Traditional Chinese Medicine

50

You might have seen athletes or famous folks sporting purple circles on their bodies from cupping, or perhaps you know someone who swears by acupuncture for their backaches or herbal teas for colds. These days, more and more folks are turning to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) not just to battle sickness, but also to stay healthy.

TCM is an age-old system for health and wellness that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. While Western medicine focuses mainly on treating specific diseases, TCM takes a holistic approach, considering your overall well-being.

Is it safe to give it a shot, and does it work? By understanding a bit about how it’s used, you can make more informed decisions about improving your health.

The concept behind traditional Chinese medicine

The concept behind traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differs from Western medicine’s perspective in a significant way. While Western medicine often likens the body to a machine with distinct systems requiring specific inputs and outputs, TCM takes a different approach. It’s not so much rooted in scientific principles as it is in notions of balance, harmony, and energy.

In TCM, two central ideas hold sway:

1. Qi: Also known as life energy or vital energy, Qi is believed to flow throughout the body. It’s dynamic and constantly changing. TCM treatments often aim to support and regulate the flow of Qi.
2. Yin and Yang: These are opposing forces that describe the qualities of Qi.
   • Yin: Associated with night, darkness, coldness, femininity, and negativity.
   • Yang: Linked to daytime, light, warmth, positivity, and masculinity.
   • 4

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the belief is that everything in life contains elements of its opposite, and achieving balance is essential. For instance, while a medication prescribed by your doctor may cure illness, excessive intake could prove harmful.

According to TCM principles, these concepts manifest within our bodies. When the yin and yang aspects of Qi are in equilibrium, you experience a sense of health and well-being. Conversely, when they’re imbalanced, you may feel unwell. TCM endeavors to restore harmony and promote a smooth flow of Qi.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) incorporates various practices, such as:

1. Acupuncture: Delicate needles inserted gently into the skin.
2. Cupping: Application of heated cups to create suction on the skin.
3. Herbal remedies: Utilization of teas, powders, and capsules primarily derived from plants.
4. Meditation: A practice involving sitting quietly to calm the mind.
5. Moxibustion: Burning of dried herbs near the skin.
6. Tai chi: Exercise involving slow movements and emphasis on breath control

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Safe?

Experts generally deem TCM safe, provided you seek treatment from a knowledgeable practitioner. This is particularly true for acupuncture, tai chi, cupping, and moxibustion.

However, herbal remedies can be a bit more complex. They don’t undergo the same regulatory scrutiny by the FDA as pharmaceutical drugs. Consequently, there’s less research available on them, and it can be challenging to ascertain their exact composition. Additionally, herbs may have side effects or interact with other medications you’re taking. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a trusted practitioner who comprehends their craft and always seek advice from your doctor beforehand.

Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Work?

TCM encompasses a wide array of practices, and outcomes can vary. Unlike Western medicine, TCM practices haven’t undergone as rigorous scientific scrutiny. Nevertheless, there’s promising evidence:

• Acupuncture is widely recognized for alleviating various conditions, such as pain and chemotherapy-induced side effects.
• Many herbs employed in TCM are also utilized in reputable Western medicine clinics to address issues ranging from insomnia to arthritis to menopausal symptoms.
• Tai chi appears to enhance balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
• Cupping might help alleviate pain associated with shingles.

Who Should Consider Using Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The decision to pursue TCM is personal. People turn to it for diverse reasons, from managing carpal tunnel syndrome to reducing stress. Sometimes, it’s utilized alongside Western medicine. TCM might be a suitable option if you:

• Experience multiple symptoms with unclear causes.
• Need to manage medication side effects.
• Have previously tried Western medicine without success.
• Seek preventive measures against illness.

Who Should Avoid TCM?

Doctors typically advise against entirely substituting TCM for Western medicine, particularly if you have a severe condition such as cancer or liver disease.

Additionally, caution is warranted, especially with herbal remedies, if you:

• Are elderly
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are scheduled for surgery (as certain herbs might induce bleeding issues or interfere with surgical medications)
• Are concurrently taking other medications
• Are considering treatment for a child

What Do Conventional Doctors Think of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Conventional doctors typically require substantial evidence of safety and effectiveness before recommending any treatment. This cautious approach often makes it challenging for them to endorse TCM. However, interest and research in TCM are steadily increasing.

Moreover, many prestigious healthcare institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins, now offer TCM practices like acupuncture and herbal treatments.

How Can I Find a Practitioner of TCM?

Your best course of action is to seek out someone certified by the Accreditation Committee for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM accredits schools that teach TCM, and you can visit their website to locate a qualified practitioner. Alternatively, you can reach out to a school of Oriental medicine, as they may be able to provide referrals to their alumni.

Additionally, consider seeking recommendations from family and friends. Just be sure to conduct thorough research to ensure you select a trustworthy practitioner.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: “Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” “Meditation” and “Acupuncture.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Chinese Herbal Therapy” and “Acupuncture.”

University of Minnesota, Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing: “Traditional Chinese Medicine.”

University of New Hampshire Health Services: “Traditional Chinese Medicine.”

NIH, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Traditional Chinese Medicine: In Depth.”

Cancer Research UK: “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).”

Johns Hopkins Medicine: “What Is Chinese Medicine?” and  “Acupuncture Program.”

Harvard Medical School: “What Exactly Is Cupping?”

 PubMed: “Does the burning of moxa (Artemisia vulgaris) in traditional Chinese medicine constitute a health hazard?” and “Wet cupping therapy for treatment of herpes zoster: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.”

U.S. National Library of Medicine: “Yin and Yang.” 

University of New Hampshire  website: “Traditional Chinese Medicine.”