Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healing system that has been in use for thousands of years. TCM is still commonly used today in clinics and hospitals throughout China and most of Asia. The techniques of Chinese Medicine, were developed with the principle that the best medicine encourages the body’s own healing abilities. Using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other treatment modalities, Chinese medicine works to restore balance to the body and mind.
4 Common Chinese Medicine Treatments
Acupuncture is probably the best known TCM technique, it promotes healing by regulating the flow of Qi (vital life energy in the body, pronounced “chee”). This is done by inserting very fine needles into specific points in the body. Over thousands of years, TCM has mapped out the flow of Qi in the body through a system called meridians. Each of the 12 main meridians connects to one specific organ, or group of organs, that govern particular bodily functions. Illness results when Qi stagnates or is blocked, or when the body has too little, or too much, of it. When energy flows freely, well being is restored.Another form of acupuncture sometimes used by practitioners is electro-acupuncture. This is very similar to traditional acupuncture except that, after the needles are inserted, they are attached to a device that generates electric pulses. This additional technique is used to treat pain and relax muscular tension as well as to provide extra stimulation to specific points.
