp treatment?
Heating lamp treatment is suitable for conditions such as:
• Stiff or tight muscles
• Pain or aches associated with arthritis, gout, headaches etc.
• Sprain or strain to the muscles or joints
The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient depending on the condition of a patient's health and how his or her body responds to treatment.
Which patients should undergo the heating lamp treatment with caution?
Those with conditions such as:
• Hemorrhagic disease
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Sensitive skin
The aged/ elderly patients as well as those who have just completed cupping treatment or have just removed a medicated plaster should undergo the heating lamp treatment with caution.
Herbal Medication
How is our herbal medication prescribed?
TCM prescription is customised according to individual's body constitution and conditions which may change over time.
How is it different from the raw herbs sold?
Traditional herbal prescriptions using raw herbs require time and efforts to prepare including boiling to a desired volume. Our herbal powders, many of which are in herbal extracts forms, are concentrated from raw herbs. Being concentrated, less volume is also needed to consume to derive the intended effectiveness. It is very conveniently and hygienically packed in single-serving sachets.
Our herbal powders are also approved by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Can I share my medication?
As each prescription is based on an individual's unique condition and constitution, we do not advocate sharing of prescriptions.
How do I consume the herbal medication?
Just pour a sachet of the prescribed herbal powder into one-third glass of boiled warm water, stir until well dissolved, and consume the herbal mixture. For optimal effect, it is recommended that you finish the portion of the prescription, as well as the entire course of prescription.
Should I consume the herbal medication before or after meals?
It is best to consume the prescribed herbal medication according to your Physician's specific instructions. The general rule of thumb is to consume herbal medication 30 minutes before or after meals. If you need to take western medication or health supplements, please observe a 2-hour duration between consuming the herbal medication and others.
What are some common effects to expect after consuming herbal medication?
Herbal prescription consists of several herbs that are combined together with the purpose of enhancing the herb's properties/ action (improve performance) and to decrease its toxicity (minimize any possible side effects).
You may feel full or a sensation of bloatedness after consuming herbal medication, which may sometimes be followed by the urge to move the bowels. This is a normal reaction as herbal medication has the effect of expelling toxins from the body. You should always get adequate rest after consuming herbal medication.
How should I store my herbal medication?
It is important that herbal medication be kept dry; therefore it is ideally stored in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can keep herbal medication in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Our specially packaged herbal powder comes in easy to store sachets for your convenience!
How often should I consume my herbal medication?
Depending on an individual's condition and constitution, it is best to consume herbal medication according to the physician's instructions. Frequency of consumption can range from once to thrice a day.
Pediatric Tui Na
What is pediatric tui na?
Pediatric Tui Na is a form of external therapy to stimulate specific acupuncture points or areas for treating and preventing pediatric diseases in children. It also helps to stimulate growth and brain development in children.
Pediatric Tui Na is a combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation; it works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow or circulation of qi and blood.
What are the benefits of pediatric tui na?
Pediatric Tui Na is performed according to the characteristics of children's physiology and pathology. The effects of Pediatric Tui Na treatment for common pediatric diseases of the respiratory system and digestive system are pronounced. Pediatric Tui Na is also suitable for illnesses like flu, fever, cough, stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, frequent bedwetting, night crying, stiff neck, short sightedness etc.
Pediatric Tui Na also improves overall health by strengthening the child's immune system. The child is less lethargic and has a better appetite. In turn, this promotes growth in children and boosts their brain power.
As there is no need to consume medication or have injections, children can more easily accept treatment in the form of Pediatric Tui Na.
What happens during pediatric tui na session?
Before the massage, a diagnosis will be done and your child's history, including physical traumas, medication, past surgeries and lifestyle will be recorded.
Typically before the start of the session, the child will be required to expose the affected parts of the body. A towel will be used to cover these parts to prevent your child from catching a cold. Generally, pediatric massage starts from the head, then the upper limbs, chest and abdomen, back and finally the lower limbs.
Each session is usually 30mins or less, depending on the techniques used and the duration for each point. The duration of treatment can vary according to your child's age, physical body condition and type of illness.
Who is suitable for pediatric tui na?
As a guideline, Pediatric Tui Na is suitable for children under the age of 6 years old.
What should I take note before the treatment session?
• do not go on an empty or a full stomach
• wear loose clothings
What should I take note after the treatment session?
• keep warm and avoid cold places
• drink warm water
• avoid raw and cold foods, sweet and oily foods
Qi
What is qi? What are meridians and acupoints? How do they work?
