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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupunture
Hey, look mom, I gotta needle in my ear!
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the
oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with recorded
instances dating as far back as two thousand years before the
birth of Christ. This is in sharp contrast to the American or
Western forms of health care, which have been in existence for a
much shorter time span (the American Medical Association, the
largest health care member association in the United States, was
formed in 1847, some 3,800 years after the first mention of
traditional Chinese medicine).
Chinese medicine is quite complex and can be difficult for some
people to comprehend. This is because TCM is based, at least in
part, on the Daoist belief that we live in a universe in which
everything is interconnected. What happens to one part of the
body affects every other part of the body. The mind and body are
not viewed separately, but as part of an energetic system.
Similarly, organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected
structures that work together to keep the body functioning.
Many of the concepts emphasized in traditional Chinese medicine
have no true counterpart in Western medicine. One of these
concepts is qi (pronounced "chee" like in Cheetos), which is
considered a vital force or energy responsible for controlling
the workings of the human mind and body. Qi flows through the
body via channels, or pathways, which are called meridians.
There are a total of 20 meridians: 12 primary meridians, which
correspond to specific organs, organ systems or functions, and
eight secondary meridians. Imbalances in the flow of qi cause
illness; correction of this flow restores the body to balance.
Other concepts (such as the Yin/Yang and Five Element Theories)
are equally important in order to have a true grasp of
traditional Chinese medicine, and will be discussed at length
elsewhere on this site.
Many people often equate the practice of acupuncture with the
practice of traditional Chinese medicine. This is not entirely
true. While acupuncture is the most often practiced component of
traditional Chinese medicine, it is simply that – a component,
an important piece of a much larger puzzle. Traditional Chinese
medicine encompasses several methods designed to help patients
achieve and maintain health. Along with acupuncture, TCM
incorporates adjunctive techniques such as acupressure and
moxibustion; manipulative and massage techniques such as tuina
and gua sha; herbal medicine; diet and lifestyle changes;
meditation; and exercise (often in the form of qigong or tai
chi).
Traditional Chinese medicine should not also be confused with
"Oriental medicine." Whereas traditional Chinese medicine is
considered a standardized version of the type of Chinese
medicine practice before the Chinese Revolution, Oriental
medicine is a catch-all phrase for the styles of acupuncture,
herbal medicine, massage and exercise that have been developed
and practice not only in Asia, but world-wide. Although the
principles of traditional Chinese medicine may be difficult for
some to comprehend, there is little doubt of TCM's
effectiveness. Several studies have reported on traditional
Chinese medicine's success in treating a wide range of
conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis
elbow and back pain. Many Western-trained physicians have begun
to see the benefits traditional Chinese medicine has to offer
patients and now include acupuncture — at least on a limited
basis -- as part of their practice.
More Americans are also using acupuncture, herbal remedies and
other components of traditional Chinese medicine than ever
before. The reasons for this vary, but the increasing interest
in, and use of, TCM is due in large part to its effectiveness,
affordability and lack of adverse side-effects compared to
Western medicine.
Source:
www.AcupunctureToday.com Used with Permission
Acupuncture is safe, and painless. Ask our
youngest patient.
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