About Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient holistic system made up of many complementary components. These include Acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, Tui Na Massage, Moxibustion, Taichi, Qigong and Chinese nutrition principles. Its fundamental principle is that the body should be in balance and is based on the concept that energy flows through invisible pathways or meridians. Blocked pathways lead to illnesses and physical and emotional disorders.
Chinese herbs are an essential part of TCM and are often used with acupuncture to heal chronic problems.
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There are unique principles behind Chinese herbal medicine. As many as 20 different types of herbs, in precise quantities, may go into making up a formula. The different herbs have to be carefully chosen to ensure they work synergistically with each other. Small quantities of herbs are used to eliminate any possibilities of side effects or to counter any medical prescriptions or supplements. All portions are custom-designed for the individual patient.
It is an essential part of TCM practice to monitor not just the overall condition of the patient but also to detect subtle and minor changes that indicate the progress of the healing. The quantities of herbs used or even the number of ingredients in a formula will be constantly changed in keeping with the changing needs of the patient. There is no one-size-fits all in TCM and we take great care to prescribe according to individual needs.
At TX Health Centre, we offer either the dried herbs, from which to make a tea, or tablets, capsules, pellets, powders and ointments. Some of our patients are willing to take the dried herbs and boil them to make a concentrated tea. We understand that our patients have busy lives and we frequently offer herbal remedies in a concentrated powder form which is just added to hot water and stirred. On the average, herbs are to be taken twice a day, but some may require more frequent intake.
Other TCM therapies include:
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Cupping (more info)
Cupping is a TCM therapy that is used after an acupuncture session or sometimes as a substitute. It seeks to stimulate the pressure points along your body such as on your back by applying suction through a glass cup. The acupuncturist lights a match to withdraw air from the cup and to create a vacuum. The cups are placed along the energetic pathways and bring the energy to the surface, stimulating the flow of qi in the process.
The impact of the suction can be felt through several layers of skin, and is effective at clearing blockages, activating the lymph system and releasing toxins from the tissues. Cupping can be used to help out with injuries to soft tissues, to relieve back pain, arthritis, digestive problems, clear colon blockages and even improve varicose veins. We may use a single cup for small areas or several cups over a wider area of the body. Sometimes, we will move the cups over large flat areas in a process known as gliding cupping. It is similar to a massage but has far more reaching benefits. Any discoloration on the skin from cupping is temporary and signals a release of negative energy.
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Tui Na Massage (more info)
Tui Na Massage is another branch of TCM therapy. It is a form of bodywork which uses precise techniques and body manipulations such as holding and pressing down on pressure points, gliding, pulling, knocking or shaking to stimulate the energy. Tui Na massage treatments may be preferred by who are uncomfortable with needles, children or seniors.
Although it may look like a combination of Shiatsu and Swedish massage, Tui Na works at a far deeper level. It goes beyond the muscles or bones, focusing instead on the energy distribution and its flow throughout the body. A benefit of Tui Na is that it can be used to target specific issues such as chronic pain from sciatica, back pain, tension in the neck an shoulders and joint pain from arthritis. It helps with chronic conditions including migraines and headaches, constipation, insomnia and aims to restore and balance energy.
What TCM & Chinese Herbs Treat
(This is by no means a complete list. Feel free to ask us about any conditions you may have.)
- Acute & Chronic Pain
- Headache & Migraine
- Muscles, Joints Pain, Numbness & Arthritis
- Neck, Shoulder, Back Pain & Sciatica
- Car & Sports Injuries
- Rehabilitation after Stroke, Accident and Surgery Procedures
- Skin Problems
- Allergies, Sinusitis & Asthma
- PMS, Menstrual Problems, Menopause
- Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Emotional Problems
- Chronic Fatigue, Low Energy & Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Diarrhea, Constipation, Indigestion & Peptic Ulcers, Stomach Disorders
- Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol
- Adjunctive Cancer Care, Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Radiation
- Impotence & Sexual dysfunction
- Addictions to Alcohol, Nicotine or Drugs
- Weight Loss, Cellulite Reduction
- Anti-aging
