What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
|
Originations and Current Trends
TCM Anatomy (Qi):
|
TCM Diagnosis:
The appropriate treatment method(s) for a specific patient are selected on the basis of information gathered by TCM diagnostic techniques. This information is then interpreted according to TCM principles about physiology, health and illness. The results guide the use of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and Chinese Herbal Medicine. TCM treats the entire range of human illness. It does not, however, cure the entire range of illness. Such a claim is inaccurate for any form of medicine. A diagnosis of conditions by a TCM Practitioner relies on a combination of several methods: the interview, tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, visual diagnosis, listening diagnosis, and smelling diagnosis.
The Interview: “The exterior reflects the interior.” This is the guiding principle in diagnosis in TCM. Practitioners of TCM utilize many parts of the body which are directly accessible by touch or sight. Since the balance of the whole organism is the basis of the medicine, an effective diagnosis will account for the condition of all parts (and their relationships) of the body. This requires gathering enough information to understand the context of the person. Listening to both what is said and how it’s said are of primary importance. The initial examination is thus very thorough and includes an extensive interview. A first session should account for ample time to complete this process.
Tongue Diagnosis: Tongue diagnosis dates to the Shang Dynasty which began c.1600 B.C. and ended c.1000. Throughout the time since it has evolved into a very important tool of diagnosis. The tongue is considered to be an exterior part of the body because it's in almost constant contact with the air - the exterior. This is certainly different from the American view, but extremely productive. A TCM practitioner, in his mind’s eye, will “overlay” the tongue with several different maps (below). Each map is shaped by the diagnostic model or system which it represents.
The practitioner examines the general and local shape of the tongue, as well as the color of both the tongue’s body and coat. A healthy tongue will be pink (like a kitten or puppy’s tongue) and moist with a thin clear or white coat. Some signs of imbalance or pathology within the body are identified through the imbalances of the tongue.
Pulse diagnosis:The oldest known book to focus specifically on pulse diagnosis is The Pulse Classic, by Dr. Wang Shu-He, which dates to sometime in the first century C.E. It is a compilation of pulse knowledge, and it is succinctly worded but still over 350 pages in length. Pulses are felt at the inside of the wrist where the hand and arm meet. More precisely the first pulse is at the wrist crease on the radial side of the medial aspect of the forearm. The other two are just proximal (toward the elbow) to the first. 
In addition to three positions there are three depths. Together they total nine places with valuable diagnostic information on each wrist. There are twenty-eight qualities of pulse which a practitioner must be alert for. Different combinations of pulses also have diagnostic significance. The number of possibilities allows fine distinctions in interpreting the gathered information.
Many in the profession consider pulse-reading an art that demands assiduous study and innate talent. Certainly the skill of a practitioner who can tell a patient’s lifetime medical history from pulse-reading is not common. Study and talent are both factors contributing to the efficacy, but their proportions differ from person to person. Contrary to myth, a practitioner need not have spent twenty years in apprenticeship in order to make productive use of pulse-reading.
Visual Diagnosis: This method dates from at least 300 - 500 BC. Visual characteristics are mentioned in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. The practitioner observes the entire body. The most general criterion for significance is abnormality. Raises and depressions in places that there should not be are significant. Dry or damp patches mean imbalance. Facial colors other than healthy pink are a sign of imbalance. General and local color are also important. There are also systems of correspondence between the face and other parts of the body. For example, one system associates the major regions of the face with the organs; the heart is reflected by the forehead and the kidneys are reflected by the chin. Another system uses the area surrounding the eyes and yet another is based on regions on the eye itself.
Listening Diagnosis: This method is also mentioned in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. The practitioner listens to the respiration and voice; both are a reflection of the lung functions and the state of the Qi. A strong voice indicates a healthy amount of Qi, and a weak voice indicates Qi deficiency. Smooth as opposed to halting speech or inability to speak at all reflects the heart or liver condition. The Five Element qualities shouting-laughing-singing-crying-groaning all give strong signs about the balance of the elements Smelling Diagnosis: The presence and qualities of odors from the person are also indicative of imbalance. There are four types that are commonly of interest to the practitioner: body scent, breath, stool odor, urine odor. Particularly strong or repulsive odors signify Heat or Fire. The lack of odor when there should be an odor signifies Cold. |
TCM Methods of Treatment
The practice of TCM can produce tangible results from the intangible. The results are produced by the balance within the body. This balance is achieved by adherence to the recognition of Qi and the Five Element Theory.Qi or Chi (pronounced chee) is a difficult concept to translate. It’s usually left un-translated because there is no single English word that conveys all parts of the Chinese concept. The word that comes closest is energy. Qi can be destroyed, only changed in form. Everything is composed of Qi; our bodies, the earth, water, sound, light. The Nei Jing - The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (c.500BC) says “There is no place that Qi is not.” Qi flows throughout the body in currents or conduits called channels or meridians. There are fourteen meridians and these possess the most commonly used acupuncture points. Twelve of these channels connect to an organ from which they derive their name.
