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Introduction to TCM

Based on ancient Daoist philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used safely and effectively for a few thousand years to treat a wide variety of ailments and pain. In TCM, the mind and the whole body are treated to rebalance the flow of energy known as "Qi". When that energy is blocked or becomes weak, symptoms can include pain, bloating, headache, palpitations, shortness of breath, constipation, and diarrhea. Many people believe that these symptoms are part of a normal aging process. However, they are actually strong indications of an energy imbalance that can lead to further and more serious diseases.

TCM is very different from the mainstream medical system. For example, if a patient complains of a
headache or migraine, a "western doctor" will simply prescribe a drug for the symptom, while a Doctor
of TCM will start by looking at the whole body to determine the cause. The practitioner will question the
patient on his or her current symptoms, personal history, and family history, and will conduct a physical
exam. Armed with all of this knowledge, the practitioner will explain what is happening and give the patient
options to treat the underlying causes of the symptoms.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body, ears, or hands to promote the
flow of energy and the body’s natural healing capacities to reach homeostasis.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the main approaches used in TCM. Herbs of different flavours and
temperatures are combined into a formula to address the symptoms and root causes of illnesses diagnosed by
syndrome differentiation. It is worth mentioning that herbal medicine is very effective in treating emotional issues
like anxiety, depression and stress, to name just a few.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a procedure in which warmth is applied above specific points of the body from a plant called mugwort.
It regulates qi and blood, expels cold from the meridians, and resolves dampness, thus treating and preventing diseases.

Complementary treatments

Cupping is a technique in which glass or plastic cups (traditionally made of bamboo) are stuck to the skin using negative pressure. Cupping can be used by itself or in combination with acupuncture to treat joint and back problems, among others. Tuina, meaning ‘pull and grasp’ in Chinese, is a form of massage using manipulations to stimulate specific points or areas on the body to achieve homeostasis. Diet therapy consists of eating the right food for the body at the right time of year to heal or to maintain health. It is based mainly on the Five Element Theory, which considers the natural elements, the climate, and the patient’s constitution.