Traditional Chinese Medicine

Over the course of thousands of years, TCM has evolved and refined the art of acupuncture and herbal combining tailored to treat the individual, for everything from the common cold to more serious internal diseases such as digestive and reproductive issues.

Traditional Chinese medicine has brought relief to millions of individuals, in modern times often helping where Western medicine alone has not been sufficient. Modern medicine may not  always be able to explain precisely why it works, but the theory, history and ideas for treating human health are rich and deep.  

Acupuncture and TCM have stood the test of time and can provide a broad range of safe and effective strategies and medicines to treat injuries, diseases and disorders,  and to slow the disease process in many cases and prevent illness from taking root. 

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Work?

 There is a wide range of formal studies underway at various major medical institutions to document the efficacy of TCM, as a precursor to the research that could illuminate precisely why it works.

There are two main approaches that we think of when we consider TCM: acupuncture, and herbal medicine.

Acupuncture places thin needles at certain spots on the body where, historically, they seemed to have beneficial effects for particular indications. Some research suggests that the placement of needles at these points stimulates the nervous system to decrease the experience of pain.

Last but not least, herbal medicine can be applied to the entire spectrum of medical disorders, with a treatment option for the symptoms of almost any affliction. Chinese medicine experts are well versed in precisely what to prescribe for any set of symptoms.

What Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat?

Perhaps the biggest draw of TCM is its versatility in treating practically any health affliction or at least help alleviate its symptoms.

Acupuncture finds its most common use case in treating chronic pain. This can include osteoarthritis, knee pain, lower back pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoiding pharmaceutical intervention while still providing pain relief is a holy grail of sorts, particularly given the modern opioid crisis raging around the world. Most medication has side effects and risks; acupuncture does not. Acupuncture also shows promise in treating headaches like tension headaches and even some migraines, often succeeding where no other treatment could.

Chinese herbal medicine is perhaps the most commonly used segment of TCM, since it can be applied to practically any health condition imaginable. Many women turn to TCM to treat PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms, and even fertility issues. Studies are underway to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating cardiovascular illness, mental health issues, and even respiratory illness. These herbs are prepared in various forms, including powders, tablets, pastes, and creams.