Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a type of alternative medicine known for its natural therapy and focuses on the internal balances within the body. Over centuries old, traditional Chinese medicine is slowly gaining popularity in the western world, with many of its forms being practised both professionally and recreationally.
Keep reading to find out a few of the most common and popular traditional Chinese medicines and whether or not they may be right for you!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine with a long history, known for targeting imbalances between yin and yang energies within the body. It also aims to help with qi (energy) flow within patients’ bodies. It involves the insertion of fine needles into certain points of the body said to stimulate qi flow and improve blood circulation. The needles are only inserted into the subdermal layers of the skin.
Acupuncture is usually used to treat chronic pains (such as shoulder, neck, knee and back pains) to encourage the body to heal itself from the inside. In some cases, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners may also combine acupuncture with electrotherapy, and use the fine needles to spread small stimulating electric currents through the body. This is believed to help with blood circulation as well.
Cupping
Cupping is a form of massage in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses large cups to apply pressure on the skin – usually on the back. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners will use heat to first sanitise their cups, before placing the heated cups onto specific areas of their patients’ bodies.
As they cool down, the cups will act like a vacuum and gently suck flesh upwards and apply pressure. Through this process, cupping can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation and can be used recreationally as well.
Cupping may be a valuable form of traditional Chinese medicine for those who are experiencing stiffness in their body and want to loosen up, or want to experience a different massage from their usual.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a physical movement exercise designed for both mental and physical health benefits. Similar to yoga, tai chi is a meditative experience, in which individuals will perform a set of movements believed to help with qi flow and improve spirituality. Individuals who perform tai chi may also increase in physical strength, as they will need to hold certain difficult positions for long periods of time.
Tai chi is usually performed by older people, as it is a gentle yet engaging form of exercise. However, younger individuals can also practise it for the sake of their health and for the meditative experience as well.
Are you looking to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine and its abundance of forms? Why not visit your local natural therapy clinic and consult with a qualified and trained TCM practitioner? Learn more about the therapy from the experts themselves and gain a professional opinion on which form of traditional Chinese medicine may suit your health concerns the best!
