What is the purpose of TCM?
For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. It is founded on the notion that qi (the vital energy of the body) runs along meridians (channels) in the body and maintains a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance. Traditional Chinese medicine seeks to restore the body’s related opposing energies of yin and yang, which can impede qi and create sickness. Acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical activity, and massage are all part of traditional Chinese medicine.
With a little background on how it’s used, you can make more informed choices to improve your health. Chinese TCM is built on the principles of balance, harmony, and energy. It is based on the following key concepts.
Qi and the Yin-Yang Balance
Qi, also known as vital energy or life energy, flows throughout your body and is constantly in motion and evolving. Chinese TCM treatments often aim to enhance and maintain the flow of qi.
Yin and Yang represent polar opposites that define the qualities of qi. Yin encompasses night, darkness, cold, femininity, and negativity, while Yang represents masculinity, daytime, light, warmth, and positivity. According to this concept, everything in life contains a small amount of its opposite, and achieving balance is essential
Is it effective?
TCM is an approach that covers a lot of ground, and results vary. The practices haven’t been studied in the same way as Western medicine. More research has been done on herbs and acupuncture than on other treatments. But studies show a lot of promise.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure in which physicians stimulate particular areas on the body with tiny needles inserted through the skin. Acupuncture may help relieve chronic pain, such as low back pain, neck discomfort, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. It may also aid in the reduction of tension headaches and the prevention of migraine headaches.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a form of exercise that incorporates postures, gentle motions, mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. Tai chi may improve balance and stability in the elderly and those with Parkinson’s disease, decrease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, help individuals cope with fibromyalgia and back pain, promote quality of life, and improve mood in patients.
Chinese Herbal
A number of Chinese herbs used in Chinese TCM are also used at well-respected Western medicine clinics to treat anything from trouble sleeping to arthritis to menopause.
Is it safe to use?
Herbs can have negative effects or interfere with other medications you’re taking. Again, it is critical to consult with someone who is well-versed in their field. Always consult your doctor first.
Cupping Therapy
May help relieve pain from shingles, enhance blood flow to the skin, modify the biomechanical qualities of the skin, lower pain thresholds, enhance local anaerobic (oxygen-free) metabolism, decrease inflammation, and increase cellular immunity.
Who should avoid Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Doctors generally advise against using it to completely replace Western treatment, especially if you have a serious ailment like cancer or liver disease. They also advise caution, especially when using herbs, if you are:
