What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM views the body as a network of myriad of channels carrying vital substances like Qi (energy) and Blood, to the internal organs and the extremities.
Pain and illness often result because there is blockage in these channels, disharmony in the body’s systems or both.
Depending on what you are seeking treatment for, you may need acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, lifestyle advice or a combination of these!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into certain points along channels or into areas of tension in the body. Selection of points in a treatment depends on diagnosis, as each point has several functions. Acupuncture should not hurt, but you should feel a “sensation” of dullness, heaviness, warmth, achiness, distension or awareness around the needle.
Massage
The channels which circulate the body can become blocked resulting in pain, muscle tightness, restricted range of motion and even deformity. Massage applied along these channels and in affected areas helps reduce pain and other symptoms.
5 things you may never have known about Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Alongside questioning and observation in your consultation, your practitioner may also use palpation, tongue and pulse diagnosis. This helps gather information to form a picture of where and why there is disease or pain in the body.
2. Tai Chi and Qi Gong - ancient forms of exercise using movement and breath - may be prescribed to treat your condition. If used properly and regularly, they increase flexibility, improve coordination and create a sense of peace and calm.
3. Sei Tai - a Japanese practice that incorporates acupressure techniques, stretching and soft tissue release - may also be incorporated into your program.
Sei Tai literally means "to bring about order in the body" and is ideal for treating musculo-skeletal problems.
4. Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat morning sickness, turn breech babies and even induce labour.
5. It works! Even if you are sceptical 