Complete Chinese/Asian Medical System

Dr. Nadia Marie Harding, R.N., Ph.D., MSOM, Dipl. Ac., L.Ac.
contact Dr. N. M. Harding

Acupuncture is one of the aspects of Chinese/Asian Medicine (TCM) that is reflective of the true internal order of nature. It embraces the essentials of a natural healing which results in a freer mind, a nourished soul, and healthy body. The practice of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture embraces the central truth of nature that accounts for health and long life.

Doctor Harding's treatment will focus in reaching your natural state of health and well-being as long as you are under her care as a holistic practitioner.

Acupuncture the aspect of Chinese/Asian Medicine that is responsible for the strengthening of the immune system, controling body pain and promoting balance and harmony, resulting in the improvement of quality of life. Chinese/Asian Medicine is a well-developed healthcare system based on natural energetic laws. The art of healing by this method dates back at least 5,000 years as the primary Medical System in China and Asia. Acupuncture is now widely used throughout the world for the treatment and prevention of disease.

Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicinal plants have been used by all cultures throughout history. Chinese herbal medicine consists mainly of plants, minerals and herbs. This includes roots, bark, flowers and other natural materials that help stimulate the body's own natural healing processes.

These herbs come in the form of a raw mixture called herbal formulas that are specifically designed for the treatment of the patient's condition. Herbs are natural and are pure in that they contain no synthetic chemicals. The patient cooks the prescribed raw herbs and then this concoction is consumed in a tea. There are other methods of consuming herbs such as in tablets, powders and tinctures. These are easier to consume because they are already prepared and do not need to be cooked.

Medicinal herbs contain the essence of vital force and life. They support the body's mechanism of repairment and natural healing to promote its own cure and its return towards equilibrium and homeostasis.

Why to be treated by Chinese/Asian Medicine and Acupuncture?
Human beings have an extraordinary power of recovery. This is evident in that their bodies are not overtaken by every fever, each emotional trauma, each stress or injury resulting in a physical and emotional debilitated state. The natural disposition of the body, mind and spirit is to return to a state of equilibrium known as "homeostasis".

The aim of the acupuncturist is to assist the patient in developing these homeostatic functions by tracing the "patterns of disharmony" that caused the symptoms currently afflicting the patient. For example, if a Western doctor and an acupuncturist are both to examine a patient with difficulty in breathing, the doctor might diagnose asthma while the acupuncturist might diagnose a deficiency in the "flow of energy" in the lungs. The Western doctor will prescribe inhalers and steroids to suppress the symptoms while the acupuncturist takes the following approach:

1. Unblocking stagnation in the lung meridian
2. Prescribing herbs to clear pathogens
3. Using methods to clear possible allergies to strengthen the body's immune system
4. Moving the body towards its homeostasis for optimal health

How does Acupuncture work?
The ancient healing technique of acupuncture teaches the practitioner to "know" and "understand" the patterns of energy that flow through the system of meridians in the body. To tap into these energy channels, very fine needles are inserted into the body at specific anatomical locations to regain balance, relieve pain and improve health. Desired results can also be accomplished by placing direct pressure on these specific points or direct electrical stimulation without using needles.

Pain represents a block in energy flow. By inserting the needle into specific locations on the body, a surge of energy moves through the meridians, opens the energy blocks, and relieves the pain. For example, disease is prevented or treated by stimulating or reducing the flow of vital energy also known as "Qi". A smooth flowing Qi establishes balance and harmony in the entire human being.

According to biochemical and neurological research, acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous systems. Evidence shows it releases a morphine-like substance called endorphins, which cause an analgesic effect and makes acupuncture particularly effective in pain control.

Acupuncture has the effect of stimulating or strengthening the body's immune system, which in turn mobilizes the natural defense power inside the human body. This reaction is the major mechanism of anti-inflammatory and anti-infection effects induced by acupuncture.

What is Qi?
Qi is the intelligent vital energy. The Qi results in oxygen that is carried by the blood into every cell in the body. Blood is moved by the Heart, and Oxygen enters into blood through the Lungs. Qi represents the energy flow or energy field in the human body and is the underlying principle in acupuncture theories and treatments.

Activities of Qi in the Human Body

• ascending
• descending
• entering and exiting
• expanding and contracting
• moves in every organ, vessel, tissue and meridian in the body

• If the Qi is out of balance, the person will become weak.
• If the Qi becomes obstructed, the person will become ill.
• It is the Qi's smooth flow that determines the wellness and vitality of a person.

Nadia Marie Harding, R.N., Ph.D., MSOM, Dipl. Ac, L.Ac.

Dr. Nadia Harding is an eastern and western clinician with over 30 years of experience in a wide range of healing disciplines. She graduated with a Master's Degree of Science in Oriental Medicine from Samra University of Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles. She spent time in the spring of 1999 in Beijing at Wan Jing Medical Center of China deepening her skills and understanding of Chinese Medicine and the practical applications of acupuncture in a clinical setting. She is also a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist in the state of California, has a Nationally Certified Diploma of Acupuncture, a Diploma of Chinese Herbology, and maintains a current California Registered Nurse license.

After her Licensing in Acupuncture and Herbs she furthered her studies to include:

• Chinese Energetics with Dr. Kam Yuen, D.C., Shaolin Master (the ancient martial arts and healing master of Shaolin temple).
• Functional Blood Analysis at Apex Energetics with Dr. Datis Kharrazian and Dr. Stephan Stitler.
• Balanced Method with Dr. Richard Tan.
• Esoteric Acupuncture Patterns with Dr. Mikio Sankey.
• Total Body Modification System with Dr. Vick Frank, D.C., N.M.D.
• Philosophy of Religion and Comparative Religion.
• Emotional Freedom Technique with Mr. Gary Craig.
• Harmonization of Allergies with Dr. Vick Frank.

During her nursing career, she developed skills for feeling the body's energy system. She also studied Hypnotherapy, Hands on Healing Touch, and The Practice of Conscious Dying with Dr. Benito Reyes at the World University of America in Ojai, California.

As a Registered Nurse, she worked in high tech divisions of hospital nursing and is well trained in conventional Western Medicine. She understands the western approach to healing, which enables her to clearly communicate with medical doctors and patients who are receiving conventional therapy.

contact Dr. N. M. Harding

Its Treatable Acupuncture    10030 Limerick Ave    Chatsworth    California     Tel (818) 882-9765