Chinese Traditional Medicine

What is it? /Origins

A range of therapies that originate from China, in the Western world they are considered as alternative medicines, but are still the mainstream medicine in most of Asia. The system is very different to conventional medicine of the Western world focusing on the balancing of energies, the pathways for energies in the body called Meridians with a strong emphasis also placed on the relationship between the mind and the body.

What is it used for?

Given that to this day it has been the primary medical practice in China for thousands of years, it is not surprising that Chinese traditional medicine has treatments for any condition\aliment that Western society treats.

Common conditions treated by traditional Chinese medicine include:

• Headaches
• Depression and anxiety
• Skin conditions
• Colds and Flu
• Arthritis
• Cancer

Therapies that fall under Chinese Medicine include

• Chinese herbal medicine
• Acupuncture
• Tui na – healing massage
• Qigong – meditation and breathing exercises
• Chinese food therapy
• Exercises such as Yoga and martial arts

There are many other more specific and specialty therapies that fall under these broad groups.

How does it work?

Chinese medicine can take multiple approaches to the treatment of aliments or maintenance of well being. The approach is very personalized in that Chinese Medicine therapists will take into account all aspects of ones life including diet, personality, exercise, stress, work and other environmental factors that contribute towards toxins and incorrect energy balances within the body.

Looking at the tongue, hair, nails and complexion will help a therapist to establish the state of ones health. The checking of pulses along the meridian system is an important aspect of diagnosis as it indicates the flow of energies.

Changes in the diet are common with the use of certain foods and herbs that will alter the balance of energies accordingly. Rather then use drugs aimed at eliminating symptoms, Chinese medicine endeavors to put the body and mind in a state of well being, establishing the core root of the symptoms. This approach looks at the big picture, equipping you with the tools you need to keep yourself in an optimum state of health.

Is it safe?

Any dangers associated with Chinese traditional medicine have been associated with the practitioner rather then the method. Their length of practice along with their credentials deserves your attention when searching for a suitable practitioner. Depending on your location, to practice or subscribe any Chinese medicine therapies, a practitioner should have the relevant approval and education.

Examples of the rare dangerous that have come about as a result of bad practice are nerve damage, bruising and infection from incorrect acupuncture application.