TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system originated in the Orient more than three thousand years ago, and which has survived the test of time and is widely practised both in China and in the West .
The philosophy behind TCM derives from the same principles as those of Taoist and Buddhist thought, and reflects the belief that the life and health of individual human beings have an intimate relationship with their environment at all levels. The two most important consequences of this philosophy are a holistic approach that treats each individual as a whole taking into account his or her environment and constitutional traits; and a tendency to continuously develop in response to changing clinical conditions due to an ever-changing environment .
TCM has been developed around a strong theoretical framework based on the concepts of Yin and Yang, the balance between these opposing energies, and the core idea of Qi or life-energy. When symptoms are present, diagnostic techniques that include observation of specific traits and the examination of the pulses and tongue are used to identify the imbalance of Yin/Yang or Qi that may be underlying the symptoms. These findings will result in an individual TCM diagnosis upon which treatment will be based .
The emphasis is placed not only on restoring harmony through treatment, but on preventing further disharmony. This is why advice on lifestyle choices including diet, emotional health, and exercise is an important part of the therapeutic process. This not only improves health but empowers us to take control of our lives so that we can achieve longevity and happiness .
TCM practitioners may offer different treatment modalities that include Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Massage (Tuina), Qi Gong, and Nutrition .
Conditions that can be treated with TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine has good results in treatment of:
- Pain and musculoskeletal conditions: Arthritis, gout, injuries, RSI, fibromyalgia, spinal problems. back pain, tenniselbow, frozen shoulder.
- Mental/emotional conditions: Depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, insomnia, memory loss.
- Reproductive conditions: Infertility, low libido, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, menopausal syndrome.
- Respiratory conditions: Asthma, allergies, coughs. Neurological conditions: Neuralgias, Parkinson's Disease, MS, sequelae of stroke.
- Immune conditions: Allergies, M.E./CFS, rheumatoid arthritis, colds/flu.
- Digestive conditions: IBS, ulcerative colitis, nausea and vomiting, chronic constipation/diarrhoea.
- Skin disease: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria.
- Urinary conditions: Cystitis, incontinence.
- Circulatory conditions: Raynaud's disease, high/low blood pressure.