What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM
More than two thousand years ago, without aid of microscope or scalpel, the Chinese developed a paradigm for viewing the state of a person's health. They did this by gathering what information they could through observation and the use of the five senses. What resulted was an ingenious and extraordinarily logical system of patterns based on the notion of polar opposites, Yin and Yang, which must exist together and be in balance for there to be life. We as humans, a society, and planet cannot exist without a proper mix of hot and cold, activity and rest, or nourishment and elimination. This is both the medicine and philosophy developed over thousands of years. This paradigm of healing is now often referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM for short).
What can you treat?
Perhaps an easier question to answer would be: What can’t you treat? Because Chinese Medicine treats an underlying pattern or condition, its applications are numerous. The most common conditions for which people seek acupuncture are: musculoskeletal complaints, digestive problems, high blood pressure, stress, fatigue, addictions, headaches, gynecological disorders, and insomnia; but TCM’s applications extend into many other fields. After going through a complete intake with your acupuncturist, you may be surprised to hear how you can do something about your other health concerns!
What's a treatment like?
Your first session involves a complete Chinese Medicine intake that includes your chief complaint, current and past medical history, and a top-to-bottom health and lifestyle questionnaire, because in TCM everything is related! Following this is an acupuncture treatment where very fine sterile disposable needles (much smaller than a hypodermic) are inserted into specific points on the body. The sensation is often described as a heaviness or tingling at the site. After the acupuncture is complete, your practitioner may recommend herbs, exercise, and dietary modifications to supplement the effects of the treatment. While herbal decoctions or teas may have a strong or bitter taste, patients often find the benefits to be well worth it!
If you'd like to learn more, you can start by reading one of John's published articles on Chinese Medicine.