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TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS THAT TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
- Allergies / Asthma
- Anxiety / Depression
- Arthritis
- Cancer support
- Common cold
- Detoxification
- Flu
- Headaches
- Immune enhancement
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Smoking cessation/ addiction
- Thyroid conditions
- Women's Health / Pregnancy / Fertility

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
The art of Chinese medicine has a history dating back at least 3,000 years. The art and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, including acupuncture, herbology, massage and tai chi, were honed over generations of healers in China only to be threatened in the early days of Communist Party rule. As Communists came to power, their officials dismissed Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. The Party proclaimed that traditional methods of healing conflicted with their dedication to science as the way of progress. Later, Communist Party Chairman Mao reversed this position, stating, "Chinese medicine and pharmacology are a great treasure house and efforts should be made to explore them and raise them to a higher level." Party representatives scoured China to collect information about the theories and practices of Classical Chinese medicine, leading to the formalized system now known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is currently integrated in modern hospitals and clinics throughout most of Asia and many nations around the world.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
TCM is based on a number of essential philosophical principles.

Yin and yang refer to the interdependent connection of different but complementary forces that are both important for health in all aspects of one’s life.  TCM attempts to promote a harmonious balance of both yin and yang in all areas.

TCM also relies on the five elements theory, which is also based in the concept of equilibrium and balance.  This theory holds that fire, earth, metal, water, and wood are the basic elements of the physical plane, and these elements are constantly moving and interacting.  TCM utilizes this theory to explain the relationship between the human body and the environment with which an individual interacts.

The concept of chi, which means something like "life force" or "energy," is perhaps most foreign to Western thought. TCM contends that chi is the unseen energetic force that openly circulates in a well individual, but is lessened or impeded when one is unhealthy.  In fact, the lack of health or illness is believed to result from the chi ‘s blockage.

TCM differs from Western medicine in both theoretical underpinnings as well as practical applications.  TCM practitioners have differing ideas of how the human body functions as well as the origins of illness and the ways they should be treated.  A Chinese physician functions in more of an advisory role, and treats each patient differently, since such practitioners believe the patient should be treated rather than the particular disease.

Any disease or dysfunction is viewed as the ineffectiveness of preventive health care and a result of the lack of equilibrium of the body.  Thus, while a Western physician may treat cancer with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, a TCM physician may utilize acupuncture and recommend a change in diet.  TCM strongly encourages addressing the root cause of disease rather focusing on an easement of symptoms.

Common techniques used in a TCM are:
- Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Massage
- Herbology
- Diet
- Therapeutic exercise such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE  IS LIKE
During a consultation with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, the patient will most likely receive considerably more time and attention from the doctor than most Westerners are used to. The first visit is critical as the practitioner examines the patient in a variety of ways, and relies heavily on observations.  Such an examination is generally quite different from typical office visits to physicians.  No lab tests are ordered; the key to Traditional Chinese Medicine lies in the experience and skill of the doctor.
 
During the exam, the practitioner may make many inquiries and examinations, going beyond the typical Western patient history, including:

- Eating and bowel habits
- Sleep patterns
- Examination of complexion and eyes
- Examination of the tongue (thought to be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a barometer of overall health, with different areas reflecting different body organs)
- Listening to the patient's voice or cough
- Smelling of breath, body odors, urine and even bowel movements
- Palpitation of the patient's abdomen
- Feeling the six wrist pulses to diagnose problems by assessing the flow of chi.

Once a diagnosis is made, the physician formulates a course of treatment consisting of the various TCM methods.

Who does it?
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS
Colleges of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Oriental Medicine and acupuncture currently offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral level programs in the US, Italy and Australia. Munich Unviersity in Germany has established an institute of TCM theoretical research.  Cooperation in TCM has been established between China and Japan, the United States and Germany.

The majority of states regulate acupuncture practice through a series of laws and requirements.  Issues addressed include licensure examinations, practice standards, methods of acupuncture administration, unethical conduct, and other areas. 

There are no standard regulations for the practice of herbal medicine. According to FDA, herbal medicine in America is still thought as food or diet supplement. Most likely the FDA will establish a complete series rules to regulate the market of herbal medicine in the near future. Congress has already conducted various hearings pertaining to the use of herbal medicines over the last year.

For more regulations relating to acupuncture and herbal medicine, you can visit the FDA website www.fda.gov.