TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), also simply known as Chinese Medicine (CM), is an ancient healthcare system that is over 4,000 years old. It consists of Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), cupping, moxibustion and Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) etc.

TCM is a holistic approach to maintaining well-being as well as treating diseases. It views the human body as an organic unit therefore TCM practitioners do not usually specialise in a particular field, unlike in Orthodox Medicine. TCM focuses on treating the root cause of a condition, rather than just trying to mask the symptoms. It believes that diseases are due to a disharmony within the body. All signs and symptoms of diseases can be classified according to the Yin-Yang, Qi-Blood, Five Elements and Zang-Fu organs theories.

The initial development of TCM was through trail and error, with the theories and skills getting refined throughout the centuries. TCM is a fundamental part of the Chinese civilization and it is still widely practised in China and other parts of the world today.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion and manipulation of fine needles into specific points on the body to activate and regulate the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood. The needles used for acupuncture are much finer than those used for injections and any discomfort is only momentary. The more relaxed the patient is during the treatment, the less discomfort will be felt. Depending on the condition, electro-acupuncture may be used, where the acupuncture needles are connected to a device, which generates a continuous electric pulse to continuously stimulate the acupuncture points.

Acupressure

Acupressure follows the same principles as acupuncture but without the use of needles. It involves the stimulation of acupuncture points and energy channels using selective Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) techniques. It is often used as an alternative to acupuncture on children or on those with a fear of needles.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

A Chinese herbal medicine formula usually contains between 10 to 15 different Chinese herbs, with different herbs working on different organs and different aspects of the condition. Together they will harmonise the internal organs and regulate the Qi and Blood therefore treating the body as a holistic unit. Chinese herbal Medicine can be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture/acupressure in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Chinese herbal medicine comes in 3 different forms: dry herbs for boiling, prepared pill form and powder form.

Cupping

Cupping involves creating a vacuum inside the glass cups then placing them onto specific parts of the body. It promotes the local circulation of Qi (energy) and Blood and it is commonly used in the treatment of muscular or joint pain in the neck, shoulder and back area. The use of cupping may leave slight bruises on the skin but this will fade naturally in a few days.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the lighting of a moxa stick (which is made of Chinese herbs) and placing it close to the skin or on the ends of acupuncture needles to invigorate the local circulation of Qi and blood and soothe muscular and joint pain.

Tuina

Tuina, also known as Chinese therapeutic massage utilises the TCM diagnostic principals and energy channel theories. It is commonly used on tense muscles and can also be used as an alternative to acupuncture. Acupressure is a form of Tuina.

What is a Traditional Chinese Medicine session like?

An initial treatment involves an in-depth consultation, which will allow the TCM practitioner to get a full picture of your condition and constitution. This involves questions on your current symptoms, past medical history and lifestyle history etc. Your tongue and pulse will also be inspected. The TCM practitioner will then explain the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific case, which may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion and/or tuina. If acupuncture is involved, the needles will be removed from the body after approximately 20-30 minutes. This may include the use of acupuncture points on both the front and back of the body.

What are the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat a wide range of conditions including: painful conditions e.g. back pain, sciatica; digestive problems e.g. IBS, acid regurgitation; respiratory disorders e.g. hay fever, asthma, sinusitis; neurological disorders e.g. headaches, migraines, dizziness; gynaecological disorders e.g. menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms; Dermatological disorders e.g. eczema, psoriasis and mental-emotional disorders e.g. stress, insomnia, anxiety etc.

The knowledge and experience of the TCM practitioner plays a huge role in the effectiveness of a treatment. Therefore it is important to find a fully qualified practitioner. Members of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine are fully qualified in all aspects of TCM, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. You can also choose a member of the British Acupuncture Council, who will be qualified in acupuncture.

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TCM Links

www.atcm.co.uk The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine
www.acupuncture.org.uk The British Acupuncture Council
www.acupuncture.com a general information site