What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Increasingly being used as an alternative health approach in western countries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an extended range of medicine practices sharing common concepts which have been developed and based on Chinese tradition. TCM has evolved for over than 3000 years and is now including diverse forms of acupuncture, Tuina massage therapy, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy and exercises (QiGong orTai Chi).
TCM has a more holistic approach and the treatment is determined based on the “patterns of disharmonies” identified in the body.
It’s basic principle evolve around the flow of the vital force of energy called “Qi”, which circulates through the body via meridian channels. It also considers different concepts such as Yin and Yang, Five elements, “8 principles” and others.
As humans are interconnected with their environment and nature, they will be subject to their forces too.
It is then believed that any disturbances or imbalances of this flow of energy between those forces can result in decease or illnesses.
TCM treatments then aim to harmonise those forces, restore the balance of energy through a unique treatment designed especially for the patient.
*TCM should not be used as a replacement for conventional or allopathic treatment, especially for serious conditions, but it may be beneficial when used as complementary therapy. Since some TCM herbal medicines can interfere or be toxic when combined with Western medicines, you should inform your doctor if you are using TCM.
Services Offered by our certified (BaCc) practitioner to recover balance and get better health:
– Acupuncture: (Insertion of very fine, sterile and single-use needles placed in specific acupuncture points to assist in rebalancing organ and bio-mechanical disharmonies).
– Moxibustion: (Burned Mugwort herb is used to stimulate and warm acupuncture points to accelerates the healing process).
– Tuina/Acupressure: (Massaging techniques to activate and rebalance channel and organ systems).
– Guasha: (Rubbing of the skin with a tool, generally a lid, to facilitate the circulation of the blood).
– Cupping: (Glass or plastic cups create suction on the skin to increase circulation and release deep rooted lactic acid).
– Nutritional therapy: (Specific foods can be added or avoided to help strengthen the body, see nutritional pages).
– Electrical Stimulation: (Acupuncture needles are inserted and then small alligator clips are placed on the needles. The small 9-volt battery operated machine is then turned on and micro-current stimulates the acupuncture point. E-stim reduces inflammation and releases endorphins. This is similar to the TENS unit that physical therapists use.