TCM Treatment

Acupuncture provides a drug-free treatment and has very few side effects. It assists in the prevention against disease as well as maintenance of wellbeing. Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points along the channels (meridians) on the body, called acu-points. These points are chosen according to the individual’s symptoms and underlying constitution. Stimulating these acu-points clears energy blockages and encourages the normal free-flow of Qi and blood within the body. Acu-points may also be stimulated by other methods including moxibustion, cupping, massage and electro-stimulation.

Moxibustion is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture. It involves the use of moxa, which is dried leaf of the mugwort plant (arteisia vulgaris). Mugwort is herb and is known in Chinese pin yin as ai ye and is used in Chinese herbal preparation for the actions of ‘dispersing cold and alleviating pain.’ Moxibustion is used to remove blockages and stimulated the flow of Qi within the body. Moxibustion warms and relaxes and is sometimes known as ‘the mother’s kiss.’ It is a very effective tool and is used in combination with acupuncture or as an alternative to acupuncture.

Cupping is also used in conjunction with acupuncture. It involves suction cups, which are made of bamboo, glass or plastic, being applied to soft tissue areas such as the shoulders, back and thighs. When the cups are applied, they cause a vacuum effect which can benefit muscular stiffness and tension, cold and flu, sports injuries, back pain and neurological disorders.

Tuina (Chinese remedial massage) is a physical therapy which is beneficial in combination with acupuncture to release blockages and regulate Qi flow. Tuina is often used after acupuncture to increase the circulation to the local area and relax the individual.

Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used successfully for thousands of years and many current research articles support the safety and efficacy of its use.

After a diagnosis has been made, a specific prescription will be formulated according to the individual’s needs. The herbal prescription will be dispensed in the pill, capsule, granule, powder or raw form. Leah from Red Orchid Traditional Chinese Medicine uses carefully selected herbal medicine from mainland China which has been processed into granules form; this is convenient way for the patient to take the herbal medicine. Each individual herbal ingredient is an extract from the raw form and is cooked, carbonized, roasted, processed with honey, wine, vinegar or ginger, according to traditional guidelines, in order to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness. China west granules are used in over 600 hospitals in China. China West granulated herbs meet TGA and GMP standards.

Lifestyle advice may be given to the individual when required. In regards to diet, Sun Ssu-mo was a Taoist physician who believed in food as medicine, wrote in Precious Recipes, 1642,

“A truly good physician first finds out the cause of the illness, and having found that, he first tries to cure it by food. Only when food fails does he prescribe medication.”

This wise statement shows the significance of good food creating good health.

Specific exercises may also be encouraged or discouraged depending on the particular condition and the needs of the individual. Taichi, yoga or more intensive exercise may be recommended, though the Taoist’s often cited deep breathing as the most important element in their daily exercise regime.