Traditional Chinese Medicine

acupunctureTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to clear illness from the body. A unique diagnosis system, employing a mixture of analysing the patients tongue, physical appearance, pulses of each organ system and a question and answer session, is used to identify the  “pattern of disharmony”. The disharmony exists in the bodies energy system and in turn results in ill health and its corresponding symptoms.

Each person is different with a unique set of circumstances contributing to their illness and therefore the patient cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. For example, in a control group of several people with similar health complaints and similar symptoms, it is very possible for each to have different underlying causes. Hence TCM takes a holistic approach to treatment rather than localised.

TCM and Western medicine are not opposed and do in fact compliment each other very well. In China, doctors of traditional medicine work in hospitals alongside western trained doctors and are actually required to study modern medicine as part of their training. TCM complements almost all other therapies by creating the right conditions for accelerated healing.

The foundational principle of health in TCM is the balanced and good flow of Qi or vital energy in the body. This vital energy is seen as the life force that animates us. It flows through specific channels in the body known as meridians. The meridian system is not unlike the lymphatic or circulatory system, however it is an energetic in composition, but still interacts with the physical body. Ill health arises when the flow is impeded and nourishing Qi is restricted from certain parts of the body. TCM works to reverse the stagnation of Qi and bring flow back into the system. It is said that pain exists in the body where the eneryg or blood is not flowing.

A variety of treatments are used to promote flow and good health, including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Massage, Reflexology, Ear Candling and Cupping. You can find out more about each of them via the links on the right hand side.

TCM Diagnosis

chinese medicine

TCM Pulse Diagnosis

Diagnosis looks to identify the energetic state of the body. It is composed of Observation, Listening, Questioning and Palpation. That is observing the tongue, listening to internal pulses in the wrist and abdominal palpation and asking questions regarding current condition and past medical history.

What can be treated?

When disharmony exists in the body the organ systems function sub-optimally and can result in symptoms of ill-health. TCM can be used to bring alignment back and treats the following conditions:

  • Infectious Diseases — Colds and Flu, Bronchitis, etc.
  • Digestion and Internal Conditions — Constipation, Diarrhoea, IBS, Gastritis, Stomach Ulcers, Colitis, Nausea, Haemorrhoids, Digestive Problems, Arthritis, etc.
  • Blood, Circulation and Respiratory — Poor Circulation, Cold Feet, Diabetes, Hyper/Hypo Thyroidism, High Blood Pressure
  • Addictions – such as smoking, substance misuse and drug dependency
  • Weight Loss – a natural approach
  • Women’s Health — PMT, Fertility Issues, Low Sex Drive, Anaemia, Menopausal Problems, Discharges, Fibroids, Cysts, etc.
  • Musculo-skeletal pain syndromes — Arthritis, Back Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Sciatica, Sport’s Injuries,  etc.
  • Dermatological — Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Dermatitis, Fungal infections, Hair Loss, Shingles, etc.
  • Men’s Health — Impotence, Prostrates, Fertility Problems, Premature Ejaculation, Sports Injuries, Stress, etc
  • Neurological Conditions — Stress, Migraine, Headache, Dizziness, Stroke, Paralysis, M.S., M.E., etc.
  • Ear Nose and Throat — Tinnitus, Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Ear Infection, Hay Fever, Catarrh, Dizziness, Asthma, etc.
  • Mental, Emotional and Psychological conditions — including Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, Insomnia, Fatigue, Panic Attacks, other Sleeping Disorders, etc.
  • Most Chronic Conditions — even those not helped by other therapies.

This list may seem impressive but is by no means comprehensive. Such ailments are just symptoms of underlying imbalances in the body. If you wish to discuss whether Chinese medicine would be of benefit to you, please telephone or drop in for a consultation.