Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM has been a healing art form that can be traced back to ancient Asia.  It covers a broad range of treatments such as; acupuncture, herbal remedies, homeopathy, massage, and nutrition.  While TCM is very common in Asia, even routinely used in hospitals; in the west it is still referred to as an “alternative medicine”.   The basic philosophy of TCM goes back to Taoism and relates to the balance of the elements in nature and the body.  This is loosely also referred to as a one’s yin and yang or the active and passive energies inherent in everything.  Optimum health is achieved when the ying and yang are in balance in one’s body.  A TCM practitioner will take a holistic view looking at all aspects of one’s body and try to determine what is out of balance.

Treatment of a body that is out of balance can come in a variety of forms.  Often, more than one form may be utilized such as acupuncture and herbal and plant remedies.   Additionally, Qigong or breathing exercises may be recommended to help the body heal and regain balance.  When one organ is out of balance it affects other organs and possibly the entire body system can be disrupted.  Acupuncture is utilized to help open blockages in the body and allow blood to flow to properly.  Herbal remedies are often given in the form of teas that must be boiled down at home and drunk over a period of time.  There are thousands of ingredients used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  And while some ingredients may be a bit exotic such as snake oil and shark fin there are a lot of herbs that are well known for their medicinal purposes.

A few common Medicinal Plants/Herbs with Scientific data supporting the claims.

• ginger root: used to treat diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
• ginseng: improves immune function
• green tea: anti-oxidants and alkaline base
• willow bark: contains salicin which was used to develop aspirin.  anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties.

The history of Traditional Chinese Medicine dates as far back as 5000 years.  While its theory is based on astrology and empirical knowledge and not the modern scientific understanding of the body it has shown to be another method for attaining balance and health.  Many people in the west have benefited from TCM treatment and the body of scientific evidence supporting its benefits grows every year.