Chinese medicine is one of the oldest medical systems in the world.
Traditional Chinese medicine is an ancient group of medical practices including acupuncture, herbal remedies and tuina massage. These methods are the primary health care system for over 25 percent of the world's population today, according to an article in "Qi Journal." Traditional Chinese medicine is considered complementary or alternative medicine in the United States. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on how the body systems function as an interconnected whole.
Yin, Yang and Qi
Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the concept of Qi. Qi is the vital life energy of the body. According to the principles of Chinese medicine, there are two dynamically opposed forces within the body: yin and yang. Yin is cold and slow, yang is hot and active. When these two forces are in balance with each other, the body is healthy. An imbalance between yin and yang disrupts the flow Qi. A Qi blockage is the ultimate cause of any disease or disorder, whether physical, mental or emotional.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help relieve chronic pain.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical practices in the world. Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago, according to "Qi Journal." Acupuncture needles are hair thin and made of metal. Different people report different reactions to acupuncture needles, but most patients feel little or no pain during an acupuncture session. Acupuncture can relieve chronic pain related to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, according to the National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Herbal Treatments
Ginger is commonly used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Traditional Chinese herbalists use the roots, stems, leaves and flowers of hundreds of different plants to blend herbal tonics. Ginger, ginseng, licorice and thunder god root are common ingredients. Marine plants are often used as well. Some of the plants used in traditional Chinese herbal tonics have performed well in clinical trials, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Traditional Chinese herbalists will often create a blend especially for each new patient, so one patient may get an entirely different tonic than another patient who has the same condition.
Tuina Massage
Tuina massage dates back to China's Shang dynasty. Tuina massage is a soft tissue massage used to treat pain. The patient lies on a table. The massage practitioner presses, pulls, kneads and taps on specific pain sites as well as on reflexes and pressure points.
Diagnosis
Traditional Chinese medicine stresses balance and interconnectedness within the body. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners attempt to treat the whole body instead of trying to cure a particular ailment or condition. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners diagnose a patient by observing, listening to and palpitating the entire body. Tongue color is also thought to be a good indicator of overall health. The traditional Chinese medicine practitioner will prescribe one or more of many different ancient medical techniques to restore balance in an unhealthy body.
Considerations
Regulation for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners varies widely across the country. Acupuncture is well regulated, and most states require acupuncturists to be licensed. Look for a professional who is certified by a nationally recognized organization like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, no matter what traditional Chinese medicine practice you are considering. If you have or think you may have a serious medical condition, seek conventional medical advice.
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