What is traditional Chinese medicine [TCM]?
Traditional Chinese medicine is a term derived from current day China to describe a group of modalities developed over thousands of years to treat ailments of all sorts. These modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and specialty techniques that are based on medical theories and clinical practice.
Outside of Asia, TCM has often been considered as a complimentary alternative medicine. It is seen as a choice along side to biomedicine. But in recent decade, however, there has been a small shift in medical thinking. In major hospitals, these complimentary alternative medicines are prescribed for patients like regular medications.
How does traditional Chinese medicine work and how can it help me?
How does traditional Chinese medicine work?
Traditional Chinese medicine looks at a person as a whole and emphasizes prevention and health maintenance. Each individual's fortress and their inner courtyard are different. This is known as one's constitution. Within each structure, there are mechanics known as the six bowels and five viscera. One of the viscera is a furnace that provides energy for every mechanics to work properly. When the furnace fire is fueled, the mechanics work and the structures keep their integrity. Over time, there is normal wear and tear. Maintenance is performed. But not all repairs can be done on time or are readily available. In short, each of these bowels and viscera has to work harder to upkeep its normalcy. This is a temporary solution causing no harm. Unfortunately, the repairs are often complicated by other damages or delays. Eventually, part of the structure is compromised. The result is decreased performance at first, and then followed by structural changes. This is how the body becomes ill.
 |
In today's competitive, fast paced and often too stressful life style, the body's fortress takes repetitive beatings. A traditional Chinese medical practitioner analyzes a group of symptoms, determines the etiology of the person's constitution and traces the genesis of patient's habits. This is called pattern differentiation or diagnosis. It is followed by treatment principles that might include any or all of the modalities described above.
How can traditional Chinese medicine help me?
If I already become ill, is it too late for me? Just the contrary in fact. Chinese Medicine evaluates symptoms and addresses the fortress or the mechanics at the same time. The result is a prescribed treatment for specific illness stage or level; and, in this flexible way, can:
- Address acute and chronic conditions
- Improve and maintain health
- Prevent injuries and recurrence
These treatment principles reduce stress imposed on the body; thus letting the body rest and recuperate to its fullest. Traditional Chinese medicine is good for patients of all ages: children, adults and the elderly.
  back to top
|
