Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM originated in China several thousand years ago and has developed to become one of the most sophisticated and advanced forms of treatment for a wide range of disorders. There are three main integral parts of TCM:
1. Chinese Herbal Medicine
Roots, stalks, leaves, flowers and minerals are used in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Each herb is used both internally and externally. They can be cooked and drunk as a "Tea" or taken in tablet or pill form. Externally, they are used as creams, lotions and compresses which are applied to the skin to alleviate itching, dryness and redness.
2. Acupuncture and Moxibustion
These are two component procedures in TCM. Acupuncture involves painless insertion of very fine sterilized disposable needles at specific points on the body surface to restore or maintain health. They are either withdrawn immediately or left in for up to twenty or thirty minutes, during which time there may be a heaviness of the limbs, accompanied by relaxation. Moxibustion is the application of heat, with ignited moxa wool, on or near specific points of the body, and removed when the patient feels that it is becoming too hot. This process is repeated a number of times.
3. Tuina / TCM Massage
In this method, the acupuncturist uses his hands, fingers (acupressure) and sometimes feet, to rub and knead tender points on the patient's body - a great feeling of relaxation and comfort is triggered. Such a treatment is especially effective for relieving such disorders as: back pain, stiff neck, tired muscles, headaches and a variety of sports injuries. Tuina / TCM massage and Chinese Herbal Medicine are particularly suitable for children or for people who have a genuine fear of needles.
All of the above therapies are natural because they involve no chemical substances and, as such, produce no side effects, which makes TCM a safe and effective treatment for people of all ages and backgrounds.