Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a highly sophisticated system of medicine over 2,000 years old. In the hands of a skilled, experienced practitioner, it is a highly effective way to proactively manage health and to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions.
Modalities include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicines, nutrition and lifestyle changes. Together they are known to be highly effective for:
- Proactive maintenance of health and well-being
- Pain control
- Treatment of diseases and illness
TCM restores health by treating the mind, body and spirit as a holistic unit. Treatment involves dealing with the root causes of illness, restoring balance and harmony to the physiological systems that bring health and wellness. Every case is treated as completely individual because the same symptoms may have different root causes in different patients; and likewise the same imbalances may manifest themselves in different symptoms in different patients.
Unlike Western medicine,TCM does not work by using drugs or other treatments to replicate the body’s natural functions. That said, it is a harmless and highly effective accompaniment to Western medicine. With no risk of adversely affecting other treatments, TCM can improve the chances for success, reduce side effects and speed recovery from those treatments.
Qi – The Vital Energy of Health
TCM recognizes that illness is caused by imbalances and blockages in the flow of energy, or Qi in the body.
Qi flows through the body along lines, or meridians, and blockages can occur at specific acupuncture points or organ systems. Those blockages deplete the supply of Qi all along the meridian, producing symptoms in completely different parts of the body from where the blockage occurs. Needles inserted into these acupuncture points release the Qi and restore balance and energy.
That explains why some symptoms seem unrelated to the cause – for instance when stress results in a stomachache or headache; or depression affects the immune system or causes low energy.
The Five Organ Systems
TCM recognizes five main organ systems, each of which includes its namesake organ, but also deals with other parts of the body on the same meridians.
Where Western medicine tends to deal with specific conditions by treating the tissue or cells in that area, TCM treats the entire organ system, and even recognizes that one organ system can affect another.
That is why TCM is often successful in treating conditions that Western medicine has been unable to help.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific acupuncture points, of which there are about 2,000.
The insertion of the needles is surprisingly painless because they are fine enough to slide smoothly through the skin with no bruising or bleeding. Some patients feel nothing at all, while others feel a very slight pin prick, and then a minor spasm as the muscle adjusts. After that there is no sensation at all, even while the needles remain in place.
The process is so relaxing that some patients even fall asleep during treatment.
Chinese Herbal Medicines
TCM practitioners have over 5,000 safe and natural substances to select from, and there have been around 100,000 different prescriptions tried and tested over time.
Although there are pre-packaged herbal medications available it is most effective to use prescriptions that are custom-prepared for the individual patient, based on their own physiology. These custom-prepared medicines should only be put together by a qualified practitioner.
Nutrition
The foods and liquids that are ingested play such a crucial in our overall health and well-being that your TCM practitioner will undoubtedly provide some nutritional counseling.
The foods and drinks that should be ingested or avoided will vary for everyone depending on their specific condition.
Lifestyle
As with nutrition, there are many lifestyle factors which play a crucial role in your health and well-being. Factors such as exercise, smoking, drinking and other toxins or pollution, to name a few. Your TCM practitioner is able to provide advice on the lifestyle changes that are necessary in your own individual situation.
Psychological Well-Being
Emotional factors related to stress, past traumas and your mental health also have a profound effect on your health and your ability to conceive. Your TCM practitioner can help with acupuncture and herbal medications, as well as providing counsel on meditation and other relaxation techniques or even, when appropriate, a referral to another health professional.
|
