Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the today’s version of China’s ancient system of empirical medicine that sprung from the most advanced and literate ancient society. TCM is first and foremost a rational system with its own set of laws, guidelines, and logic. The greatest minds of ancient and pre-modern China sought answers to human suffering and discovered amazing diagnostic methods, formed brilliant treatment principles, and meticulously forged innovative treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, Tui Na (TCM “body work”), herbal medicine formulations, and a multitude of adjunctive modalities. Each generation of doctors refined, revised, and re-invented this amazing medical system.




Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into precise locations on the surface of the body to restore balance & relieve pain. Today there is an abundance of clinical research that confirms acupuncture’s effectiveness as a medical intervention (see the News & Research section of this web site). In California, acupuncturists are licensed by the department of consumer affairs after passing a rigorous board exam. Acupuncturists are considered physicians under workers compensation, and are classified as primary healthcare providers.




Herbal Medicine is the hallmark of TCM and is the most unique style of herbal medicine in the world. After reaching a TCM diagnosis, the practitioner composes a formula consisting of several natural medicinals that interact in a dynamic and comprehensive way. TCM style herbology is like no other system of herbal medicine. Herbs are not merely combined in list format by what they treat (for example, one herb for headache, one herb for relaxation, etc.) but rather by how the herbs interact with each other to pull together the body’s subtle forces and rise above disease. TCM herbology requires rigorous training and experience to deliver effective and safe medicine.





Other Modalities commonly used in TCM treatment are moxibustion, cupping, tui na (massage), and gua sha (scraping). Moxibustion is among the most common. The Chinese term that westerners translate as “acupuncture” is zhen-jiu which is actually two terms combined. Zhen translates as “needling” while the second word Jiu refers to “moxibustion”, hence, acupuncture and moxibustion are equally important. Moxibustion is the burning of a substance, usually artemesia vulgaris that is placed on or held over a point to offer a heating stimulation. Moxibustion is more powerful than other heat therapies in the medical field. In fact one study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that moxibustion was over 70% effective in correcting the position of breech fetuses.


At Purcell Acupuncture & Herbal Therapy, TCM is practiced as a non-watered down professional medical service. Great care and pride is taken to offer our patients the best delivery of authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine available in the United States. Contact us today for a consultation to see how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you.