About Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been practiced for thousands of years. Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, TCM emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to achieve optimal well-being. Unlike Western medicine, which often treats specific symptoms or conditions, TCM aims to treat the underlying causes of illness, promoting overall harmony within the body.

The Foundations of TCM

China and its medicine has a long history that pre-dates the written word. Throughout its history, Chinese medicine has undergone many waves of expansion and contraction through changes in government and education. The earliest roots lie in thousands of different styles of practice which varied between families and geography. As dynasties rose and fell, attempts to unify the country included standardising its medicine. So while TCM has a set standard here in BC, there remain many ways of practicing it based on a practitioners background and education.

There are several core concepts in Chinese medicine, which both complement and contradict each other

At the heart of TCM is the concept of Qi , the vital life force that flows through all living things. According to TCM, health is achieved when Qi flows freely and harmoniously throughout the body. Blockages or imbalances in Qi can lead to illness and disease. Another key concept in TCM is Yin and Yang, representing the dualistic nature of the universe. Yin and Yang are complementary forces that must be in balance for good health. TCM practitioners also consider the influence of the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—which correspond to different organs and bodily functions.

Diagnostic Techniques

TCM employs several diagnostic techniques to assess a patient and identify imbalances in their health. These include:

• Observation: Examining the patient’s physical appearance, including the tongue, skin, and overall demeanor.
• Pulse Diagnosis: Feeling the pulse at different points on the wrist to determine the condition of the internal organs.
• Inquiry: Asking detailed questions about the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
• Palpation: Feeling different areas of the body to identify areas of tenderness or tension.

Key Practices in TCM

Several key practices form the foundation of TCM treatment. These methods are often used in combination to restore balance and promote healing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to stimulate circulation. This can help relax tight muscles and fascia, decompress and release nerve entrapments, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and treat a wide variety of health conditions. There are many forms of acupuncture and related therapies using a number of different types of needles including FSN, acupotomy and others.

Acupuncturists are also able to perform IMS and dry needling since these were originally based on the practice of acupuncture and is essentially acupuncture with a very limited scope of releasing tight muscles.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is a cornerstone of TCM. Practitioners use a wide variety of plants, minerals, and animal products to create customized herbal formulas for their patients. These remedies are designed to address the root causes of illness and support the body’s natural healing processes. Herbal medicine also includes external applications of soaks, plasters and liniments to treat pain & injury as well as skin conditions.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional heat therapy where dried and processed mugwort is placed on or close to the body to warm it. Moxa is commonly seen in rolled sticks, stick-on or a variety of loose applications, but some practitioners also use electric moxa or even heat lamps for general warming. 

Cupping 

Cupping, sometimes called myofascial decompression is a form of suction or vacuum therapy that pulls out on targeted tissues to release tension and improve circulation. TCM practitioners use a variety of methods and materials for this.

Tuina Massage

Tuina, or Anmo, is a broad term referring to a variety of traditional therapeutic massage techniques from rolling and stretching to low velocity adjustments of joints. It's often used in conjunction with other TCM practices to enhance their effectiveness.

Guasha

Guasha is essentially massage with tools. Traditional Guasha uses a variety of tools and techniques but generally tends to use light pressure to treat the superficial fascia until petechiae form. IASTM, Graston technique, myofascial release and other techniques are closely related to Guasha.

Electric Stimulation

Electric Stimulation, or e-stim, is often applied to acupuncture needles in a variety of methods including gentle or strong stimulation, similar to TENS or EMS respectively. Some acupuncturists also use frequency specific current to stimulate different tissues.

Point Injection Therapy

Point Injection therapies are a relatively modern addition to acupuncture and has been practiced since the mid 20th century in China. One form of injection therapy, prolotherapy is closely related to traditional bone pecking techniques to stimulate ligament and tendon repair. While not currently in our scope of practice here, until recently PIT enjoyed decades of safe practice in BC. American acupuncturists trained here are currently practicing in more than 20% of US states.

Dietary Therapy

TCM dietary therapy emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet that aligns with one’s constitution and the seasons. Foods are classified according to their energetic properties, such as warming or cooling, and are selected to support the individual’s overall health and well-being.

The Benefits of TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers numerous benefits, including:

    •    Holistic Approach: TCM treats the whole person, not just the symptoms, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.

    •    Personalized Treatment: Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and conditions.

    •    Natural Remedies: TCM relies on natural substances and techniques, reducing the risk of side effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals.

    •    Preventive Care: TCM emphasizes the importance of maintaining health and preventing illness through lifestyle choices and regular treatments.

Modern Applications and Integration

In recent years, TCM has gained recognition and acceptance in the Western world. Many people seek out TCM treatments to complement conventional medical care, particularly for chronic conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and digestive disorders. Integrative medicine, which combines TCM with Western medical practices, is becoming increasingly popular, offering patients a more comprehensive approach to health care.

You'll find registered acupuncturists working in public health, especially in mental health and addiction programs where treatment supports clients throughout recovery. We also operate programs as schools and in BC First Nations health services. We work on staff with professional and amateur sports teams.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a time-honored system of health and healing that offers a unique perspective on wellness. TCM provides holistic, personalized treatments that address the root causes of illness. Whether used alone or in conjunction with Western medicine, TCM can be a valuable tool for achieving and maintaining optimal health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its rich history and holistic approach, continues to offer valuable insights and treatments for modern health challenges. As more people recognize the benefits of integrating TCM into their healthcare routines, its ancient wisdom continues to thrive and adapt in our contemporary world.