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TCM History and Diagnosis A Brief History There was a time when Traditional Chinese Medicine was dismissed by Western doctors, many of whom still say there is no scientific proof it works. Most of the massive data supporting TCM comes from clinical observation. Dr. Mui ICTCM, Victoria founder, insists there is plenty of scientific data, "but not enough interest from Western doctors to seek it out." For example, a 1985 French study proved by using radioactive tracers that the acupuncture meridians essential to TCM theory actually exist. Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese MedicineWhen making a diagnosis, doctors of TCM are concerned with the whole person. They focus on physical and psychological characteristics as key indicators of health and disease. Included in this procedure are tongue and pulse diagnoses, coupled with a detailed history of signs and symptoms. From this, the physician pieces together a pattern of disharmony which is used to formulate a diagnosis and tailor a treatment specifically to the individual. TCM not only alleviates symptoms, but also directs its attention to treating the underlying causes of disease - thus returning the body, mind and spirit to a balanced state. The Four Main Disciplines of Traditional
Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is the stimulation of acupoints and energy channels to move Qi and blood. The Chinese believe that the body's energy, or chi, flows along pathways called meridians. Illness occurs when the cycle of chi is stalled or blocked. Acupuncture, the placing of fine sterile needles into specific points on the body, redirects the flow of chi and restores balance. "Acupuncture is the right hand of the TCM doctors," says Dr. Mui, "Herbology is the left hand. He must know both hands very well." Acupuncture regulates Qi, nourishes organs and tissues and benefits the spirit and calms the mind. It is very effective in the treatment of pain disorders. Scalp acupuncture is particularly effective in treating paralysis and numbness, motor skills dysfunction and mental disorders. Sometimes a treatment may require the insertion of intradermal needles or tacks embedded under the surface of the skin for a few days. Points are usually located on the ear, back or limbs to permit ease of mobility. Moxibustion is a method whereby moxa pink (or other herbs) is burned above or on the skin at acupuncture points. The heat warms the Qi and blood in the channels and is therefore useful in the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. Moxibustion can be used separately or as an accompaniment with acupuncture. Loose moxa wool can be shaped into cones or compressed into moxa sticks. The sticks or cones are lit and burnt close to the skin and acupuncture points. The wool can also be applied to the sterile filiform needles used for acupuncture and lit in order to use the technique called "warming needle". Cupping is a method of treating disease by causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in the jars, usually by means of heat, which are then applied to the skin, drawing up the underlying tissues and forming blood stasis. This method is utilized in treating consumptive and rheumatic diseases. Single cups may be applied on smaller areas and several cups to a wider region. The cups may be moved over large flat areas and herbal preparations may be used with the cupping technique. Tui Na (Chinese Massage) is a method of treating disease by manipulation of the skin, muscle, tissues, tendons and joints through various massage techniques. Herbal prescriptions are recommended in the treatment of various diseases and may be used separately or in conjunction with acupuncture. The most commonly prescribed herbal remedies are herbal teas consisting of a variety of raw Chinese herbs, Chinese herbal patent pills, herbal creams, plasters, poultices, ointments and salves. |
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