Ancient Chinese Medicine- Is It Right For You?

When thinking about ancient Chinese medicine, there seems to be a cloud of mystery and folklore that permeates the subject. What is traditional Chinese medicine (commonly referred to as TCM) and is it right for you?

There are roughly seven different popular categories of TCM, all of which have been around for over several hundred thousand years. Some treatments are scrutinized for their lack of scientific research, while others are regarded as mere superstitions. However, the survival of this long-standing tradition throughout the trials of time is proof of success in itself. As always, check with a physician before engaging in any new medicinal treatments.

Acupuncture is a technique in which very fine needles (the size of a thread) are partially inserted into the body to relieve pain or act as a therapy. It is generally agreed that acupuncture is a safe practice when it is provided by a knowledgeable practitioner. This technique has proven to be successful for various ailments including chronic lower back pain, neck pain, headaches and nausea. However, success in treatments does vary according to the patient, and many researchers remain skeptical for lack of scientific study.

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the most widely used forms of TCM. This form of treatment does not involve simply buying one herb that is known to cure your ailment. This treatment should involve a practitioner who is responsible for mixing a complex variety of traditional Chinese medicine herbs that are tailored to combat your illness. Your practitioner should not be using any endangered species that were popular in the past such as seahorses, rhino horns or tiger bones - none of which seem desirable to drink in the first place. Herbal medicine is an attractive option for a treatment that shouldn't have any ill side effects.

Chinese Food Therapy is as fun and interesting as it sounds. Who wouldn't want to fight an ailment by eating? If you suffer from dry skin, chapped lips or nose bleeds, try eating watermelon, cantaloupe or honey dew. If you have mouth sores or urinary problems, try eating sugar cane or drinking chrysanthemum tea. Less enticing food cures involve consuming parts of a bird nest or a soup of duck gizzards, watercress and apricot. Hmmm - it may be best to skip the bird nest.

Tui Na (Massage Therapy) has been used to treat musculoskeletal conditions and issues with the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. It's often used in combination with acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other traditional Chinese medicines. Fire cupping (the heating of glass cups to form suction against skin) is also a form of this massage therapy and was recently made popular by the use of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears.

Qigong is regularly performed by millions of people around the world and is in a way, very similar to yoga. It is comprised of sets or routines of physical movements and postures which are also combined with various breathing patterns. The end result is a release of stress from the body and mind, improved coordination and increased muscle strength. Give it a try and you might at least earn bragging rights for being hip and trendy!

Chinese Martial Arts such as T'ai Chi Ch'uan (or Tai Chi) is also considered a form of traditional Chinese medicine. Don't worry. This meditative martial arts form does not require the stamina of Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan. It is a soft technique that is practiced worldwide by every age range including children and senior citizens. Studies show improved cardiovascular and respiratory function in healthy patients and those who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients that suffer from high blood pressure, arthritis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's may also reap benefits from Tai Chi.

Mental Health Therapy such as Feng Shui is also believed to function for medicinal or healing purposes. Feng Shui teaches that the placement of your surrounding objects affects the energy around and inside of you. This practice is used not only for interior decorating, but also in finding a new home, a burial site, planning agricultural fields and landscaping. People who engage in Feng Shui report having more positive moods and contentment with their environment - something all of us could use

Article provided by Homesteader.