Traditional Chinese Medicine

By Danlu Wang-Ross

With a history of over 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach is fundamentally different from that of Western medicine. TCM is an ancient vital holistic system of health and healing, based on the notion of the qi, which advocates maintaining the harmony and balance of the vital energy in one's body.
Tissue and organs are connected through a network of channels and blood vessels throughout the human body. When one is out of balance with physical afflictions distinctive therapies include
Acupuncture – the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body for therapeutic purposes
Acupressure – physical pressure applied to key points on the body by the hand, elbow to relieve muscle pain which stimulating the body's internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response
Reflexology – the practice of applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body
Cupping – placing round glass cups to the body which are used to treat respiratory diseases, back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain
Gua Sha – repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge of a flat bladed tool along the pathway of the acupuncture meridians to literally scrape away disease
Moxibustion – the slow burning on or over the body of special herbal “cones” that are placed on specific body points that provide penetrating, relaxing heat
Chinese herbal medicine ingredients are from plants, such as the leaf, stem, flower, root, and also ingredients from animals and minerals. When combined into medicinal combinations they are used to help build and strengthen the body.
As a system of healthcare, TCM has a successful record of treating many aches, pains, digestion, and circulatory problems. It is always recommended that consultation with local health care providers be obtained for specific health or medical concerns. However, it is most effective at achieving its goal of practicing preventive medicine with its emphasis on one's good diet and exercise.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is the option that offers proven and effective methods. It is always recommended that consultation with local health care providers be obtained for specific health or medical concerns.