What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is a branch of medicine originating in China that has developed over thousands of years, spreading across Asia, Europe and recently America. Acupuncture, Herbs, Moxibustion, Cupping, Tui-Na Massage techniques as well as Diet, Tai-Chi and Qi Gong exercise are incorporated to treat acute and chronic conditions common to men, women, children, and other animals too!
How Does TCM Work?
TCM "focuses on a holistic, energy based approach to the patient rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment model." [1]
Generally speaking and simply put, Qi is the vital life force energy that circulates through us via invisible energy pathways called Meridians or Channels. This circuitry connects to and interrelates with all bodily bones, organs, and tissues. Maintaining ample supply of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang Essences are imperative to nourish this intricate system. Imbalance of Qi flow along the Meridians, and deficiency or excess of the Vital Essences causes disease. External conditions such as Heat, Cold, Dryness, Dampness, Wind are also taken into consideration. TCM Doctors identify imbalances, and treat accordingly, to regain and maintain harmony.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine hair-like needles into selected acu-points along the Meridians. Needles are then manipulated to increase, decrease, regulate, disperse or consolidate the existing flow of Qi in body. This is very effective for treating most conditions, especially Acute and Pain related conditions.
Moxibustion warms the channels and helps unblock Stagnation, especially when Cold is present.
Herbal treatment includes the use of formulated natural botanical, geological, and biological substances, in the form of pills, powders, tinctures, or loose herbs boiled as a decoction (tea). They supplement and regulate your body's Vital Essences. This is the premier modality utilized for preventive health maintenance in TCM, and is most effective for treating Chronic conditions and promoting longevity.
Tui-Na Massage is effective to treat Spinal, Soft Tissue and Muscle Problems, and is often accompanied by the use of Moxibustion, Topical Liniment Oils, TDP Far Infrared Heat Apparatus, and Fire Cupping.
Diet recommendations are made to properly support the nutritional needs of the individual. It usually involves "what you eat" more than "how much you eat".
Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Stretching and other forms of exercise are beneficial.
The combination of these practices is highly effective for restoring health. It is most effective for maintaining "optimum" Preventive Health performance and longevity when it is incorporated into your daily lifestyle. Due to countless generations of continued use and refined development on a vast population, TCM has become the most sophisticated "truly natural and holistic" form of medicine in the world.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Needle sensation varies depending on the acupuncturist's technique, patient's sensitivity, and the nature of the problem being treated. Most patients feel pressure, a tug, slight pinch or dull ache. An electric-like tingling sensation is common. In some cases, as acute Migraine Headache, there may be brief sharp pain followed by a welcome soothing feeling of pain relief. Most patients feel relaxed, and some even fall asleep during treatments.
Are there Any Side Effects?
One of the great advantages of properly applied TCM is the relative absence of side effects compared to Conventional Western medicine, which relies heavily on pharmaceutical drugs and surgery. The NIH Consensus Statement on acupuncture reports "…the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted procedures used for the same conditions." (Used be Conventional medicine). [2]
Who Can Provide Herbal-Acupuncture Treatment?
TCM is regulated nationally in America. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) administers separate National Board Exams for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology licenses. To sit the exam, most applicants must have a Master of Science Degree in TCM (2,400 hour program) from one of the many Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) accredited colleges of TCM under jurisdiction of the United Stated Department of Education. (Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Dentists, and Veterinarians are NOT required by law to pass the same level of training/testing).
1,2,3 NIH Consensus Development Statement, USA, 1997
