TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
TCM has been practised in China for up to 5,000 years and is fully integrated with modern western medicine in Chinese hospitals. It is a complete medical system endorsed by the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization (WHO). TCM focuses on disease prevention, which compliments the more curative model of modern western medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on four main pillars: herbalism, acupuncture, tuina and qigong.
Herbalism
There are literally thousands of herbs involved in Chinese herbal medicine, of which roughly 400 to 500 herbs are commonly used. In larger hospitals up to a 1,000 herbs are included in the herbal dispensary. The majority of the treatments are plant-based but they can also include animal parts and minerals; all sourced from nature. Some Chinese herbs are quite common and can include things like garlic and ginger. Both raw herbs and packaged herbal pills and powders, that are based on classical formulations, are a part of Chinese herbal medicine. The advantage of raw herbs is that a practitioner can combine herbs for a patient’s unique constitution and situation.
Acupuncture
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 250 illnesses successfully treated by acupuncture. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points on the body for healing and pain relief purposes. There are 365 acupuncture points on the body, and putting the needles in one or more of these points increases, or decreases, the flow of energy to and through the organs.
Tuina Massage
Tuina is a medical deep tissue massage technique. A tuina practitioner uses acupressure, a broad range of hand and elbow techniques, and stretches to remove energy blockages in the body. The body is manipulated along particular energy channels.
Qigong
Qigong is also a part of TCM. As is the case with the other pillars of TCM, it is a health care system in its own right. The word “qigong” literally means “cultivating energy.” It is a practice that involves postures, gentle flowing movements, breathing techniques and focused intent.