Why Chinese Medicine Simply Works?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient practice that has been used to treat illness for over 2,000 years. Unlike Western medicine, which views the human body as a machine with different parts that can be treated individually, Chinese Medicine takes a totally holistic approach. According to Chinese medicine, the mind, body, and spirit all impact one another, contributing to overall well-being or illness and disease. What’s more, individuals are seen as part of the wider universe and the natural world, rather than discrete entities living in isolation from the world around them. 

The key focus of Chinese Medicine is the vital life force called Qi which runs through the body.  Qi is made up of the opposite and complementary forces of the Ying and Yang. Good health is a result of a balanced Qi, whereas imbalances can lead to ill health or disease. Chinese Medicine practices work to restore the balance through targeted treatments such as acupuncture, herbs, tai chi, moxibustion, hot cupping and more.

Many people find that the “human body as a machine” approach of Western medicine fails to treat their conditions because it treats an illness in isolation, without taking into account the broader context of the individual’s mind, body, spirit, and the wider environment. Chinese Medicine is backed by the ancient wisdom of thousands of years of traditional practice and is often able to resolve complex or chronic health issues that do not respond to Western medicine. 

Here are some of the key reasons why Chinese Medicine works so effectively.

Chinese medicine treats the issue holistically

While most Western treatments will focus exclusively on the area where symptoms are showing (e.g. the eye), Chinese medicine aims to treat the overall systematic issue underlying these symptoms, based on the understanding that no part of the body functions in isolation. This may involve integrating multiple types of treatment aimed at restoring balance to different systems within the mind, body, and spirit. 

Chinese medicine creates long-lasting effects 

While many Western medicines can work instantly but have short-term benefits only, Chinese medicines may take longer to work but they work on a deeper, more holistic level which results in long-term improvements. For example, while Western medicine for a cold may instantly suppress cold symptoms without helping to resolve the virus, Chinese medicine works to strengthen the overall immune system, helping reduce the duration of the cold.

Chinese medicine treats the root cause of illness

While many Western medicines are designed to treat the symptoms of illness, Chinese medicine aims to treat the root cause. This means it not only works more effectively, but it can also help to prevent the reoccurrence of the issue, leading to better long-term health.

Chinese medicine is tailored to individual needs

A Chinese Medicine practitioner will assess an individual’s symptoms and unique attributes in order to create a personalised formula for them. This means two patients presenting with the same illness will be provided with two different treatments, personalised to their unique needs. Usually, the formula will also be further refined based on an individual’s response to the treatment. This individualised approach means that the treatment is more effective and less likely to produce any negative side effects. 

Chinese Medicine is recognised as an extremely effective way to treat a wide range of illnesses and diseases of the body, mind, and spirit. It works so well because of its holistic approach which is backed by thousands of years of use. Chinese Medicine aims to treat the root cause of illnesses, taking a personalised and holistic approach to produce long-lasting effects without negative side effects.

Interested in becoming a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine? The Sydney Institute of Chinese Medicine offers a Bachelor of TCM that is fully accredited by the CMBA in all 3 divisions (Acupuncture, Herbal Dispensing and Herbal Medicine). Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment at our teaching clinic where we offer various Chinese medicine treatments.