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Traditional Chinese Medicine, you’ve heard about it and would like to know more. Maybe you have experienced acupuncture or read about the benefits of herbs. We are here to give you a foundational overview of a complex and ancient form of prevention and healing that is still in use today by hundreds of millions of people. So let’s dive in.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine a recognized branch of healing?
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is one of the oldest modes of medicine in the world and traces its origins to the Zhou Dynasty. Much like Western medicine, TCM evolved its findings and modalities over the centuries and compiled these findings and treatments into four compendiums constituting the backbone of TCM practice.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has given the nod to TCM and, during the pandemic, conducted a meeting on the evaluation of TCM for treating Covid 19. In the US, modalities of Traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture, are offered in many caregiving facilities. Individuals turn to TCM as a complementary treatment for infertility, pain, tranquility, and sleeplessness. Of course, the best results for TCM are achieved through consultation with a Western health practitioner, preferably one educated in herbal medicine.
However, while acknowledging the benefits, western science has yet to prove the foundation and claims of TCM.
So What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
The origin of TCM is spiritual and based on Taoism. The essential underpinning of Taoism is balance. The concept is that humans and animals should live in balance and harmony with the universe, and following death, the spirit lives on eternally within the universe.
Traditional Chinese Medicine embodies the balance theory, yin (cold) and yang (hot). Male and female. Wet and dry. Illness, discomfort, and pain may result when yin and yang are in imbalance. Yin and yang are also associated with different parts and organs of our body. Treatment for yin may be yang and yang for yin. Ultimately, the goal is to balance qi energy, the body’s life force.
As in Western medicine, several methodologies are used to diagnose and treat illness in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
You may be familiar with some aspects of TCM, like acupuncture, tai chi, and herbology but perhaps less familiar with meridians and the five elements theory.
The four pillars of TCM diagnostics are inspection, observation, listening, interrogation, and palpitation. Based on these findings, TCM doctors prescribe herbs, ointments, salves, creams, acupuncture, and other techniques to restore balance. Diagnosis is based on meridians which run through the body, and consideration of the Five Elements.
TCM, like Western medicine, contains a vast body of knowledge. The practice of TCM requires a Master's degree to practice in the United States. It is impossible to summarize the complexities of TCM into a paragraph or two; however, below is a brief overview of the basics of TCM.
Meridians
Consider meridians as a super highway of energy. There are 12 meridians, and these 12 meridians are classified as yin and yang. If the meridians fall out of sync, this will lead to an imbalance in the human body. A practitioner may prescribe acupuncture to restore balance to the meridians.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and The Five Elements
The five elements are wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. The elements must align and work harmoniously within the body and the universe for optimal wellness. The five elements also control your personality type.
Treatments
Depending on your practitioner’s findings, there are a variety of treatments they may recommend. Below is a sampling:
Tai Chi
Tai Chi originated as a martial art form in China but today is valued for deep relaxation. It involves a series of slow-motion exercises conducive to meditation and deep breathing. Tai Chi has gained a large following in the US and is valued for treating health conditions, promoting rehabilitation, flexibility, and prevention related to aging. It encourages breathing, focus, and balance and promotes tranquility and calm.
Acupuncture
Always ensure your provider is licensed because you don’t want just anyone placing needles in your body, which is what acupuncture is. Thin needles are painlessly inserted into the meridians of the body. As discussed, Meridians are the body's lanes that transport qi the flow of human energy. There are 12 major meridians in the body. Some are yin, and some are yang. Acupuncture, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine providers, aligns qi.
In the West, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the central nervous system and release chemicals that encourage healing. Many people turn to acupuncture to relieve pain and to address infertility.
Herbs
Unlike Western drugs that address a specific complaint, herbs prescribed are designed to manage your entire body. Herbs may be in the form of granules, teas, or elixirs. They may also be custom blended. Your TCM practitioner will guide you to the correct dosage.
Safety of Chinese Herbs and Remedies
Do you know what Ti Xuan Gao is? If not, don’t feel bad. Neither do some practitioners of TCM who have a superficial knowledge of this form of healing. Knowing how to prescribe and determine the authenticity and sustainability of herbal treatment is a science. At Kamwo, we bring 50 years of knowledge and expertise to the table. Our practitioners all are certified and licensed where required. We rely on a network of trustworthy suppliers that we have conducted business with for decades, so you can purchase from us with the confidence that you are buying the purest, top-of-the-line, most genuine, and authentic herbs available.
Want to experience TCM for yourself? Let's Get Started
Love the idea of all-natural, healing, and prevention? Then welcome to the Kamwo Store. Here you will find the most extensive assortment of Chinese herbs, healing products, teas, treatments, and more. We have been in business in the heart of China Town in New York City for 50 years. Our herbs and remedies are sourced from reliable, trustworthy partners with whom we have worked for many years. Whether your practitioner has recommended a specific herb or you would like to explore more for yourself, reach out with any questions about our products to customerservice@kamwo.com.
Pain? Allergies? Other discomforts? Don’t wait. Start healing and feeling better now.
As always, refer to your physician if you have any questions or concerns about interactions.