Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
The history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years. Refined over the centuries, TCM is a unique system of diagnosing and curing illness that is fundamentally different from Western medicine. Based on Daoist philosophy and its holistic understanding of the natural order of the universe, TCM focuses on restoring harmony and balance to the human body.
Understanding TCM
How do ancient Daoist theories relate to medicine? In TCM, the order found in the natural world also applies to the human body. TCM views the body as an organic whole, comprised of organs and tissues connected through a network of channels and blood vessels. The body’s vital energy or qi (chi) circulates to all the organs. When an imbalance or interruption of qi leads to illness, TCM treatments aim to restore its healthy flow.
What Do TCM Doctors Do?
Doctors of TCM focus on the whole person. We look at physical and psychological characteristics as key indicators of health and disease. This may include checking the tongue and pulse, and obtaining a detailed history of signs and symptoms. From this, we can formulate a diagnosis and tailor a treatment to your needs. TCM not only alleviates symptoms, but also aims to treat the underlying causes of disease in order to restore body, mind and spirit to a balanced state.
What is a TCM Treatment?
Typical TCM therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine and qigong exercises. Acupuncture is applied externally and works by stimulating specific areas of the body. Herbal medicine, on the other hand, acts internally on the organs, while qigong exercise aims to restore the healthy flow of qi.
Is TCM a Recognized Practice?
Since 1996, TCM has been officially recognized and regulated by the B.C. government. To practice in B.C., TCM doctors must be registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia. The College ensures that practitioners meet and maintain rigorous standards of care.
