Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM is a system of healing that can be traced back to at least 700BC, and is strongly rooted in the philosophies of the Tao (the ultimate way according to Chinese philosophy). According to the Tao, there are eight pillars of existence that must be adhered to in order to house a strong, healthy spirit in a strong, healthy body. These eight pillars cover areas of diet, exercise, philosophy, success, sexual conduct and therapies.
While TCM considers all of these pillars in the treatment of disease and disorder, it is mainly the therapy aspects of the eight pillar philosophy that become the main focus in harmonising the body.
How Does TCM differ to Conventional Western Medicine?
There are three main ways in which TCM differs to conventional Western medicine. The first aspect that differs is in the conceptualisation of the body. Western medicine tends to consider the body in a structural sense, like it is a machine with separate parts that can be removed and replaced to keep the machine running. TCM on the other hand views the body as a functional whole, and attempts to harmonise all aspects of the body for optimum health.
The second way in which TCM differs to Western medicine is in the conceptualisation of the world. Western thought is dominated by the concept that something is black, or it is not black; it can not be both. In accordance with the Tao, Traditional Chinese Medicine views everything in the world as a combination of yin and yang, two opposites that are constantly changing into each other and contain each within the other. This differentiation of thought concepts has far reaching consequences for the ways in which Western medicine and TCM differ in their treatment of the body.
What Techniques are Used in TCM?
The main techniques used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners are acupuncture, herbal remedies, moxibustion and ‘an mo toi na’ (TCM massage). All of these therapies use the natural energy centres (chakras) and energy channels (meridians) in the body to free stagnant energy, increase the energy available to a person, and expel pathogens from the body.
Why Choose Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM can be a great addition to your health regime. Therapeutic massage and acupuncture sessions each week or month can help a great deal towards achieving your optimum health.
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