Traditional Chinese Medicine
The roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reaches back over 4000 years to the history and culture of ancient China. Nevertheless, TCM is practiced alongside conventional medicine as a complementary form of health care in China today. TCM has attained interest and appreciation also in the western world due to its natural healing methods and holistic view of the human body.
TCM vies the human being as an energetic entity, which is an inseparable part of nature and constantly undergoing changes. According to TCM, a human being - alike the rest of the universe - is a manifestation of energy which is called Qi. This energy is divided into two complementary forces, Yin and Yang. In order to maintain a balance between the Yin and Yang energies, a person must follow the natural rhythm of nature as well as have moderation in all aspects of life; work, exercise, rest, nutrition, emotions, sexuality and so on. If for some reason the balance is disturbed, the flow of Qi is blocked. The symptoms caused by the blockage of Qi can over time develop into chronic conditions and serious illnesses. Genetics also have a part in chronic diseases, but there are always factors that affect the patients quality of life and development of the condition. Ideally, TCM is used as a preventative health care method, since even slight symptoms are signals of imbalance in the body. According to TCM, health is not just only a condition that lacks symptoms, but rather a state of well being, clarity and calmness of mind. Understanding the human being as a combination of body and mind is distinctive to TCM; a human being should not be divided into parts and observed in isolation from other phenomena.
During the first therapy session, the therapist makes a extensive inquiry to the patient. According to the information gathered, the therapist defines the condition and syndrome of the patient. Observing the patients pulse and tongue are essential parts of the diagnosis. With these methods, the therapist clarifies the current condition of the patient at the beginning of each therapy session and performs a treatment according to each individual situation. The therapy methods are also determined according to the diagnosis; the therapist can use acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal treatments, Tuina-massage, Gua Sha, dry or micro cupping or acuhammer(!?). Dietary advice and lifestyle guidance are an important part of the treatment. Therefore, the effectiveness of the treatment and the process of healing are partially dependent on the patients devotion and responsibility.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient healthcare method that has been used throughout the history to heal various conditions and illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a list of over 400 ailments that can be treated successfully with acupuncture and herbs. Some of the most common ailments are mentioned below:
- Respiratory infections, astma, allergies, skin rashes and other skin problems
- Headache, migraine, dizziness, high and low blood pressure, many eye and ear diseases
- Rheumatism and other joint inflammations, back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, neck and shoulder pain and stiffness, trigeminal neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, hemiplegia, bell's palsy
- Insomnia, tiredness, depression, anxiety, memory problems
- Lack of appetite, digestion problems, constipation, loose stools, irritable colon syndrome, overweight and underweight, edema, diabetes
- Gynecological problems, morning sickness, infertility, impotence, urinary problems
- Dependencies on tobacco, alcohol, drugs and medicines
TCM can even be used to cure conditions or illnesses that are not acknowledged by modern medicine. However, in more serious cases a patient is suggested to seek help from conventional doctors. In such a case, TCM treatments can be done to enhance the patients general condition and support the healing process.
The frequency and number of treatments is case-specific, but generally it can be assumed that the longer the illness has been present, the more treatments it takes to cure. It is recommended to have a series of treatments done at first, and in the case of chronic conditions it is beneficial to maintain health with regular monthly treatments.
Further Information (in Finnish)
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