Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, is the term given to various treatments from various places in Asia. It is considered an alternative therapy in Western countries, a long-standing medical practice widely accepted in many Asian countries. But what is TCM?
TCM Definition
Traditional Chinese medicine is all about balance. It is also a holistic approach, treating the mind, body, and spirit as closely related. Any part of a complete entity that is out of balance—in the physical and metaphysical sense—is likely to cause disease.
It derives its roots from the yin-yang theory, which Taoism adopted. The Yin-Yang theory is once again in balance. It asserts that all the phenomena of the universe can be divided into two different but complementary parts. Familiar examples include woman/man, cold/hot, moon/sun, light/dark, etc. In the strictest sense, it is neither good nor bad, but both are part of everything. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to maintain balance and health.
Qi and meridians
Qi (pronounced and often written as chi) refers to the body’s vital force. It is often misunderstood that it means “spirit” or “soul” when, in fact, it looks more like energetic blood flowing through the body. It crosses the body along the meridians and through other channels.
The details of qi alone can be a lifetime study. All you need to know is that qi is an energy that runs through the body and is an essential key for Chinese medicine.
So, what types of treatments can I expect from traditional Chinese medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine includes a wide range of treatments as a holistic therapy. Here are a few:
Acupuncture is inserting very thin needles at specific points of the body. Traditional acupuncture follows the meridians mentioned above, but modern practitioners add their touch to their methods. Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve chronic pain, psychological disorders, or other nervous system disorders. More devout followers will recommend Acupuncture for just about everything else.
Herbal Medicine: This consists of herbs, roots, mushrooms, and other natural products for their medicinal value. Some animal parts and exotic minerals, some of which are very controversial, can also be used. There are herbal medicines for practically treating diseases and ailments known in medical science, and some are not.
Cupping: Cupping is an unusual form of massage or detoxification. It requires special glasses in which a flame or smoke heats the air. While they are still warm inside, they are placed in the back, where they suck the skin into the cup. Some of the most modern clinics also use cups with pumps installed. It is intended to clean the body of toxins; it is not compulsory if you plan to go to the beach; it leaves big red circles in the back!
Gua sha: Another rare treatment, gua sha, is to rub the skin with smooth fragments of jade, stone, bone, or defense. It is not a gentle treatment, often leading to painful bruising or red marks on the skin. It is thought, however, that the therapeutic use is quite broad because it is best for everything from hot weather to cholera. This is not a treatment for those with a low pain threshold!
Physical and Respiratory Exercises: Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages practitioners and patients to exercise healthily. However, only functional activities will do for the flow and balance of qi. Taichi, qigong, yoga, meditation, and martial arts are excellent exercises in traditional Chinese medicine, as are meditation and various breathing exercises.
Is traditional Chinese medicine safe?
Traditional Chinese medicine is safe when used correctly and can have significant therapeutic value. But like any misused medicine, it can be dangerous. Always consult with health professionals before starting any new treatment.
Traditional Chinese medicine has the added risk of being less regulated. Scams and crooks abound, so checking credentials is as essential as any other health professional you see. Besides, this lack of regulation means that the scientific community has mostly not tested many Chinese medical practices. The therapies can be beneficial, useless, or even harmful. Again, common sense should be your guide.
Is traditional Chinese medicine for me?
Maybe, in simple terms, the answer is YES. Between drug recalls, doctors’ mistakes, and booming medical costs, many people are turning to alternative therapies. They can benefit a patient in many ways. For some people, however, this may not be the best choice. Western medicine always has a better record for people with serious diseases like cancer or acute conditions like appendicitis. However, this does not mean TCM cannot supplement these treatments for an even more significant effect. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your health care plan to choose.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not something most people hear about daily, but it is something that most people are interested in once it comes to their attention. Whether this is your first thought about this form of medicine or you have been learning about it for some time, you are probably wondering how to incorporate it into your life to promote your health.
The great thing about TCM is that you do not have to be a rocket scientist to understand a lot. A simple online search will explain the basic principles, although you probably already know a good deal. Have you heard of Qi? If so, you have already been exposed to some of the philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine.
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
Although many people are just starting to hear about TCM, it’s certainly something that has been around for quite some time. There are some practices of modern Chinese medicine, just like modern Western medicine, in most civilized countries. Still, traditional Chinese medicine refers to the ancient traditions and beliefs of Asian people from several generations ago.
In this case, older does not mean old-fashioned. Much of the practice of TCM is still widespread, affecting more and more people worldwide.
One of the main differences between traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western medicine is the fight against disease. While most people go to the doctor today when they are sick or after they start to notice symptoms that could indicate that something is wrong with their body, the medical experts of Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that it is vital to protect the body in advance to make it less likely to become so sick to start.
TCM takes a preventive approach. Much of the idea behind this form of medicine focuses on protecting the body, strengthening the immune system, ensuring the nutrition of all organs, and ensuring that all systems function correctly daily. It leads to less illness and reduces the risk of disease.
Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine
While traditional Chinese medicine methods focus on disease prevention, it makes sense that much of its strategy rests on a diet. You can do many things to protect your body against the disease, such as taking herbal pills containing unique natural ingredients and eating foods that nourish your body very effectively.
TCM herbal supplements
There is also a massive market for TCM supplements. You can use these Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal supplements with daily multivitamins. All of them have natural ingredients. You can choose the supplements that fit your lifestyle and address the health concerns you may have for your body.
The most significant difference between traditional Chinese medicine and Western or scientific medicine is how the body is perceived. Western medicine views the body as a series of anatomical structures. They do not necessarily see these structures interacting. Diseases are treated alone, and the impact on the rest of the body is not considered. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is different. TCM is a holistic approach. You can consider the whole body to be a series of interactive systems. From the blood, no body part can act alone or be alone. It worked together. The qi, or life force, is what controls everything. The qi passes through the body through channels called meridians. A healthy body is one whose qi is balanced. The disease occurs when the qi is unbalanced. For curing diseases, it is necessary to restore the energy balance.
In TCM, there are many ways to treat a disease or imbalance in the body. Although there are several types of treatment, only five of them are commonly beneficial.
Except for psychology, they are all involved in handling a person’s qi. Qigong, used in traditional Chinese medicine, is an energetic practice that helps qi circulate in the meridians as it should. Herbal medicine and food are closely related. They both use particular combinations of elements to improve the functions of organs and qi.
Traditional Chinese medicine is not “new age” or “alternative.” It varies based on theories and practices that have existed for thousands of years. Millions of people worldwide have used these practices, swear by them, and use them to feel better daily.
The best place for TCM in Philadelphia
If you are looking for traditional Chinese medicine or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner near me, you are in the right place. All TCM modalities reside under one roof only at the Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic. Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic was established and developed by a medical doctor, a specialist in TCM, a hypnotherapist, and a Reiki Master, Victor Tsan.
Under his supervision, the Chinese-born TCM Master Hú Dà-Wèi, LAc, provides treatments using acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, meridian massage, electric stimulation, and more.
To book your first appointment for an Initial Evaluation, contact our clinic at (267) 403-3085 or use our online scheduling application on your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone.
Telephone No.(267) 403-3085