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What is Chinese medicine?
ShareWhat is Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine has evolved over many thousand years. It originated in China and involves a complete system of medicine that includes its own forms of diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and therapies. It is truly holistic in its approach and believes in a whole body approach to disease and health which incorporates the body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Chinese medicine views the body as an energetic system. The philosophy principle is based on the Yin/yang principle of balancing and harmonising conditions within the body. It is also based on the philosophy that balanced and free flowing energy (Qi) results in health, while imbalanced energy can lead to disease.
Treatment modalities may include:
Chinese Herbs
Herbal medicine is an essential part of Chinese medicine. Each herbal formula is customised to the specific individual and the symptoms they present.
Constitutional Acupuncture
This practise involves the insertion of fine needles in specific points along the body. The points on the body is believed to either relate to or influence the disorder that needs rebalancing.
Cupping
This is a treatment technique in which local suction is created on the skin. This allows toxins and stagnant blood flow to rise to the surface thus proper function can be restored.
- Dietary therapy
- Exercise
- Lifestyle management
‘Preventing health problems before they arise is as important as treating them in TCM. Knowledge of a person’s lifestyle is an important consideration for a doctor of TCM. Diet, exercise, sleep and the surrounding environment are all important factors when assessing a patient.
‘Central to TCM is a belief in the energy force known as qi (chi). In a healthy body, this life force flows smoothly and strongly through the body. Should this force become weakened or even blocked, illness is likely to result. Qi is composed of opposing elements - yin and yang - which also need to be kept in balance for good health.’2
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References
Related Modalities
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
