Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a medical model rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism that dates back more than 2,500 years.
This approach is based on the idea that energy, called qi, flows along pathways in the body called meridians. In this approach, if the flow of qi along these meridians is blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur.
Causes of qi imbalance are thought to involve:
* External forces (wind, cold, or heat)
* Internal forces (emotions of joy, anger, or fear)
* Lifestyle factors (poor diet, too little sleep, or too much alcohol)
Traditional Chinese medicine also approaches health through the concept of yin and yang. All things, including the body, are composed of opposing forces called yin and yang and wellness depends on the balance of these forces. Traditional Chinese medicine doctors look at the balance of body, mind, and spirit to determine how to restore qi, the yin-yang balance, and prevent illness.
What is traditional Chinese medicine used for?
Some people use traditional Chinese medicine to treat problems from carpal tunnel to stress reduction. Some specific treatments are used for:
* pain relief
Traditional Chinese medicine doctors may use several types of treatment to restore qi balance:
* Acupuncture: inserts thin metal needles along the body's meridians.
* Acupressure: hands or fingers to apply direct pressure to points along meridians.
* Chinese herbs, combinations of herbs, roots, powders, or animal substances to help restore balance in the body.
* Cupping: warm air in glass jars to create suction placed on areas of the body to help stimulate qi.
* Diet: Yin and yang foods can help restore the yin-yang balance in the body.
* Massage (tui na): on specific areas of the body or along the body's meridians.
* Moxibustion: small amounts of heated plant fibre on specific areas of the body.
* Qi gong: movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
It may be for you if:
Traditional Chinese medicine treats a person from a holistic perspective. For example, Western medical practice would treat two people with a similar infection with a standard course of antibiotics. In traditional Chinese medicine, each person might receive a different treatment for the same illness depending on the person's own qi and yin-yang balance.
* Have a lot of different symptoms with no clear cause
* Need to treat side effects from drugs
* Have tried Western medicine but didn’t get results
* Want to prevent illness