What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
The four Foundations
Acupuncture- Herbal Medicine- Tuina/Massage- TaiChi
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a style of medicine that has been practiced and developed for thousands of years in China, and more recently world wide. It is studied within the university system here in New Zealand to ensure that practitioners are fully informed, professional and effective. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes the use of a number of techniques to encourage healing. These techniques include Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Tuina and Qigong/ Tai Chi. TCM has a long and deep history, but just because it is old, it does not mean it is out dated. TCM has continually evolved as new knowledge has surfaced, and grown in to a system of health that is making a valuable contribution to modern medicine.
ACUPUNCTURE
Have you ever found yourself with a headache or a stomach ache and there is one particular site that you find pushing on gives you relief? The meridian system works from a similar principle, however the body has been closely studied to understand the intricate signs and symptoms that are characteristic of imbalance. If these signs and symptoms are treated while they are still a functional problem as opposed to a structural one, TCM has a much quicker result. Prevention is always better than cure. An acupuncture practitioner is trained to look for unhealthy imbalances in the bodies functioning or structure, and to then stimulate organ systems through acupuncture points to regulate or enhance the bodies internal healing system. Thus working with the bodies innate healing system and assessing why it is not functioning optimally.
Acupuncture involves piercing the skin at specific sites to encourage the movement of energy (qi) through what is known as meridians or 'energy pathways.' These meridians are pathways of energy that have been mapped over the body through empirical investigation and experience over thousands of years. This 'energy' includes more material substances such as fluid and blood, but this 'energy could also be considered the precursor to such substances. In other words the bodies intelligence that activates and animates physical matter.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture has a broad range of physiological effects including; analgesic effects, regulation of bodily functions, enhancement of immunity and sedative and psychological effects.
See our page 'World Health Organisation' for further information on the conditions acupuncture can treat.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Traditional chinese herbal remedies have a long and well documented history dating back 3000 years. In 500 AD The Divine Husbandman's Herbal Foundation, the first Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia, was published. This work included substances from plants, animals and minerals with indication of toxicity. The 'Hierarchy Principle' for herbal formulation became common practice after this work. This is a strategy of combining herbs to get a long lasting and effective result. Combining single herbs means that each herb supports the other to ensure that the root of a condition as well as symptoms are mutually treated. There is a complex interdependence of the organs in the body and so a comprehensive herbal strategy is necessary to gain the best result. It also means that harsh properties of certain herbs can be negated by adding herbs that will reduce this effect. Typically a formula consists of between 10 to 20 ingredients.
Traditional Chinese herbs are primarily classified by the 'Five tastes' (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent or salty), the 'Four Natures' (hot, warm, cool and cold) and the organs and meridians they have an effect on. Chinese herbal medicine is gaining recognition for it's strength in dealing with chronic conditions and subclinical conditions. Many formulas are used in everyday situations to help with general good health. Unhealthy signals of the body, such as poor sleep, tiredness, nervousness, decrease of energy levels, lapses in concentration etc, which may not be identified as 'illness,' are often easily covered and treated by Chinese herbs. Modern laboratory techniques have further verified the efficacy of Chinese herbal remedies.
Here at Sun Acupuncture & Herb Clinic we use herbal preparations that come in concentrated and easy to use tablets. The raw herbs are tested using methods such as atomic absoption, high performance liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatic scanning. Any raw materials that dont meet specific standards are rejected. The herbal formulas are processed according to strict procedures that ensure the active ingrediants are cooked and combined in such a way as to keep their properties as best as possible. No animal products are used in our herbal preparations.
For more information see Evergreen Herb website www.evergreenherb.co.nz
TUINA
Tuina is the use of a number of manual hand techniques to diagnose and treat disease. The palpation of the body gives important diagnostic information. The practitioner still uses the diagnostic framework of TCM, but uses their hands as the main tool to adjust the patients body. Tuina techniques can be great for working with muscles, tendons, joint problems, or aches and pains. It also can be used for relaxation or more systemic internal problems where appropriate too.
Musculoskeletal techniques are emphasised at our clinic, and often used in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine for more internal conditions that are affecting the musculoskeletal system. (such as Arthritis, poor circulation, fluid accumulation) Tuina massage is often performed while still wearing clothes, so please wear something loose and comfortable.
TAICHI/QIGONG
T'ai chi ch'uan or Taichi is a type of Chinese martial art. It's slow and graceful movements are great for building strength and balance and for calming the mind. Practitioners of T'ai chi ch'uan may focus on it's application for defense, health, meditation or it's aesthetic quality. There are many styles of T'ai chi Ch'uan and different forms have been adapted according to the needs of the group practicing. In New Zealand an adapted version of T'ai Chi has been taught as part of an ACC 'green prescription' strategy recently to help the elderly to be more mobile and less prone to falls. Some styles require a low stance that builds a lot of strength in the legs and waist, while others focus more on balance and ease of movement. Finding a style that suits your needs will ensure you enjoy T'ai chi and get the most from your practice.
