Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique system to diagnose and cure illness, and it has been in practice for nearly 2000-3000 years.

It is an ancient medical system that takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns of nature and applies them to treat the human body. Chinese medicine has developed continuously with the clinical conditions that has been under constant change and it even continues to change today. The systematic approach of TCM and its clinical effectiveness has made it a great theory of medicine. It has been the main source of treatment in the Eastern countries and it has gained popularity recently, in the West, where it is considered an alternative medicine.

The clinical diagnosis and treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine are mainly based on the yin-yang and five elements theory. These theories apply the phenomena and laws of nature to the study of the physiological activities and pathological changes of the human body and its interrelationships.

One of the most fundamental ways to develop and maintain physical and spiritual health is by cultivating an internal support system, which is the primary function of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. Nature alternates between a rhythm of movement and stillness, the activity of the day quiets at night, and the exuberance of summer is internalized and nurtured during the stillness of winter.

TCM is based on this viewpoint that the energy and spirit of the body can be renewed after stillness and the flowing movement of Qi. Both stillness and movement are necessary for the regulation of the body, regulation of breath and regulation of mind.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based mainly on the Taoist belief that everything in this universe is interconnected, what happens in one part of the body affects every other part of the body. The mind and the body are not separate but a part of the energy system, and the organs and organ systems are interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning well.

Major Treatment Modalities

The typical TCM therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and qigong and tai chi exercises that deal with breathing and movement.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture accomplishes treatment by stimulating certain areas of the external body and helps in the smooth flow of Qi.
• Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine acts internally on zang-fu organs to strengthen and support them.
• Qigong: Qigong exercise restores the orderly information flow inside the network through the regulation of Qi through their simple movements and postures. Some Qigong systems emphasize on breathing techniques.
• Healing Food: Healing foods are based on their energy essences and not on their nutritional value.
• Chinese Psychology: Chinese psychology is the understanding of emotions and their relationship to the internal organ systems and their influence on health.

All these therapies appear very different in approach but they all share the same underlying sets of assumptions and insights in the nature of the human body and its place in the universe. Some scientists call the Traditional Chinese Medicine as “Information Therapy”.

Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology

Research shows that there is a coincidence between the traditional plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents. However, there are differences between herbal medicine and medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs.

The complexity of plant materials makes it more balanced and it has less side-effect than medicine based on isolated active ingredients. The herbs are always combined and their different components balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases their efficacy and enhances their safety. Herbal medicine does not treat symptoms alone but it primarily seeks to correct internal imbalances. The therapeutic intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages the self-healing process.

Diseases Treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is used to treat a range of conditions and the most common disorders that can be treated are:

• Skin diseases: psoriasis, acne, eczema, uriticaria and rosacea.
• Respiratory conditions: asthma, chronic coughs, bronchitis, and allergic and perennial sinusitis and rhinitis.
• Urinary conditions:
• Diabetes: treatment and prevention.
• Rheumatological conditions.
• Gastro-intestinal disorders: bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and ulcerative colitis.
• Hepatitis
• HIV
• Chronic fatigue syndromes.
• Psychological problems: depression and anxiety.

Side-Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is very safe when prescribed by a properly trained practitioner. Allergic reactions are rare and it does not cause any lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear. The most dangerous side effect of Chinese medicine is the possibility of it interacting with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Many herbs are helpful for many conditions and they are promoted for their positive health benefits but many people self-treat themselves without realizing the damage caused when herbs interact with current medications.

Scientific Research

Although the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine is widespread, there is little scientific evidence of its effectiveness. There is large evidence on acupuncture and many studies suggest that acupuncture is useful to treat a number of conditions. There are scientific evidences that herbal medicine may be effective but more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.

Home Remedies

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based mainly on the belief that imbalances in the Qi upset the natural flow of energy and it results in disease or discomfort. Rebalancing the energy through herbal remedies, healing foods, Qigong exercises, and acupuncture and acupressure can help maintain the vital health of the body. Although it is better to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before taking Chinese medicines, not all Chinese remedies requires a consultation. There are certain home remedies for specific ailments.

• Nausea: Ginger is a powerful root used in Chinese medicine to treat nausea and stomach upset.
• Cold: Use of hot and cold foods can heal certain ailments. For a cold that is not associated with fever, eat and drink warm or hot foods with strong flavor.
• Beauty: Chinese dates, sweet rice and longan fruit nourish health and beauty from the inside out.
• Menstrual Cramps: Acupressure helps relieve menstrual cramps.
• Constipation: Drinking honey tea eliminates constipation.
• Extend Lifespan: Walking backward is a simple technique for improving health and longevity as it emphasizes different muscle groups and promotes stamina.

Famous People who Use Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is gaining popularity, especially among Hollywood celebrities. Helena Bonham Carter, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey are a few happy moms who have used acupuncture to enhance their fertility treatments. Jennifer Lopez used acupuncture and Chinese herbs for weight loss, and Jennifer Anison used acupuncture treatment to get relief from stress, lose weight and make her skin glow.

Traditional Chinese Medicine places great emphasis on lifestyle management which helps to prevent diseases before it occurs. It recognizes that the vital health of the body is something more than the absence of diseases and it has a unique capacity to maintain and enhance the capacity for total well being and happiness.