The Five Element Theory is another powerful tool of analysis and organization in TCM. Through both observation and theorizing, numerous correspondences were discovered. Things as diverse as compass directions, taste, human organs, sounds, grains, emotions, animals, and stages of growth were found to have something in common. They were associated in discernible patterns; The Five Elements Theory was derived from this. The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. It is the balance of these elements that the TCM practitioner is aware of and seeks to enhance.
There is an array of treatments that a TCM practitioner may choose based on the diagnosis and assessment of a given pathology. Using Five Element Theory and knowledge of Qi and its affect on the body, the practitioner can administer treatment. Primarily, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and Chinese Herbal Medicine are used by the practitioner - depending on the pathology and the severity of that condition.
Acupuncture: The procedure of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into various points on the body along the meridians.
Moxibustion: The procedure that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to treat a given pathology. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. There are two types of moxibustion: direct and indirect. In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. Although moxibustion has been safely used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it is not for everyone. Only a qualified TCM practitioner should administer moxibustion.
Cupping: Cupping refers to an ancient practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using a change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held inside the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (this technique is called gliding cupping).
Chinese Herbal Medicine: one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Yet, throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge. Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China, and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does acupuncture or moxibustion hurt? There may be some discomfort or when acupuncture or moxibustion is administered, however pain is not common.
How do I choose a TCM Practitioner? Choose a practitioner TCM in the same way you choose any complimentary healthcare provider; carefully. Your TCM practitioner will need much personal information from you to be effective. A TCM practitioner performs invasive procedures and prescribes substances to take into your body. Proper education and certifications should be sought.
What is the cost of TCM treatments at Rē? The initial assessment and treatment is $100. Further discussion of cost can be discussed at the time of treatment and as a treatment plan is developed.
How do herbs differ from Western medicine? Chinese herbal formulas tend to be much gentler than western medicines. They work not only to help relieve symptoms but also to help return the body to balance and equilibrium. Unlike Western medications, herbal formulas can be customized for the individual and are often modified as treatment continues to meet the changing needs of the body.
Can I take Chinese herbs while on medication? It is usually safe to take Chinese herbs with Western medications. However, it depends on the medications you are taking - some herbs have interactions with certain medications. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is important to bring a complete list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you are taking to your initial acupuncture appointment. This is also a consideration when choosing a TCM Practitioner. An extensive knowledge of pharmacology is essential.
How quickly can I expect to feel better? TCM is a natural medicine that is assisting your body to make changes. This can be a gradual process. Some patients may experience dramatic results with just one or two treatments, but most see results build over several treatments. In general, most people experience better energy and a feeling of well being after the first treatment.
How often should I be treated? Treatment depends on the duration, severity and nature of the condition being treated - a customized treatment plan will be created for you at your first appointment. An acute condition may only need two to three treatments, while chronic conditions may take many treatments to help resolve. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over time for maintenance.
Capabilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of health care founded on oriental views of the universe and it’s models of existence such as Yin and Yang, Qi/energy, or the 5 Elements. The appropriate treatment method(s) for a specific patient are selected on the basis of information gathered by Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques. This information is then interpreted according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles about physiology, health and illness. The results guide the use of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Oriental Medicine treats the entire range of human illness. It does not, however, cure the entire range of illness. Such a claim is inaccurate for any form of medicine. The following list gives a sample of the capabilities of traditional chinese medicine. It is drawn from three major textbooks published and used in China’s traditional medical college system and in the American schools of Oriental Medicine.
Western Diseases Treated by Oriental Medicine in Present-day China
Note: In the source texts these diseases are differentiated according to TCM. For example, the single western disease asthma could be due to Lung Qi Deficiency, or Kidneys Not Grasping Qi, or Wind-Heat Invasion of the Lungs, or Phelgm-Damp Obstructing the Lungs.
Syncope, sunstroke, common cold, asthma, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, constipation, prolapse of rectum, edema, nocturnal enuresis, urinary disturbance, retention of urine, impotence, insomnia, palpitation, manic-depressive disorder, epilepsy, dizziness, headache, melancholia, deviation of eye and mouth, pain, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, morbid leucorrhea, morning sickness, prolapse of uterus, urticaria, erysipelas, boil, breast abscess, intestinal abscess, goiter, sprain and contusion, deafness, tinnitus, epistaxis, toothache, sore throat, optic atrophy, tiredness, myalgic encephalomyelitis, allergic rhinitis, Parkinson’s disease, atrophy syndrome, multiple sclerosis, PMS, infectious hepatitis, bronchitis, frostbite, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, chronic heart failure, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypothyroidism, arthritis, facial paralysis, paraplegia, cerebrovascular accident, hysteria, schizophrenia, mastitis, intestinal obstruction, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infection, prostatitis, spermatorrhea, carpal tunnel syndrome, myopia, malpositioned fetus, insufficient lactation, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, glomerulonephritis, urinary calculus, gastroduodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, neurodermatitis,
SOURCES:
Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion,
Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, China.
Acupuncture, A Comprehensive Text,
Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine,
Eastland Press, Seattle.
The Practice of Chinese Medicine - The Treatment of Disease with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs,
Giovanni Maciocia,
Churchill Livingstone, London, England
The English-Chinese Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine Volume 10, Internal Medicine;
Higher Education Press, Beijing.