Qigong literally translates to 'energy work.' There are thousands of different Qigong exercises that have developed over the years. Some are practiced to stimulate certain physical organs or processes, while others are more meditative and focus on breath work. This is an extensive and specialised field of knowledge, and along with T'ai chi is a tool for self empowerment in working towards maximum wellbeing. Sun Acupuncture and Herb Clinic does not treat with Qigong and Taichi therapy, but it does come under the umbrella of TCM.
ACUPUNCTURE
Have you ever found yourself with a headache or a stomach ache and there is one particular site that you find pushing on gives you relief? The meridian system works from a similar principle, however the body has been closely studied to understand the intricate signs and symptoms that are characteristic of imbalance. If these signs and symptoms are treated while they are still a functional problem as opposed to a structural one, TCM has a much quicker result. Prevention is always better than cure. An acupuncture practitioner is trained to look for unhealthy imbalances in the bodies functioning or structure, and to then stimulate organ systems through acupuncture points to regulate or enhance the bodies internal healing system. Thus working with the bodies innate healing system and assessing why it is not functioning optimally.
Acupuncture involves piercing the skin at specific sites to encourage the movement of energy (qi) through what is known as meridians or 'energy pathways.' These meridians are pathways of energy that have been mapped over the body through empirical investigation and experience over thousands of years. This 'energy' includes more material substances such as fluid and blood, but this 'energy could also be considered the precursor to such substances. In other words the bodies intelligence that activates and animates physical matter.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture has a broad range of physiological effects including; analgesic effects, regulation of bodily functions, enhancement of immunity and sedative and psychological effects.
See our page 'World Health Organisation' for further information on the conditions acupuncture can treat.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Traditional chinese herbal remedies have a long and well documented history dating back 3000 years. In 500 AD The Divine Husbandman's Herbal Foundation, the first Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia, was published. This work included substances from plants, animals and minerals with indication of toxicity. The 'Hierarchy Principle' for herbal formulation became common practice after this work. This is a strategy of combining herbs to get a long lasting and effective result. Combining single herbs means that each herb supports the other to ensure that the root of a condition as well as symptoms are mutually treated. There is a complex interdependence of the organs in the body and so a comprehensive herbal strategy is necessary to gain the best result. It also means that harsh properties of certain herbs can be negated by adding herbs that will reduce this effect. Typically a formula consists of between 10 to 20 ingredients.
Traditional Chinese herbs are primarily classified by the 'Five tastes' (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent or salty), the 'Four Natures' (hot, warm, cool and cold) and the organs and meridians they have an effect on. Chinese herbal medicine is gaining recognition for it's strength in dealing with chronic conditions and subclinical conditions. Many formulas are used in everyday situations to help with general good health. Unhealthy signals of the body, such as poor sleep, tiredness, nervousness, decrease of energy levels, lapses in concentration etc, which may not be identified as 'illness,' are often easily covered and treated by Chinese herbs. Modern laboratory techniques have further verified the efficacy of Chinese herbal remedies.
Here at Sun Acupuncture & Herb Clinic we use herbal preparations that come in concentrated and easy to use tablets. The raw herbs are tested using methods such as atomic absoption, high performance liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatic scanning. Any raw materials that dont meet specific standards are rejected. The herbal formulas are processed according to strict procedures that ensure the active ingrediants are cooked and combined in such a way as to keep their properties as best as possible. No animal products are used in our herbal preparations.
For more information see Evergreen Herb website www.evergreenherb.co.nz
TUINA
Tuina is the use of a number of manual hand techniques to diagnose and treat disease. The palpation of the body gives important diagnostic information. The practitioner still uses the diagnostic framework of TCM, but uses their hands as the main tool to adjust the patients body. Tuina techniques can be great for working with muscles, tendons, joint problems, or aches and pains. It also can be used for relaxation or more systemic internal problems where appropriate too.
Musculoskeletal techniques are emphasised at our clinic, and often used in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine for more internal conditions that are affecting the musculoskeletal system. (such as Arthritis, poor circulation, fluid accumulation) Tuina massage is often performed while still wearing clothes, so please wear something loose and comfortable.
TAICHI/QIGONG
T'ai chi ch'uan or Taichi is a type of Chinese martial art. It's slow and graceful movements are great for building strength and balance and for calming the mind. Practitioners of T'ai chi ch'uan may focus on it's application for defense, health, meditation or it's aesthetic quality. There are many styles of T'ai chi Ch'uan and different forms have been adapted according to the needs of the group practicing. In New Zealand an adapted version of T'ai Chi has been taught as part of an ACC 'green prescription' strategy recently to help the elderly to be more mobile and less prone to falls. Some styles require a low stance that builds a lot of strength in the legs and waist, while others focus more on balance and ease of movement. Finding a style that suits your needs will ensure you enjoy T'ai chi and get the most from your practice.
Qigong literally translates to 'energy work.' There are thousands of different Qigong exercises that have developed over the years. Some are practiced to stimulate certain physical organs or processes, while others are more meditative and focus on breath work. This is an extensive and specialised field of knowledge, and along with T'ai chi is a tool for self empowerment in working towards maximum wellbeing. Sun Acupuncture and Herb Clinic does not treat with Qigong and Taichi therapy, but it does come under the umbrella of TCM.