What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM: AN ENDURING SYSTEM OF HOLISTIC MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive holistic health system with a history of use that spans several thousand years. There is evidence of early therapeutic use of acupuncture points (acupoints) as early as 5,000 years ago. In 1991, a 5,300-year-old mummified body was discovered that had both signs of lumbar disc degeneration as well as multiple groups of tattoo markings corresponding to modern-day acupoints used to treat low back pain. Chinese Herbal Medicine has also been in continuous use for millennia, with the earliest recorded use documented in texts written 2,200 years ago.
THE BODY AS AN ECOSYSTEM
In Chinese Medicine, the body is understood to be an intricate ecosystem in which each part and system is interrelated. When there is a weakness or imbalance in one part of the body, there is a ripple effect in the rest of the body that gives rise to a signature pattern of symptoms. By careful questioning and interpretation of symptoms, a Chinese Medicine practitioner can diagnose the exact nature of the imbalance and administer treatment and interventions to target the imbalance and restore the system to a state of harmony and optimal function.
THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES IN TCM
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the use of fine filiform needles to regulate nerve flow and circulation patterns, activate brain activity, and support optimal organ and endocrine function in the body. Needles are placed at very specific anatomical locations that lie primarily on 14 lines of acupoints on the body.
Acupressure
Acupressure is the use of the hands or another tool to put pressure on specific acupoints to regulate nerve flow and circulation patterns, activate brain activity, and support optimal organ and endocrine function in the body. There is a special form of acupressure called shonishin that can be used to treat young children.
Massage & Cupping
Massage and cupping is the use of pressure and suction on the skin to regulate nerve flow, enhance circulation to the skin and muscles, and break up adhesions in connective tissue.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine (or plant medicine) is the use of plant parts (roots, leaves, stems, berries, seeds, and bark) for the medicinal compounds they contain.
Dietary Therapy
Dietary therapy is the inclusion or exclusion of specific foods from the diet according to their unique medicinal properties and effects on the body.
