TCM is short for Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been in use for over 2000 years and has helped countless people around the world as a holistic medicine. The evidence of its efficacy is in the existence and the proliferate Chinese population around the world alongside a collection of published studies in recent times.
One of my instructors at school is from China, he would see and treat 100 patients in the hospital with TCM, per day! Their complaints could be anything from regular flus and cold to severe, chronic issues like IBS, paralysis, infertility, etc.
TCM helps through 5 main pathways: Acupuncture, Herbs, Food therapy, Movement, and Hands-on manual therapy. It helps the body’s Qi (life force) to self regulate and rebalance back into homeostasis.
Acupuncture is the use of very fine, sterile, single-use, disposable needles.
Herbs is the consumption of teas and decoction of herbal formulas or use of poultice and other topical applications on the skin.
Food therapy follows the saying, “Food is medicine”. Eat in moderation!
Movement includes Taichi and Qigong to help improve the flow of Qi, blood and body fluids within the body – in order for proper nourishment of cells and disposal of waste and toxins. Without free flow, the body experiences what we call, stagnation which in turn results in ailments, physical and/or emotional pains, numbness or discomfort.
Hands-on manual therapy includes tuina (Chinese style massage), Guasha, and Cupping therapy which helps to break up stagnations in the body (think of muscle knots and more).
“If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is lack of free flow.” – Huang Di Nei Jing.