Qi is the body's vital life force, which is an invisible energy that flows through the body to support life. Meridians are energy channels which the qi of the body flows. Acupoints are points located along the meridians of the body.
Scraping
What is scraping?
Scraping or Gua Sha treatment is a form of TCM natural therapy based on the theory of meridians, one of the most important Chinese medical theories. It involves benign non-invasive stimulation to the body.
What are the benefits of scraping?
Scraping promotes normal circulation of blood and energy to muscles and organs thus helping to dissipate blood stasis. The treatment also strengthens the heart and lung, expels wind, relieves swelling and boosts the body's immunity. Normal metabolic processes are restored by the movement of fluids as nutrients are carried to the tissues while metabolic wastes are channeled out.
Scraping also helps to release muscle tightness, pain and constriction. Many people experience a significant release of muscular tension, decreasing stiffness and increasing mobility after treatment. It is also used to treat and prevent the common cold, influenza, bronchitis as well as chronic disorders that involve pain and congestion of the qi and blood.
What happens during scraping?
Depending on the patient's condition, liquid Chinese medicine is sometimes applied onto the painful areas or acupoints to stimulate blood circulation within the body before the actual scraping begins. The attending physician will then scrape the skin from top to bottom according to the direction of blood flow. This is done by applying friction in repeated even strokes on the skin over the area where muscles are tense or tight.
Bruises (red or purple spots) will appear in the applied areas and usually fade off and disappear within 2-4 days. Such stimulation can promote blood circulation, remove stagnation and dispel toxins from the body, which relieves pain.
It is recommended that patient drinks a cup of warm water after treatment to replenish their bodily fluids. The exact duration for the treatment may differ as determined by the complexity or severity of a patient's conditions as well as their treatment needs.
What conditions are suitable for scraping?
Scraping is suitable for conditions such as:
• Back, neck, leg & shoulder pain
• Fever
• Women's conditions such as menstruation pain & irregular period
• General health & well-being
The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patients depending on the condition of a patient's health and how his or her body responds to treatment.
Who should not undergo scraping?
Those with conditions such as:
• Health conditions that require surgery
• Heart diseases/ conditions
• Damaged or burnt skin
• Diabetes mellitus
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treat?
TCM sees the person as an integral mind/body organism, and does not treat symptoms and diseases alone. It seeks to stimulate the bodies' natural healing potential by treating the root causes. In the Eu Yan Sang clinics, TCM treatments are customised for each patient according to their unique body constitution and problems. Emphasis is placed on prevention, and we aim to address imbalances in the body so that a state of balance, optimal function and regulation is achieved.
Tui Na
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na is a form of Oriental manipulative therapy that has been used in China for centuries. Tui Na works on the energy channels and points, using the same principles as acupuncture, except that the physician's hands and fingers, rather than needles, are used as therapeutic instruments.
A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, Tui Na works by applying pressure to acupoints, Meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow or circulation or qi and blood.
As with all TCM therapies, Tui Na works holistically, treating the mind through the body and vice versa. It leaves you with a deep sense of physical and mental relaxation, revitalization and well-being.
What are the benefits of Tui Na?
It can regulate bodily functions, reduce fatigue and stress, improve the blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness, relieve pain caused by injured tissues and stimulate the repair of damaged tissues, thereby quickening the healing process. One usually feels relaxed but energized by the treatment.
What can I expect during a Tui Na session?
In a typical session, a complete history is recorded by the physician, including physical traumas, medication, past surgery and lifestyle habits. Depending on the condition, the physician may also prescribe Chinese herbs to facilitate quicker healing.
Before the start of the Tui Na session, the physician may request for you to uncover the affected parts of the body in order to apply lotion or ointment before executing Tui Na techniques. Do note that during the session, the physician will only uncover the areas to be massaged; otherwise, you will be completely covered under a sheet blanket or large towel.
However, there are also other Tui Na techniques that are performed over clothing and patients do not need to undress.
You will be given full privacy in one of our Tui Na treatment rooms to partially disrobe. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of removing your clothes, do inform the physician so the treatment will be adjusted accordingly.
If you are allergic to any ingredients commonly found in body lotion or ointment, please inform the physician prior to the start of the session. The physician will then carry out Tui Na without any lotion or ointment. Should you experience any unexpected discomfort at any time during treatment, feel free to feedback to the physician.
Generally, a typically Tui Na session will last between 30 - 60 minutes including physician's preparation time. The exact duration for the treatment may differ as determined by the complexity or severity of a patient's conditions as well as their treatment needs.
