What is Chinese Medicine Good for?

People choose Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a wide variety of reasons. Though they may be seeking relief from specific symptoms, TCM looks for the underlying cause of the symptoms and treats the individual, not just the disease.

TCM includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and remedial massage. These practices are gentle, non-invasive approaches to restoring harmony in the body to allow for optimal health and well-being. Over the years, many studies have been conducted on the efficacy of TCM to thoroughly prove the usefulness of this ancient practice in our modern society.

Acupuncture

One 2017 study indicated that acupuncture showed some level of effectiveness in treating 117 different conditions (122 conditions were tested). The eight conditions most positively impacted by acupuncture treatments were:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
• Headache
• Chronic low back pain
• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Migraine prophylaxis
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting
• Postoperative pain

Conditions with more moderate evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture include:

• Anxiety
• Obesity
• Adult asthma
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Sciatica
• Neck pain
• Depression
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Back or pelvic pain associated with pregnancy
• Plantar heel pain
• Restless leg syndrome
• Hot flushes associated with menopause (The Australian Menopause Centre offers more research about acupuncture and the treatment of various menopausal symptoms.)
• And more

The study also indicated that acupuncture is regarded as safe and cost-effective for many of these conditions, as well, making it a promising approach or addition to your wellness plan.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine uses more than 450 plant, animal, and mineral substances to promote well-being and a strong immune system. The emphasis is on maintaining proper bodily functions and preventing disease.

Chinese herbal medicine works hand-in-hand with acupuncture. Even people with the same illness or symptoms might receive vastly different treatments and combinations of herbs and other substances, because TCM practitioners seek to treat the individual and how the illness is showing up in each person’s body.

The various substances have specific effects, both when used alone and in combination. This is why it’s essential to find a TCM practitioner with thorough education and experience.

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is another wonderful treatment option that can be used in combination with acupuncture and herbal medicine. It is a way to treat imbalances in the body related to illness and injury by going to the source of the problem to:

• Promote relaxation and the healing of muscle tissue
• Relieve pain
• Improve flexibility
• Decrease stiffness and soreness
• Relieve stress
• Stimulate blood flow

Cupping and More

Additional alternative therapies, like cupping, can offer another route to relief from pain and other symptoms. In this treatment, cups create a vacuum on your skin to draw blood to the surface. This improves blood flow, helps supply oxygen to the cells, drains toxins, and encourages muscles to relax. Though this technique may leave round discoloured areas on your skin (where the cups were placed), these bruise-like marks are not typically painful, and they tend to fade within a few days.

The Complete Approach at SITCM

TCM practitioners study for a minimum for four years and complete regular continuing education requirements to maintain their registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. They maintain proper insurance to cover their practice, and follow strict protocols for sanitation and infection control.

At the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we want you to feel confident about your choice to make TCM a part of your health and wellness programme. We offer a variety of treatment options to best suit your particular needs and preferences.

Our practitioners are committed to their ongoing education and to yours: our mission is to enable and empower you to lead a life of wellness. The process begins with a thorough consultation, where we get to know you, your body, and your concerns. We’re always here to answer your questions about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, and more. Contact us to learn more and schedule your appointment.