Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Overview of Different Approaches and Their Benefits

 

     (This article is the second of a five-part series on alternative medicine.) 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient form of healthcare and a holistic way of healing that dates back over 2,500 years and includes natural treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary advice, massage, stress/emotional support, exercise including tai chi and qi gong and treatments such as cupping and moxibustion. TCM is based on the theory that sickness stems from an imbalance in a person’s life force energy (known as qi) and that restoring harmony and balance can promote health and well-being by stimulating the body's own healing ability. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the different approaches of TCM and how they work, as well as how people can benefit from using these techniques and how to find a practitioner of TCM.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body, usually by inserting thin needles through the skin. These points are believed to correspond to the flow of qi through channels called meridians, which connect the organs and functions of the body. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and correct any imbalances that may cause disease or pain. Acupuncture can also stimulate the release of the body’s natural painkillers and affect areas in the brain involved in processing pain.

 

Studies suggest that acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic, such as low-back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It may also help reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches. Acupuncture may also have benefits for other conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, allergies, asthma, menstrual problems, infertility, and digestive disorders.

 

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are an important part of TCM and involve the use of plants, minerals, animal products, or synthetic substances to treat various health problems. TCM practitioners use herbal formulas that are tailored to the individual’s condition, constitution, and environment. The formulas may contain several ingredients that work together to achieve the desired effect. Some of the common herbs used in TCM include ginseng, ginger, licorice, cinnamon, astragalus, angelica, peony, and reishi. Herbal remedies may have effects on the immune system, inflammation, hormones, blood circulation, digestion, and metabolism. 

Studies have shown that some herbal products may have benefits for conditions such as stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold), diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, and skin problems.  Some herbal products may also have side effects or interact with other medications or supplements. Therefore, consulting with a qualified TCM practitioner before using any herbal remedies is important.

 

Dietary Advice

Dietary advice is another aspect of TCM that aims to prevent or treat diseases by adjusting the intake of food and drinks according to one’s individual needs and characteristics. TCM practitioners believe that different foods have different properties (such as hot or cold, moist, or dry) that can affect the balance of qi in the body. For example, eating too much cold food may cause digestive problems or weaken the immune system. Eating too much hot food may cause inflammation or irritability. Therefore, TCM practitioners recommend eating foods that are suitable for one’s constitution and season and avoiding foods that may aggravate one’s condition or symptoms. In the summer when it is hot eating cucumbers or watermelons may help us to cool down and, in the winter, when it is cold, eating foods like shrimp or beef may warm up the body.

 

Cupping

Cupping is an age-old technique used in TCM to stimulate acupuncture points or larger areas of the body. Cupping is often practiced alongside acupuncture but can also be used as a treatment in its own right. Cups are rounded and usually made of glass or plastic. The practitioner creates a vacuum inside the cup and quickly places it onto the skin where treatment is needed. The cup is left in place for anything up to 20 minutes. Several cups are often used in one treatment.

 

Cupping works by drawing up the skin and the pores are opened up, stimulating qi and blood flow. This allows the body to naturally balance and realign and helps draw toxins out of the body. Cupping can be used for many different treatments, but the most common conditions treated include:

Respiratory conditions such as common cold, flu, bronchitis, and asthma

Arthritis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Stiff and/or painful neck, back, and shoulder muscles

Depression

 

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is an essential part of TCM that involves burning a cone or stick of a ground substance (usually mugwort) near the skin at acupuncture points. It promotes warmth, pain relief, or healing in an area. Moxibustion can be applied directly on the skin or indirectly by holding the burning substance above the skin or placing it on top of an acupuncture needle. Moxibustion can also be done with a moxa roll, which is a cigar-shaped stick that is lit and held near the skin.

 

Moxibustion works by warming and stimulating the acupuncture points and meridians, enhancing the flow of qi and blood. Moxibustion can also have effects on the immune system and inflammation. Moxibustion can be used for various conditions, such as:

 

Cold or damp conditions

Weakness or fatigue

Pain or stiffness

Digestive problems

Menstrual problems

Breech presentation in pregnancy

 

How to Find a Practitioner of TCM

If you are interested in trying any of the TCM approaches mentioned above, you should look for a qualified and experienced practitioner who has been trained and certified in TCM. You can ask your doctor for a referral or search online for a reputable TCM association or organization that can provide you with a list of practitioners in your area. You can also check the credentials and reviews of the practitioners before making an appointment.

When you visit a TCM practitioner, you can expect to have a thorough consultation that involves asking about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and emotions. The practitioner may also examine your tongue, pulse, and other physical signs. Based on the diagnosis, the practitioner will recommend a treatment plan that may include one or more of the TCM approaches discussed above. The treatment plan may also be adjusted according to your progress and feedback. 

Any information on conditions, illnesses, diseases, remedies, and treatments available via this blog is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals.