Traditional Chinese Medicine - (TCM) is an ancient system of holistic healing based on the principle that diagnosis is based on an individual’s pattern of symptoms rather than looking for a named disease. This approach is very different to traditional western medicine. TCM encompasses a range of therapies including acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbs and Qigong.
TCM Practitioners recognize that a particular ailment affects individuals on every level and will work to address this issue on all levels. For example, a physical illness will also affect one’s emotional and mental state. Treating specific problems, too, can benefit the system as a whole.
TCM practitioners also see the body in relationship to its environment, and treatment will take into consideration a range of many factors in diagnosing and treating the problem.
Occurrence of disease is seen in relation to the imbalance of qi and the aim of acupuncture and TCM is to bring the body back to a state of balance, and promote the healthy flow of qi & blood.
The key principles of TCM are yin & yang, and the five elements.
In the course of a treatment, a TCM practitioner may incorporate acupuncture and may recommend a course of Chinese herbs, usually prescribed as a formula. A formula may include several types of herbs, each with their own specific role in treating the symptoms and disease.