Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with recorded instances
dating as far back as two thousand years before the birth of Christ. This is in sharp contrast to the American or
Western forms of health care, which have been in existence for a much shorter time span (the American Medical Association,
the largest health care member association in the United States, was formed in 1847, some 3,800 years after the first
mention of traditional Chinese medicine).
Chinese medicine is quite complex and can be difficult for some people to comprehend. This is because TCM is based, at
least in part, on the Daoist belief that we live in a universe in which everything is interconnected. What happens to
one part of the body affects every other part of the body.
In TCM, the mind and body are not viewed separately, but as part
of an energetic system. Similarly, organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together
to keep the body functioning.
Many people often equate the practice of acupuncture with the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. This is not
entirely true. While acupuncture is the most often practiced component of traditional Chinese medicine, it is simply
that -- a component, an important piece of a much larger puzzle.
Traditional Chinese medicine encompasses several
methods designed to help patients achieve and maintain health. Along with acupuncture, TCM incorporates adjunctive
techniques such as acupressure and moxibustion; manipulative and massage techniques such as tuina and gua sha;
herbal medicine; diet and lifestyle changes; meditation; and exercise (often in the form of qigong or tai chi).
Although the principles of traditional Chinese medicine may be difficult for some to comprehend, there is little doubt
of TCM's effectiveness. Several studies have reported on traditional Chinese medicine's success in treating a wide
range of conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis elbow and back pain.
Many Western-trained
physicians have begun to see the benefits traditional Chinese medicine has to offer patients and now include
acupuncture -- at least on a limited basis -- as part of their practice. More Americans are also using acupuncture,
herbal remedies and other components of traditional Chinese medicine than ever before. The reasons for this vary,
but the increasing interest in, and use of, TCM is due in large part to its effectiveness, affordability and lack
of adverse side-effects compared to Western medicine.
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