Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known as well as Chinese Medicine, is the denomination given to a group of practices in which are included Acupuncture, Auriculotherapy, Chinese Dietetics, Moxibustion, Phytotherapy, Qi Gong and Tui Na. The TCM is mainly used as an alternative medicine, with complementary character – and not a substitute – of the conventional medicine.
This ancient medicine includes as principles the study of the relation of yin/yang, the five elements theory and the circulation system of the energy (Qi). Based on its theoretical principles, it evaluates the patient’s condition using a differential diagnosis.
Both the diagnosis and treatment are particularly directed to each individual; the therapist does not treat the symptoms alone but aims to treat the pathological condition of the patient, bearing in mind its main complaints, physical and psychological needs.
The main objective is to determine the root/ origin of the disease with the purpose of eliminating the associated symptomatology and restore the body homeostasis promoting a state of health and well-being.
Acupuncture – the terminology originates from the latin words acus (needle) and punctura (puncture). It is a clinical procedure which consists in the insertion of disposable metallic needles with a very thin structure into specific points of the acupuncture meridians with the goal of re-establishing the natural energy flow (designated as “Qi”). This technique is used for four thousand years by the Chinese and other Asian people with the objective of restore, promote and maintain the state of good health.
Auriculotherapy – the auricular points are defined as connection points to internal organs, meridians, tissue, limbs and bones and can be used for both diagnose or treatment of diseases. Any dermatological alteration at the auricular surface as well as pain sensation to the pressure can be used as complementary diagnosis method.
Chinese Dietetics – the prevention of diseases in Chinese Medicine depends of maintaining the balance of the yin and yang which, on the other hand, depends on the quality of the ingested food, especially when we aim to treat a pathological condition. It is crucial to know the properties and actions of the food, from the flavour perspective, and its effects on each organ and meridian of the body. It is equally important to be familiarized with the cooking methods that are adequate to each type of food having also in consideration the season and the disease.
Moxibustion – It is one of the main techniques of TCM. It consists, succinctly, in the heat application over points or areas, which can or cannot be common to the regular acupoints. This methodology uses a plant named Artemisia sinensis which has excellent healing properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, antimicrobial and sedative.
Phytotherapy – this is the therapeutics intervention through the usage of herbs and plants. It has been known in China for about three thousand years, when books were written on parchments, turtle shell and silk. A Phythotherapy formula may be composed by several plants with the purpose to treat the symptoms as well as the causal energy imbalance of the disease.
Qi Gong –literally means “work the energy”. This millennial practice consists in a perfect harmony between breathing, movement, consciousness and meditative ability. The Qi Gong combines postural techniques, breathing techniques and mental focus to direct the Qi during the exercise. The Medical Qi Gong it’s one of the recommended therapeutics to treat several disorders having already scientific studies published reporting great results which prove its efficacy on the overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Tui Na – it means press, push (Tui) and take, grab (Na).
This methodology is one of the most ancient of TCM and uses massage techniques which aim to stimulate acupoints or areas, with the goal of balancing the energy flow on the meridians, to correct physiological imbalances. This technique should also be applied in muscular disorders and, in some cases, osteoarticular diseases. This therapeutics is widely used in children with very satisfactory results.