Traditional Chinese Medicine – TCM

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Traditional Chinese Medicine also is known as TCM, is the term given to a wide variety of treatments from various places in Asia. It is considered an alternative therapy in Western countries; it is 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 (absorbed by Taoism). The Yin-yang theory is once again on 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, neither good nor bad, but both are part of everything. Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to maintain balance and maintain health.

Qi and meridians

Qi (pronounced and often written as chi) refers to the vital force of the body. 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, as well as through other channels.

The details of qi alone can be a lifetime study. All you need to know is: qi is an energy that runs through the body and is a very important key for Chinese medicine.

So, what types of treatments can I expect from Traditional Chinese Medicine?

As a holistic therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine includes a wild range of treatments. Here are a few:

Acupuncture – This is the practice of inserting needles – very thin – at specific points of the body. Traditional acupuncture follows the meridians mentioned above, but modern practitioners add their touch to their methods. Acupuncture commonly uses to relieve chronic pain, psychological disorders, or other disorders of the nervous system. More devout followers will recommend Acupuncture for just about everything else.

Herbal Medicine – This consists of the use of herbs, roots, mushrooms, and other natural products for their medicinal value. Some animal parts and some exotic minerals can also be used, some of which are very controversial. There are herbal medicines for practically treating diseases and ailments known in medical science and even some are not.

Cupping – Cupping is an unusual form of massage/detoxification. It requires special glasses in which a flame or smoke heat the air inside. 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 mild treatment, which often leads 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. Not a treatment for those with a low pain threshold!

Physical and Respiratory Exercises – Traditional Chinese Medicine also encourages practitioners/patients to practice healthy exercises. For the flow and balance of qi, however, only functional activities will do. 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, it 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 it’s as essential to check credentials as any other health professional you see. Besides, this lack of regulation means that many Chinese medical practices have mostly not been tested by the scientific community. It means that the therapies can be beneficial, useless, or even harmful. Again, common sense should be your guide.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine for me?

In simple terms: maybe. 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. For people with serious diseases such as cancer or acute conditions like appendicitis, Western medicine always has a better record. However, this does not mean that these treatments cannot be supplemented by TCM for an even more significant effect. In the end, 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 on this form of medicine or you have been learning about it for some time, you are probably wondering how you can 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 chi? If so, you have already been exposed to a bit of the philosophy 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 practiced in most civilized countries. Still, Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to ancient traditions and beliefs of Asian people, several generations ago.

In this case, older does not mean old-fashioned. Much of the practice of TCM is still widespread, and in fact, it is affecting more and more people around the world.

One of the main differences between Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern Western medicine is the fight against the 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, 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 a lot of things to protect your body against the disease by merely taking herbal pills containing unique natural ingredients and eating foods that nourish your body very effectively.

TCM herbs supplements

There is also a massive market for TCM supplements. You can use these Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs 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 does not take into account. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is different. TCM is a holistic approach. It means that you can consider the whole body as a series of interactive systems. No part of the body, from the blood, can act alone or be alone. It worked together. Everything is guided by the life force called qi. The qi passes through the body through channels called meridians. A healthy body is a body 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 circulates in the meridians in the way 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 something “new age” or “alternative.” It varies on theories and practices that have existed for thousands of years. Millions of people around the world have used these practices and swear by them, and use them to feel better every day.

Best place for TCM in Philadelphia

If you are looking for Traditional Chinese Medicine near me or Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner near me – you are in the right place. Only at the Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic, all TCM modalities reside under one roof. Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic established and developed by the Medical Doctor, a specialist in TCM, hypnotherapist and Reiki Master Victor Tsan. To book your first appointment for Initial Evaluation contact our clinic (267) 314-7575 or use our online scheduling application on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone.