What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one type of oriental medicine. TCM possesses two outstanding features: holistic point of view and application of treatment according to the differentiation of syndromes. TCM utilizes many forms of natural treatments including acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicine, massage, remedial exercises and diet. It has been used in China to restore health and treat disease for 5,000 years. In TCM, the occurrence of diseases is caused by pathogenic factors and disharmony of the body, so the treatment not only has been focused on symptoms (branches), but also works on causes (roots). Today TCM is used extensively throughout China to treat a wide variety of medical problems and has become a generally accepted form of treatemnt in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. Where is the first place recognizing Chinese Traditional Medicine Doctor as a new health profession in North America? British Columia, Canada. You can find more from www.ctcma.bc.ca or write to ctcma@canada.com to ask for more informtion. TCM is now gaining greater acceptance in Canada and the United States due to the positive results of many scientific investigations. What is acupuncture and how does it work? Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body, usually by the insertion of very fine, solid, stainless needles that are pre-sterilized and pre-packaged to avoid the risk of transmission of a contagious disease. The acupuncture points may also be stimulated by heat, cold, pressure, electricity and even laser to achieve the therapeutic results. Acupuncture approaches the human body in terms of energy rather than matter. A basic life energy called "Chi" is present in every living creature and circulates along the specific pathways in the body called "Meridians." As long as energy flows freely through these meridians, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is blocked for any reason, this energetic systmen is disrupted resulting in pain or illness. By stimulating appropriate acupunture points along these energy pathways, the blocked energy is released and health is restored. How many treatments do you need? The number of treatments varies from patient to patient. For acute problems a few times may be sufficient; for chronic diseases one or two treatments per week for several weeks may be advised. A treatment session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine? Chinese Herbal Medicine consists of natural herbal plants and mineral substances that are used to treat diseases. These natural herbal plants and mineral substances can be taken orally or applied externally depending on the TCM's practitioners diagnosis. They are considered almost free from side-effects and much less toxic than drugs. Herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. The herbal preparations may assist in the movement of the "Chi" and help restore balance in the body. They come in forms of tea, tablets, or ointments. Acupressure is the massaging and pressing to the acupunture points on the body. It removes blockages of the "Chi" and aids its circulation. It is often effective for muscular pain and disorders. |
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