Traditional or Classical Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

 

 In the chinese language they don't distinguish between Classical and Traditional Chinese medicine, it's all zhongyao, chinese medicine, that differers from xiyao, western medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine, abbreviated TCM as well as Classical Chinese medicine originates from the same philosophy of energy as the ideal of cultivating life. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese massage (tuina), qigong and taijiquan are aspects of the traditional medicine. Chinese medicine views man as a complex system of energies. Energies are however not stagnant; they are constantly changing. In order that we shall be able to preserve our health and harmony, the different systems of energy, yin and yang, must be balanced in the body, as well as the five phases, fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

When a patient arrives to the clinic of a TCM-doctor, an investigation is first made, a diagnosis by means of which one finds out which imbalances in the energy systems are causing the symptoms. Thereafter, one attempts to restore the energy balance with the aid of naturopathy, acupuncture or massage. All patients are hence given an individual treatment. Even though different patients may suffer from the same symptoms, say insomnia, they are treated differently, in accordance with their individual diagnosis.



Acupuncture is used to treat a number of different illnesses and discomforts, such as, for example:

- Fatigue, burnout, depression and insomnia;

- Nervous problems;

- Menstrual and menopausal discomforts;

- Indigestion and other problems with digestion;

- Ache in the body, such as fibromyalgia, ache in back and neck and rheumatic pains;

- Colds, sinusitis, recurrent infections and impaired immune system;

- Pains in nerves, shingles, trigeminus neuralgia and face paralysis;

- Migraine and headaches;

- Allergies, asthma, eczema and other skin problems;

- Overweight

- Help to quit smoking

The traditional Chinese naturopathy avails itself of herbs, minerals and sometimes parts of animals, such as the shell of the cicada and the deer horn. Most Western acupuncturists and practitioners of Chinese medicine prefer, however, to use only substances from the vegetable kingdom and minerals.