Depending on the specific problems on the patient, follow-up sessions may be necessary. The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient depending on the condition of a patient's health and how his or her body responds to treatment.
Are there any side effects to Tui Na?
It is normal to feel a little sore for a day or two following a Tui Na session. However, if your symptoms persist, or if you develop adverse reactions such as nausea or dizziness, do inform your physician or Tui Na therapist immediately.
Weight Management
What is weight management?
Weight management refers to the ability of an individual to maintain body weight at a healthy level. Successful weight management involves setting a sensible goal and committing to realistic changes in lifestyle to improve health and body weight.
What does TCM weight management involve?
In Eu Yang Sang (EYS), TCM Weight Management uses TCM treatments and natural Chinese herbal medication to help you achieve your ideal weight under the guidance of a registered physician with the TCM Practitioners Board, a statutory board under the charge of Ministry of Health. The two main approaches include treatment via acupuncture and Chinese herbal medication.
How is TCM weight management in EYS different from other weight-loss methods?
At EYS, we are committed to bringing total health and well-being to all. Our team of physicians and clinic assistants are guided by best practices to deliver high standards of quality care to ensure optimal and appropriate treatment in a safe environment.
What are the methods and mechanisms of TCM Weight Management?
1) Acupuncture Slimming:
The effects of acupuncture slimming are visible with minimal adverse outcomes. It helps to promote healthy digestion. It suppresses appetite, which reduces the amount of energy that we take in. At the same time, acupuncture has an effect on stimulating the metabolism. It assists to maximize the absorption of nutrients in our body, which are burned as fuel rather than stored as fat. The combined effect will result in healthy weight loss.
2) Chinese Herbal Medication:
Based on the individual's unique condition and body constitution, our physician may prescribe customized Chinese herbal medication. This medication consists of several herbs combined together to enhance the herbs' effectiveness and minimizes possible side effects. Acupuncture slimming and Chinese herbal medication work in tandem to help individuals achieve the desired weight loss and prevent weight rebound.
At the same time, TCM weight management can also relieve other health problems caused by weight gain such as fatigue, heat intolerance, perspirations, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, constipation. It also helps to prevent the onset of hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, bone and joint disease, severe metabolic disorders such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
In the process of TCM weight management, body functions are also regulated and returned to their balanced, healthy state. So a healthier weight not only means being in shape, it also means a healthier you!
Who is suitable for TCM weight management?
Acupuncture slimming is suitable for obese individuals, especially individuals with fat tissues concentrated at the waist and tummy areas. In terms of age, clinical practice has observed that it is most effective towards adults aged between 18 and 55 years old. This group of individuals are physically mature, and will be partial to the effects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medication.
Is TCM weight management a fast way to lose weight?
The speed of weight loss depends on the individual's body constitution and their receptiveness towards acupuncture and Chinese herbal medication.
Is TCM weight management effective for specific problem areas?
In EYS, our TCM Weight Management Program focuses on overall body weight loss instead of targeting specific problem areas. Nonetheless, initial results are more apparent in the stomach and hip areas - where excess fats are generally stored.
Will treatment be affected if I stop for a week or two due to job commitments or vacation?
Although regular treatments 2-3 times a week is recommended for effective results, treatment halted for a week to two should not pose a big problem. Individuals can continue treatment and achieve successful weight loss.
Will I regain the weight I have lost after treatment ends?
The EYS TCM Weight Management Program has a maintenance stage where weight is stabilized. This stage helps patients maintain their desired weight after achieving it, with less chance of rebound. After that, weight will be maintained at the ideal level if one practices moderation and adopts a sensible diet, avoiding excessive indulgence in unhealthy food and alcohol.
Practitioners
What is the difference between a senior physician and a general physician?
Our senior physicians have more than 15 years of experience and have passed a vigorous appraisal conducted by external examiners to be promoted to Senior Physician.
Premier TCM Centre
What is the difference between Premier TCM Centre and a General Clinic?
Our General TCM clinics are staffed by TCM physicians who see a variety of aliments, including acute and chronic conditions.
Our Premier TCM Centres are staffed by TCM physicians who have a wealth of experience in treating specific conditions or discipline such as reproductive medicine, paediatric medicine, respiratory medicine, arthritis etc.
Should patients wish to be attended by physicians with longstanding experience in that condition or should patient's condition be prolonged or more serious, patients may choose to be attended by physician from Premier Centres.
