
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a branch of traditional medicine that is said to be based on more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice. It includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy. TCM is widely used in China and is also practiced in other countries like Singapore (eg. Tong Jum Chew), Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and the United States.
TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques to restore balance in the body. These include:
Herbal medicine
This is the most common form of treatment in TCM. Herbal medicines are made from plants and are taken orally in the form of teas, capsules, powders, or decoctions.
Acupuncture
This is a technique in which thin needles are inserted into the body at specific points to relieve pain or improve function.
Massage
This is a technique that uses pressure and strokes on the body to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Exercise
This is a form of physical activity that helps to improve the function of the body and mind.
Dietary therapy
This involves eating certain foods and avoiding others to promote health and well-being.
TCM is said to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including:
– Allergies
– Arthritis
– Asthma
– Cancer
– Digestive disorders
– Fatigue
– Headaches
– Heart disease
– High blood pressure
– Immunodeficiency
– Kidney disease
– Menopausal symptoms
– Pain
– Skin problems
– Sleep disorders
– Stress
– Stroke
– Urinary problems
TCM is generally considered to be safe when used correctly. However, there is a risk of side effects and interactions with other medications. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any TCM therapy.
With the current technology, many people have been transitioning to Western medicine however, there is still a large portion that still believes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here are a few reasons why people still stay loyal to TCM rather than Western medicine:
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat and prevent illness.
- TCM views the body as a whole, rather than just looking at symptoms in isolation.
- TCM takes a holistic approach to health, incorporating lifestyle and diet changes as well as herbal medicines and acupuncture.
- TCM is highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, stress and anxiety.
- TCM is often much cheaper than western medicine, making it more accessible to people around the world.
If you are looking for an alternative to western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is definitely worth considering. With its long history of use and proven effectiveness, TCM is a safe and effective way to improve your health and wellbeing.
