Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in China thousands of years ago. Today it is still used widely in China and it has become well known in the West, too. TCM has its own methods of diagnosis and its own forms of treatments and therapies. Chinese Medicine Prahran uses herbal medicine, acupuncture and other practices such as t’ai chi or qi gong to treat a variety of health complaints.
The Philosophy Behind Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the body is seen as an energetic system. Some of the beliefs and ideas behind TCM include the idea that the human body is a small version of the universe, and that there are two opposite forces that also complement each other, called yin and yang. A life energy called qi (or chi) moves in the body in energy channels (meridians). Imbalances in yin or yang, or blockages in energy flow, cause disharmony and can lead to illness.
Chinese Medicine also includes the theory of five elements: fire, water, earth, metal and wood, and six influences that can invade the body and cause disharmony: cold, wind, dampness, dryness, heat and summer heat. Chinese medicine treatments and practices try to restore balance to the body, as well as the mind and the spirit.
Treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine Prahran uses a variety of treatments and therapies: herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, dietary therapy, heat therapy, massage, exercise such as t’ai chi and qi gong, and meditation.Chinese herbal medicine uses medicines that are mostly made from plants, but can also be made from mineral and animal products. Leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds are used to make plant-based remedies, and the remedies can be tinctures, teas, powders and capsules.
Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted on specific points around the body to stimulate these points and the connected organs and body systems. It is believed that stimulating energy points along the meridians (energy channels) will remove blockages in qi flow and allow life energy to move freely in the body. Acupuncture is a popular treatment for back and neck pain, headaches, joint pain and osteoarthritis, menstrual problems, digestive problems, cold and flu symptoms, insomnia, stress and anxiety.
T’ai chi and qi gong are exercises that combine the mind and the body and encourage moving with the breath. They promote focus and concentration and help relaxation, and are suitable for all levels of fitness and all age groups. Meditation can be recommended in the treatment plan, and nutritional advice or a dietary plan can also form a part of the treatment.
