TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) TREATMENT
Traditional acupuncture originated in China about 5,000 years ago. It is a complex system of examination, diagnosis and treatment. In its Inception, it was thought of as preventive medicine, that is the creation and maintenance of health.
We, in the west, have heard mostly about acupuncture in its anesthetic use. This is a relatively recent innovation, which explores the relationship between western surgery and eastern pain relief. Traditional acupuncture is a healing art and science, which looks at the entire human in body, mind and spirit; how to recognize the process of health an illness, and how to go about the restoration of, lost health in an individual.
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine have access to all the major organ systems; blood, body fluids, neurological, and physical, through the use of the meridian system located just beneath the skin. This connects with all the organs. On these meridians, there are energy stations called acupuncture points, which are used to activate the normal function of organs or system required. This is why the acupuncture physician needs an accurate diagnosis, in order to evaluate each patient as an individual, for no two persons are alike.
Two patients could come in with the same symptoms, however, the method of treatment could be quite different for each of them. The practitioner is looking for the root cause of the problem, and proceeds to correct the imbalances in the body that may have led to it. This is the most important, and requires great skill from the practitioner, for if the root cause is not eliminated or corrected, the problem will only keep reoccurring.
The treatment of acupuncture is performed in a private treatment room, and as comfortably as possible. There is no pain associated with the treatment, other than a slight tingling sensation lasting one or two seconds, after a fine needle insertion in appropriate acupuncture points. The patient does not feel the needle insertion itself, and one can return to his normal routine immediately following the treatment.
Pre - sterilized needles are used to prevent the possibility of infectious spread of disease.
Another tool used in acupuncture, is the Moxabustion stick. This is a Chinese medicine called Artemesia Vulgaris Latiflora used to produce heat at the necessary points for the required results needed. It is lit and held close to the body and feels very soothing to the patient as the heat sensation enters the proper channels leading to the malfunction. This moxa herbal medicine has been used for centuries. It has healing properties within it. It is used in many ways, all of which involve it’s burning. It is sometimes rolled into fine cones, which are placed, one at a time, on an acupuncture point and lit. It is left on the point until it gets hot, and then removed, so as not to burn the skin.
Moxa on acupuncture points brings changes in the energy system in a similar to those produced by needles. This helps to alter severe blockages that can occur in the system. A type of moxa is often used for acne problem, as it draws the toxicity out of the body. After a treatment, the patient usually feels quite calm, relaxed and has a general sense of well-being. Many claim to feel clearer in mind, refreshed and invigorated, looking forward to their next visit.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture is the main method of treatment performed by a qualified Doctor of T.C.M. Patent medicines in herbal forms are secondary to treatment, and not required in most cases. However, these can be prescribed as a supplement in some cases.