Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back to before the 21st century BC. With over thousands of years of practice and development, Chinese medicine possesses a unique and integrated theory. It is a complete medicine system. More and more research of modern medicine proves that Chinese medicine has distinctive effects on most forms of ill heath.
There are many side effects caused by taking antibiotics, steroids, painkillers and other synthetic chemical drugs for long period or at high dosage. Today, people are looking for an alternative way to get fit and healthy. More and more people in Western countries use and prefer Chinese medicine. It is estimated that a quarter of the world’s population currently use Chinese medicine all around the world. In the United Kingdom, Chinese medicine has become the most popular complementary medicine. Almost half the population, 47% of those surveyed, have used or would consider the use of complementary medicine. According to the recent news on TV and radio, the NHS is now considering using Chinese medicine to help some problems: pain, Asthma, Eczema, etc. and to reduce the waiting list due to the shortage of doctors.
The fundamental principle of Chinese medicine is that the human body is considered as a whole system. The balance of Yin –Yang (life forces) in a human body is the basic condition of human health, and thus the imbalance of Yin and Yang by any means will result in ill health. The purpose of Chinese medicine treatments is to analyse all symptoms and experiences of patients while taking into account age, sex, life style, physical and emotional traits and as well as other aspects of an individual. An overall picture of the patient is then set up. The medical treatment is to rebalance Yin and Yang in human body rather than to just treat symptoms.
The medical materials of Chinese medicine are natural plants and minerals. Compared to chemical synthetic drugs, Chinese medicine is safer and has fewer side effects.
Today, a well-trained practitioner not only uses the traditional way of diagnosis, but is also able to use other approaches integrated with conventional western medicine.
Chinese medicine has three basic forms of treatment – Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy and Acupressure. Chinese medicine treats both acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all age groups from young babies to the elderly and even pregnant women
According to the theory of Chinese medicine, the human being has 14 meridians or channels. They form a network that carries and passes all information and Qi (energy) in the body. It believes that Qi can be enhanced, improved and nourished. On these meridians, there are many points (pressure points) that have important functions. Each point may be considered as a switch that controls energy flow. Direct causes of some illnesses are due to some switches being out of control, such that Qi (energy) is blocked.
The principles of Acupuncture are to adjust and repair those switches and to bring the energy flow under control, and thus cure illness. Practitioners (acupuncturists) apply sterile, single-use needles to pressure points to repair these switches according to principles of Chinese medicine and the patient’s conditions.
Acupuncture is virtually painless. However, as a rule, it is better to produce a little sensation to achieve improvement, but some people feel nothing at all. Oddly enough, many people find that Acupuncture makes them feel relaxed and happy. Acupuncture is also associated with Massage, Moxibustion, Acupressure and Cupping, which are almost painless manipulations. After acupuncture, patients will feel relaxed or even slightly sleepy so it is not advisable for patients to undertake anything strenuous for a few hours afterwards.
Chinese Herbal therapy
Chinese Herbal Therapy is an important treatment in Chinese medicine. It was largely unexplored outside China until this decade. There are over 400 Chinese herbs suitable for use in the United Kingdom as they have well-documented and understood functions. Chinese herbs are said to balance the Yin-Yang (life forces) to regulate internal organs and to enhance the immune system. Much research, however, has shown that function groups of some herbal combinations have the same effects as chemical synthetic drugs, such as killing bacteria, restraining viruses, relieving fever, stopping pain, balancing the hormones, reducing glucose level in blood, etc. Herbal treatment includes: dry herbs to be taken as tea, in tablet and capsule format as well as powders, creams and lotions for external use. With or without acupuncture, Chinese herbs can be powerful therapy. The effectiveness of using Chinese medicine, however, depends heavily on the experience and qualifications of the practitioner and on his/her understanding of patient’s health conditions
Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal therapy 
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