Traditional Chinese Medicine is taking over the world. This is because more and more people are now into acupuncture. Acupuncture is now one of the alternative medicine options in Australia. Many patients opt for it if they want to be relieved from pain. Some even choose it to help with their fertility issues. But what is Traditional Chinese Medicine to begin with? How is acupuncture connected to it? This post will answer such questions and more. There is much to know about acupuncture. You should seriously consider it if you’re looking for natural ways to heal. If you want to try out acupuncture, you should book a schedule with tcmcentre.com.au.
10 Things You Need to Know About Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
- History
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient system of medicine that has been around for over 3,500 years. It is older than traditional Western medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is not “Oriental Medicine.” The term “oriental medicine” refers to a set of medicinal practices that not only refers to ones that came from Asia but also from other parts of the world. Traditional Chinese Medicine was practiced long before the Chinese revolution.
- Important Concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on ancient beliefs. Such beliefs are as follows:
- It believes that the human body is a mini version of the universe. This is deeply based on Daoist beliefs.
- It believes that the body has vital energy which it refers to as “Qi.” This energy flows through the body. People suffering from pain or any kind of disease are suffering from having a blocked Qi.
- A healthy human being is one that has balanced Qi.
- Opposing and complementary forces support wellness. Example: interior and exterior, hot and cold, and deficient and excess.
- 5 Diagnostic Methods
Traditional Chinese Medicine is practiced through the use of five diagnostic methods. Such are as follows:
- Inspection
This method requires the simple act of looking. This involves the observation of the patient’s physical appearance. Behaviour is observed as well. The tongue becomes a central focus of this diagnostic method. The tongue’s tension, color, size, shape, and coating are observed and recorded. Patients are often instructed to not brush their tongues if they have an appointment with a TCM practitioner.
- Auscultation
This diagnostic method involves listening. This involves the close observation of particular sounds that a patient makes. A patient’s voice, cough, and respiration are closely observed.
- Olfaction
This diagnostic method involves the act of smelling. A patient’s breath or odor is closely observed.
- Inquiry
This diagnostic method involves asking numerous questions. A patient will be asked regarding the following:
- regularity of hot/cold symptoms
- severity of hot/cold symptoms
- other signs of hot/cold symptoms
- perspiration
- the status of the head/face
- the pain experienced
- urine/stool evaluation
- level of thirst/appetite
- sleep
- status of the chest/abdomen
- gynecologic symptoms, when needed
- Palpation
This last step during diagnosis involves touching. Wrist pulses will be checked at three different locations. Areas of pain or tension will also be checked.
- Therapeutic Methods
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers several methods for therapy. Such options are as follows:
- Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Tui Na Massage
- Cupping / Scraping
- Chinese Herbology
- TCM Nutrition
Acupuncture is the most commonly practiced and popular method of TCM therapy.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a leading alternative treatment that people all over the world now opt for. It is an inherent part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It originated in China at around 1600-1100 B.C., but it was only in the 1970s that it was popularized in Western countries.
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of different areas of the skin to trigger physiologic reactions that lead to healing. This is made through the insertion of needles into the skin’s subcutaneous tissue. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points in the body where a needle can be inserted during a session. These points are all connected to different organs of the body.
- Evidence that Supports Acupuncture
Scientific studies now exist to support the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping people feel relief whenever they experience pain. Acupuncture has also been found safe to be practiced when clean needles are used at all times.
- What Can Acupuncture Heal
Acupuncture has been used to help in the healing of the following ailments:
- migraine
- chronic back pain
- chronic neck pain
- diabetes
- indigestion
- acne
- infertility
- What to do to Prepare for Acupuncture
You should do the following before your acupuncture session:
- Have free time before and after your session
- Enlist all your current supplements and medications
- Eat a healthy meal
- Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid any drinks with caffeine
- Everything that the TCM practitioner will instruct
- What to do After Your Acupuncture Session
You should do the following after your acupuncture session:
- Rest
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Keep warm
- Use heat for pain relief
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat well
- Everything that the TCM practitioner will instruct
- People Who Cannot Undergo Acupuncture
The following are advised to not undergo acupuncture:
- People suffering from a bleeding disorder
- People taking anticoagulants
- People with metal allergy
- People with an infection on areas where needles may be inserted
References:
Medicine use and shifting costs of healthcare. A review of the use of medicines in the United States in 2013
Acupuncture contraindications
