What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete, holistic
medical system. It is not limited to any particular disorder or symptoms.
TCM originated thousands of years ago, and includes:
- Acupuncture:
the insertion of fine needles at designated acupuncture points.
- Cupping: the placement of glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the
skin with a
vacuum.
- Moxa: the burning of an herb called mugwort, on
or near an acupuncture point.
- Plum blossum or seven star: the
light tapping
of an area of the body with a small sterile hammer which has seven
points.
- Acupressure: massage technique utilizing the acupuncture points and
meridians.
- Gua Sha: rubbing the surface of the skin with a ceramic spoon or
coin.
- Chinese Herbal Medicine.
- Qi Gong: exercises to balance the qi. Tai Qi is
one form of Qi Gong.
- Meditation.
- Medical Qi Gong, the use of
subtle ways to access qi, including visualisations.
- Nutritional advice based upon TCM philosophy.
Most Acupuncturists are trained in some combination of the above methods,
and
may also use newer techniques or modalities that are not of Chinese origin.
For a good introduction to the basic theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
read Voices of Qi: An Introductory Guide to Traditional Chinese
Medicine by Alex Holland and The Web
That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk. Please see the recommended reading list for further
recommendations.