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What is TCM?
TIME TESTED: This ancient medical system has been used for over four thousand years by various civilizations throughout its history. Though the Chinese deserve credit for its organization there are many similarities and fundamental parallels that can be seen in the healing arts of ancient Egypt, Greece, India and other oriental cultures. Throughout history a quarter of the world's population has used traditional Chinese medicine to effectively treat all their health problems. Today, more and more people are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine over modern medicine. Contemporary research has shown that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and inflammation and in stimulating the body's disease fighting ability. The FDA has even begun to recognize some of acupuncture's benefits. Many of today's drugs can also trace their roots to herbal sources. The use of the herbs themselves, rather than synthetic concentrated drugs, can often offer effective, yet safer, side-effect free treatment. WHOLISTIC and PERSONALIZED: Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the whole person rather than any one symptom. The body is a dynamic, integrated system of energies that are in a constant state of change. The mind and "spirit" are integral parts of this system and cannot be ignored. Each individual has their own particular constitution, hereditary disposition, personal habits and diet that all must be considered when prescribing treatment. Therefore, individual herbs and acupuncture points are selected with the whole person in mind and not just because they are helpful for any one condition. The idea is to support the body's own natural systems in order to bring about a state of balance and harmony. Remove the blocks to recovery, support the natural functioning of the body, and health and a state of well-being will be the result. NATURAL: The principle therapies in
Traditional
Chinese Medicine are herbology, acupuncture, dietary considerations, acupressure,
massage/body work, moxibustion (the warming of acupuncture points with the mild heat
of specially blended herbs, of which the main herb is Artemisia, or a Chinese
variety of Sage), and exercise- namely, Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Gong (a
combination of breathing techniques and body movement). These therapies are quite
mild and cause little or no discomfort. The aim is to aid the body in healing itself
as opposed to attacking the problem with potentially harsh concentrated chemicals or surgical
techniques.
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