What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the Worlds oldest medical systems that is still widely practised. It is a unique and independent medical system which originated in China. It has developed over centuries and is imbued with the spirit of Chinese civilisation and culture. For thousands of years TCM has played a major role in maintaining the health of Chinese people.

Any medical system does not survive this long unless it is effective; so what are its strengths?

Diagnosis is based upon how a person reacts to causes of diseases, e.g. a flu virus may cause fever, breathing difficulties, etc in one; another may just have shivers and body aches.

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Because diagnosis is based on ‘weaving’ all symptoms into a pattern of how that person interacts with their environment, Chinese medicine can treat conditions that don’t necessarily fall into a particular ‘disease category’. Many people have unnatural fatigue or apparent vague disorders which are undiagnosable with Western medicine,

Treatment can be aimed at symptoms but Chinese Medicine aims to always treat the ‘root’ of illness.

The whole spectrum of physical through emotional factors is assessed in diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment is based on the principle that good heath is the natural state; the aim is to activate the innate healing ability of the body and mind, not necessarily to ‘attack’ a disease.

The two basic components in TCM are Acupuncture Therapy and Herbal Medicine Therapy.

Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture works through stimulating the body’s healing responses or immune system. ‘Acupoints’ lie on lines or channels in the body and are stimulated by the insertion of the thin, fine needles at various points. The actions of each point and combinations of points, and their effectiveness in treating different diseases, have been learnt through observation. In recent years these actions have been systematically refined and verified by modern scientific research methods.

 

 

Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy

Chinese herbal therapy involves the use of natural plants and minerals. Each has its own specific characteristics and particular medical use to treat diseases, rectify the hyperactivity or hypoacidity of yin and yang, and to help restore the body to its normal physiological functions.

Chinese herbal therapy must be given by qualified TCM practitioners. The practitioner conducts a diagnostic interview, which includes asking questions relating to your health problems, taking your pulse and examining your tongue, before making a prescription.

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Herbs come in three different forms:

Loose herbs- The plant root, or leaf, or fruit, etc which is decocted (boiled up) to extract the pharmacologically active ingredients.

Powders- dried preparation of the decoction.

The third form of herbs is Pills. 

What conditions can Chinese medicine help?

Many ailments can be treated by Chinese medicine; theoretically it is a complete system of medicine but there are times when western medical intervention might be needed. The list on the following page shows conditions commonly treated by acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

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Internal:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Flu
Gastris
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
ME
Migraine
Peptic Ulcers
Palpitation
Nephritis
Nausea/ Vomiting 
Thyroids disorders

Muscular – Skeletal & Neurological:

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Arthritis
Back pain
Bell’s Palsy
Frozen Shoulder
Sciatica
Spots Injuries
Stiff neck
Stroke
Tennis Elbow

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Mental Emotional:

Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Insomnia
Stress

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Dermatological:

Acne
Dermatitis
Eczema
Herpes
Psoriasis
Urticaria

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Gynaecological & Genito Urinary:

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Amenorrhea
Cystitis
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Impotence
Infertility
Menopause
Morning sickness
Non Specific Urethritis (N.S.U)
Pelvic Inflammation
Premature ejaculation
Vaginal Discharge

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Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat:

Deafness
Ringing in the Ears
Dizziness
Sore Throat
Poor Eyesight
Sinus Infection
Hay Fever

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Addictions:

Alcohol
Tobacco 

 

How does Acupuncture Work?

Each Treatment consists of a number of fine needles, usually 4 to 10 being inserted into specific locations for 15 to 30 minutes according to your presenting problem. These bring about changes in the body to restore healthy and vitality.

How will I fell during and after treatment?

Most people experience a felling of peace and relaxation during acupuncture treatment. You should be fine to travel home alone afterwards. If you are in any doubt, you could take a friend with you on your first visit.

How is a prescription constructed by a TCM practitioner?

Firstly the practitioner considers the patient’s overall symptoms. Such as the type and severity of illness and how and when it occurs. The patient’s sex, age, and general health are also noted. Then, following guidelines form classical texts, the practitioner forms a basic prescription and then adjusts the mixture to the needs of the patient by adding or deleting various herbs, or manipulating the dosages of the compounds to fit the precise disharmony. Such a prescription usually contains 5-15 substances and the dosages average 3-15 grams per herb.

Are there any side effects after taking Chinese medicine?

As a general rule there are no side effects or harmful ingredients unless otherwise informed. Occasionally, because the body is having to readjust, there maybe some minor side effects such as loose stools or diarrhoea of which you will be informed beforehand.