What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

TCM includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medical system in much of the western world. TCM theory originated thousands of years ago through meticulous observation of nature, the cosmos, and the human body.

TCM practices include such treatments as herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and both Tui na and Shiatsu massage. Qigong and Taijiquan are also closely associated with TCM.

Traditional Chinese medicine is largely based on the philosophical concept that the human body is a small universe with a set of complete and sophisticated interconnected systems, and that those systems work in balance to maintain the healthy function of the human body. According to the medicine, disease arises when one or more systems becomes excess or deficient due to a number of factors such as emotions, diet, work load, or trauma. This imbalance disrupts the harmony and the channels or meridians (passageways transporting qi, blood, and fluids) can become blocked leading to pain and disease. There is a saying, "where there is pain, there is no free flow, where there is free flow, there is no pain."

Acupuncture can effectively treat a broad spectrum of conditions from back pain to the common cold.

The world health organization recognizes acupuncture for the treatment of:

• Migraines, headaches
• Low back pain, knee pain, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, sciatica, arthritis
• Mood disorders: anxiety & depression
• Digestive conditions: ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, or Crohn's disease
• Urinary dysfunctions such as incontinence, frequent urination, or painful urination
• Menstrual disorders and infertility
• Respiratory disorders: asthma, sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis
• Addictions such as smoking or drinking…and much more!