UNDERSTANDING
TCM MODALITIES
Traditional
Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has a history spanning thousands of years.
Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic is the earliest TCM classic. In the first chapter, it pointed out "...in ancient times, those who knew the Tao followed the running law of all things between heaven and earth. They ate sparingly, led regular daily life, didn't over work, so they kept
good form and spirit both till they past over 100 years old."
.....上古之人，其知道者，法于阴阳，和于术数，饮食有节，起居有常，不妄劳作，故以形与神俱，而尽终其天年，度百岁乃去。
TCM is not only an applied medicine, it is also a philosophy with profound wisdom. It emphasizes the theory that "man is an integral part of nature". The path towards longevity is to lead a Yin/Yang balanced lifestyle, and health-preservation is considered superior than seeing a doctor.
Ancient Chinese people discovered acupuncture meridians and points through Qi Gong and medical experimentation. Meridians are the pathways that carry Qi and blood and connect body surface and internal organs. Acupuncture is to needle specific points on meridians, sometimes points not on meridians, to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.
The aim of acupuncture is not only to alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat underlying causes and improve the quality of life.
Click for a list of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved, through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment.
TCM
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Moxibustion a.k.a. moxa is processed from herb mugwort. Burning moxa on particular points on the body to generate deep-penetrating heat, to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi plays an important role in the traditional medical system of China. In fact the use of acupuncture and moxibustion often goes hand in hand, which can be manifested by the Chinese word “针灸”. “针” means acupuncture, and “灸” means moxibustion.
Using a small flame to deplete the oxygen air in a thick glass cup and creating a suction when applying the cup to the patient's body. It is one of the oldest therapies. Fire cupping brings extraordinary relief from muscle aches and stiffness. This therapy can improve circulation, boost immune system, stimulate energy flow and better overall health.
Click for more information about cupping.
Fire
Cupping
Gua Sha
Gua Sha a.k.a. Scraping is practised by using a round edged instrument to press, rub and scrape parts of the body to stimulate circulation and promote healing. This motion has the effect of raising small red or purple petechiae, or Sha (痧）, to the surface of the skin. This Sha is an indication of pathogenic blood or Qi stagnation, which is a possible cause of pain, stiffness, cough and congestion, amongst other health issues.
Tuina, Chinese medical massage, and Acupressure both follow TCM meridian theory to diagnose and blend elements of massage and reflexology to release body from obstruction by applying manual manipulation. The authentic traditional Tuina practised in China serves a combination of chiropractic and massage. Chinese Tuina practitioners deal with structural issues.
There are many other techniques that an acupuncturist may employ, such as electrical stimulation of needles, fire needle acupuncture, scalp and auricular acupuncture, face rejuvenation, bloodletting, bloodletting cupping etc, depending on individual patient's condition.
