How Traditional Chinese Medicine Works

A growing number of people are turning to traditional medicine to treat and manage their prevailing health conditions. This might be partly attributed to the fact that there is evidence that this treatment option works. One such type of treatment option is Traditional Chinese Medicine. But before you approach a Chinese herbalist for healing, here are a few things you need to know about this treatment option.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine, also referred to as TCM is a treatment approach that originated in China thousands of years ago. This healing approach uses qigong, cupping, acupuncture, diet, and herbs to prevent or cure health problems.

Health Benefits

Traditional Chinese medicine can help prevent or treat the following health conditions:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Obesity
• Menopause symptoms
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Fertility
• Psoriasis, acne, hives, eczema, and other skin conditions
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Back pain
• Arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis)
• Anxiety
• Allergies

In modern medicine, standard treatment is based on the diagnosis made by the medical practitioner. However, in Chinese medicine, it is the results received from diagnosing imbalance that determines the course of treatment. For instance, if you are suffering from insomnia, a herbalist will diagnose imbalance in your body to find out if there is blood deficiency, liver yang rising, or kidney yin deficiency so as to decide on the treatment to offer.

How it Works

Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in a philosophy called Taoism. One of the theories in Taoism believes that all of your body’s organs mutually support each other. This means that all organs and their functions must be in balance in order for a person’s body to be healthy. An individual is able to attain this balance, partly, if their yin and yang (two opposing but complementary energies thought to affect all life) are in harmony.

The other theory in Taoism practiced in TCM is based on the belief that a person’s qi or chi (vital energy) flows throughout the body via certain medians or pathways. According to this theory, a person develops illnesses and other physical, mental, and emotional health issues when the flow of qi or chi is excessive, weak, or blocked. Therefore, by restoring the flow of qi/chi, the herbalist is able to balance your yin and yang, which results in healing.

These theories have been practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years now and have been effective in providing healing and wellness. Therefore, have faith and believe that the Chinese herbalist will be able to offer some kind of solution to your health problem.