What does treating with Traditional Chinese Medicine look like?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other parts of East Asia, that has spread worldwide. It is based on the belief that health is a balance of the body’s vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), which flows through pathways called meridians throughout the entire body. TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment and focuses on maintaining harmony within these systems. When this flow is disrupted or imbalanced, it can lead to illness or disease. TCM seeks to restore harmony between the body, mind, and environment, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of illness.
The various tools used within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) include a range of techniques and instruments designed to restore balance and promote healing. The most common tools used in TCM include, but are not limited to:
Acupuncture: the use of filiform needles inserted into specific points on the body along the meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi, restore balance, and promote healing
Moxibustion: the burning of dried mugwort to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi. It is often used to treat conditions associated with cold or deficiency, such as fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues.
Cupping: Cupping is an ancient therapy where heated glass cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This draws blood to the surface, promoting circulation and releasing tension and decrease pain.
Herbs: TCM herbal medicine uses a wide variety of plant, mineral, and animal substances. Herbs are often combined into formulas that are custom-tailored to an individual’s condition. These formulas can be taken as teas, powders, capsules, or tinctures or applied as topical salves/creams/liniments.
Gua Sha: Gua Sha is a technique that involves scraping a smooth-edged tool (often made of jade, ceramic, or buffalo horn) over the skin to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and remove "stagnant" blood. It is commonly used for conditions like pain, stiffness, and colds.
Tuina (Chinese massage/manual therapy) or Shiatsu (Japanese massage/manual therapy): Tuina & Shiatsu are different forms of therapeutic massage that combines acupressure, deep tissue manipulation, and joint mobilization. Practitioners may use their hands, forearms, and occasionally tools like wooden sticks to stimulate specific acupoints and meridians to improve circulation, alleviate pain, and restore balance.
