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Traditional Chinese medicine

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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has
been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 2,000 years.
TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang, defined as opposing energies, such
as earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness. When
yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized. Out of balance,
however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.

Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or energy, known as qi

(pronounced "chee"), in every body. For yin and yang to be balanced and for
the body to be healthy, qi must be balanced and flowing freely. When there is
too little or too much qi in one of the body's energy pathways, called
meridians, or when the flow of qi is blocked, it causes illness.

The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance yin and yang by promoting
the natural flow of qi. In an interesting analogy, often used to explain its
nature, qi is described as the wind in a sail, we do not see the wind directly,
but we are aware of its presence as it fills the sail.

What is the history of TCM?

The first writings about TCM date back to 200 BCE. Herbal medicine and
acupuncture, including theory, practice, diagnosis, and treatment, were
recorded in classical Chinese texts and refined over many centuries.

The practice of TCM stayed in Asia for centuries. Chinese immigrants had been
practicing TCM in the United States since the mid-19th century, but its
existence was unknown to most Americans before 1971. That year, New York
Times reporter James Reston, who was in China covering former President
Nixon's trip, had to have an emergency appendix operation. After the
operation he received acupuncture for pain, and his stories about this
experience with TCM fascinated the public. Since then, TCM has gone on to
become a mainstream alternative medicine practiced all over the world.

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use of its therapeutic modalities, TCM stimulates the body's own healing
mechanisms. Practices used in TCM include:
Acupuncture and acupressure
Moxibustion, burning an herb near the skin
Herbal medicine
Nutrition
Chinese massage, called tui na
Exercise, such as tai chi and qi gong which combine movement with
meditation

In TCM, the body's internal organs are thought of not only as individual
structures but also as complex networks. According to TCM, qi flows through
organ systems, the kidneys, heart, spleen, liver, lung, gallbladder, small
intestine, and large intestine, by way of meridians. Despite their specific
names, these 5 systems correspond to more than individual body parts. The
kidney, for example, represents the entire urinary system along with the
adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. The heart, meanwhile,
represents both the heart and the brain.

What should I expect on my first visit?

The TCM practitioner will ask you questions about your medical history and do
a physical exam to look for signs of imbalance. The TCM practitioner will
examine your skin, tongue, and hair, as well as other parts of your body, from
the brightness of your eyes to the color of your nails, and check 6 pulses on
each of your wrists. The practitioner will also listen to your voice to assess
your shen (spirit), and will work to determine if one or more of your organ
networks are affected. The practitioner then tries to correct imbalances in your
body by providing a combination of the therapies discussed above.

What is TCM good for?

Over the centuries, TCM has been used to treat countless conditions. Western
scientists are still studying its effectiveness for various diseases. For serious
conditions, make sure you are working with a conventional doctor along with a
TCM practitioner. Always let everyone on your health care team know about
any medicines, herbs, or supplements you are taking. Some of the conditions
for which TCM is known to be helpful include:
Obesity
Diabetes and its complications, such as retinopathy (damage to the retina
located in the back of the eye)
High cholesterol
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Male and female fertility disorders
Alzheimer disease
Parkinson disease
Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome
Recurrent cystitis, inflammation of the bladder
Nausea and vomiting
Heart disease

TCM may also be an effective treatment for the following ailments:

Allergies
Asthma
Cancer, especially colorectal cancer
Stroke
Sinusitis
Addictions
Pain, including childbirth and abdominal
Menopausal symptoms
Osteoporosis
Infections (respiratory, bladder, vaginal)
Sleep problems
Stress
Constipation
Diabetic neuropathy
Epilepsy

Is there anything I should watch out for?

You should not take Chinese herbs without supervision, especially if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding. Chinese herbal products, particularly those
manufactured outside of the United States, are often poorly labeled, and
important information may be missing. Some Chinese herbal products contain
drugs not listed on their labels. For example, some Chinese herbal creams that
are used to treat eczema contain steroid medications. Also, be on the alert for
Chinese herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid. This acid, derived from
an herb, has been linked to cases of kidney failure, and even cancer. Also,
some Chinese herbs have been reported to contain heavy metals, such as

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herbal medicine accounts for almost 22% of total injuries.

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and get the latest COVID-19 Info (https://www.mountsinai.org/about/covid19).
A trained and certified TCM practitioner can identify herbs that are safe to
take. The practitioner should also explain the potential side effects of the
herbs they prescribe. Always tell your doctor about any herbs or supplements
you are taking.

How can I find a qualified TCM practitioner?

The following organizations can help you locate a qualified practitioner in your
area:
The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine --
www.aaaomonline.org
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine -- www.nccaom.org
The Institute of Traditional Medicine -- www.itmonline.org

What is the future for TCM?

There are more than 50 Oriental medicine training programs in the United
States. Future research studies and clinical trials on TCM are needed to find
out exactly how it works, and its effectiveness, safety, and cost.

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