What is traditional Chinese medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete holistic system of natural healing that has existed for more than 2,500 years. There are five main complex branches to ancient Chinese medicine including acupuncture, nutritional therapy, Chinese bodywork (called Tuina), Chinese herbal medicine, and mind-body exercises called Qi gong. The philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine believes that all disease comes from a blockage in the flow of Qi. Each of the therapies in traditional Chinese medicine are designed to restore Qi circulation.
What can traditional Chinese medicine treat?
Based on Chinese medicine theory, Chinese physicians treat an imbalance of Qi, but in Western terms this corresponds to treating thousands of symptoms and conditions called diseases. The focus of traditional Chinese medicine is to address the root cause of the disease, and not just the symptoms.
Are there any side effects to acupuncture?
Side effects to acupuncture when performed by licensed, qualified acupuncture physicians are very rare but may involve local discomfort at the acupoint, minimal bruising, or a slight tingling sensation.
What are meridians?
Just as water, a life-giving substance travels through a hose to nourish a garden, meridians allow Qi, the vital force, to circulate to every part of the body including the internal organs. Meridians, or ‘channels’ form a highly-complex invisible network transporting and directing Qi to every part of the body. Along these channels the Chinese have identified specific points called ‘acupoints’ where Qi can be accessed and stimulated when the flow of Qi has been blocked.
How do Chinese doctors diagnose?
Chinese diagnostic procedures center on finding blockages and imbalances of Qi. In examining the patient, traditional diagnostic methods, included four main procedures. An intricate expert ‘pulse diagnosis’ was completed that evaluated the disharmonies of Qi and internal organs. The physician observed the patient noting the color and condition of the tongue, texture and condition of the skin, hair, and quality of the voice. The patient was interviewed by the physician who sought a history of the illness, as well as the patient’s lifestyle, diet and emotions. Lastly, the physician palpated for tender acupoints and performed a physical examination.
