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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
is the oldest, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world. Its written literature dates
back 2,500 years, but the actual practice of this ancient holistic
medicine is undoubtedly much older. Some estimate TCM to be at least
5,000 years old. TCM is not "folk medicine." It is an intricate and precise system of health care, born from the efforts of China's brightest minds to understand the secrets of the body. These scholars recorded their theories, experiences, observations, and results from generation to generation. Indeed, at the start of the 20th Century, there were 30-40,000 books already in existence. Since that time, thousands of additional texts and articles have been written and published throughout Asia and the United States. As we enter the next century, even more extensive research and clinical experiences are being catalogued and written about by today's practitioners. |
"Do you remember how electrical currents and 'unseen waves' were laughed at?
The knowledge about man is still in its infancy."
Albert Einstein
How Does TCM Work?
TCM is based on the principle that Qi (chee), also known as Energy or Life Force and Xue (shoo), otherwise known as Blood, flow through the body along specific pathways. These pathways are called Meridians, and they cover the body in much the same way that nerves and blood vessels do. The flow of Qi and Xue regulate health. TCM allows Qi to flow to areas where it is Deficient, and away from areas where it is Excess. By adjusting and managing the flow of Qi, TCM restores and maintains the harmony of the body.
Unlike western medicine, which tends to treat solely on the basis of physical symptoms, TCM considers the whole picture. Your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being are all equally important pieces of your health puzzle. Your mental outlook, sleep patterns, physical activities, digestion, particular cravings, and even a "sluggishness" of spirit, among other factors, are integral to an overall diagnosis of your condition. TCM recognizes your body as an entire organism, with all its functions, interconnected and interrelated. TCM is truly a holistic approach to health.
What health problems can be treated by TCM?
TCM treats the full range of diseases, making it a wise choice for treating acute or chronic conditions, trauma, infections and internal disorders. TCM is an especially excellent choice at the beginning of any illness or disease. It is also a viable alternative for many conditions western medicine fails to understand, such as autoimmune disorders and menopause. Indeed, this ancient holistic medicine is even effective in treating today's epidemic of anxiety and stress.
In some cases, where a disease is extremely virulent, and there are already serious changes in organic tissue, TCM, by itself, is not always powerful or fast enough to make a difference. In these certain specific instances, western medicine is an appropriate choice. Yet even during those times, Chinese Medicine is a good companion, offering relief from the side effects of powerful, western drugs and therapies. For example, TCM used in conjunction with chemotherapy, counteracts hair loss and nausea.
In a recent study, The National Institute of Health found acupuncture effective in treating "adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in post operative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low pack pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful..."
What's more, The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is effective in treating eye, ear, nose, and throat disorders, ranging from sinus problems, earaches, bronchial asthma, and uncomplicated cataracts.
TCM is skilled in treating acute conditions, such as the flu and common cold, as well as chronic disorders, such as gynecological problems, allergies, and degenerative diseases due to aging.
Gastrointestinal diseases are also handled by TCM. Problems with digestion, stomach inflammation, duodenal ulcers, colon problems, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel are all capably handled by Chinese Medicine..
TCM helps nervous system and muscular disorders. Headaches, migraines, nerve pain, weakness after a stroke, sports or occupational injuries, and sciatica are are helped through TCM.
Pregnant women can take Chinese herbs when they are prescribed by a professional TCM practitioner. This holistic system treats complaints and disorders occurring during pregnancy without risk of harm to either mother or child.
Pediatrics is a specialty within TCM. There are special prepared pediatric medicines used to treat common discomfort, such as colic or fussiness from teething. TCM is also well practiced in treating earaches, diarrhea, coughs, colds, and fevers in babies and children.
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mystical.
It is the source of all true art and science."
Albert Einstein
What to expect
An initial examination follows a somewhat different format than western medicine. First, and just like western medicine, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine is interested in your complete medical history, family health history, and, of course, any acute condition you're currently suffering from.
Then, the TCM examination starts to vary from the western model. Attention is paid to your face, body, and your tongue, particularly its color and coating. A Doctor of Oriental Medicine also listens to the sound of your voice and breath.
The next aspect of the examination is based on pulse. A Doctor of Oriental Medicine listens to more than your heart rate. Palpating the pulse on both wrists, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine assesses the condition of all the organs' vitality, by attuning to the flow of Qi.
The entire TCM examination is based on discovering what imbalances exist and how to reestablish your personal harmony. From the first examination TCM approaches your health with an attitude of strengthening and supporting the flow of Qi. When Qi is strong, your entire system strikes a harmonious chord. That harmony translates into a vigorous immune system, capable of resisting illness.
What methods are used in the practice of TCM?
Most of us tend to stereotype this ancient health-care system as a "needles only" approach. But Chinese Medicine includes a broad spectrum of treatment alternatives. The two major methods of treatment are acupuncture and herbs.
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at
specific points along the Meridians. These points have been studied and
mapped by the Chinese over the long history of TCM. Most recently,
electromagnetic research is proving and confirming their locations. Sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles made of surgical steel are used in every treatment. No needles are saved and reused for later treatments. |
Herbs
Herbs play a leading role in creating health and balance. It's important to be discriminating about herbs. While a specific herb may be effective in treating one patient, that doesn't necessarily imply it will have the same effect on another. Again, TCM is about your individual needs.
I exercise great care in choosing the herbal brands I recommend. I caution people against using certain brands easily found on the market. There's no way of assessing what many of these products actually contain. The herbs I suggest using are exact in their composition, effective, easily assimilated, and free of toxins. I want you to use herbs that are safe and reliable.
Unlike western herbal medicine which treats on the basis of symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine is based on your individual diagnosis. This means you receive a custom written herbal prescription designed to treat both your immediate symptoms, and the underlying causal pattern.
Most Chinese herbs have a very low toxicity compared to over the counter western drugs. If the formula is written correctly, there are no side effects. If you experience any discomfort while taking your formula, you should tell me, and I will modify your prescription.
In acute conditions, results can be expected almost immediately. Chronic conditions may take longer to correct, but results should be seen within the first several weeks. Although some chronic conditions could require taking your Chinese herbal formula for a long time, early indications that it is working should be apparent to you from the very start.
Non-Needle Alternatives
There are also several supporting alternate methods used to supplement treatment or used when needles are not an option. For example, acupressure, Chinese bodywork (Tui Na), electro stim, cupping, counseling, and moxabustion are used when needed. Diet and life-style counseling are also important facets in any overall plan.
A Treatment Plan
The number and frequency of treatments varies according to your condition. Some acute conditions can be cleared up in a single treatment. Chronic problems may require a series of treatments. A degenerative condition could require many treatments over a long period of time.
Two additional thoughts on treatment plans: First, neither acute nor chronic conditions are the only reason to experience the benefits of TCM. Some people schedule regular weekly or monthly treatments in order relieve the stresses and strains of daily life. Second, regular treatments allow your body to build strong Qi. Strong Qi is a key ingredient in prevention.
After your initial examination and first treatment, I'll prepare a treatment plan. Naturally, I'll want to discuss the nature of your problem and the treatment I'm recommending. Time will be spent assessing your overall condition and any other recommendations I may have about keeping your body strong and healthy. As part of every treatment, I'll be asking lots of questions about how you're feeling and what, if any, symptoms are still bothersome.
Please feel free to discuss any changes you notice in your condition between treatments.
©2001-2007 Danielle Hampton. All rights reserved.
