What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, is a complete medical system that has been diagnosing, treating and preventing illness in human beings for over 2,000 years.
Based on the core concept of Yin and Yang, TCM treatments aim to keep these two coexisting, yet opposing forces of energy, in relative harmony for us to be healthy. When Yin and Yang are in balance, we feel energized, at ease and our minds and bodies work together seamlessly.
TCM views its patients holistically and treats them on an individual basis; this is not a one-size fits all approach. Treatments such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, nutrition and mindfulness practices can be prescribed alone or in combination to provide effective and lasting results.
Meridians + Acupuncture Points
Who Can Practice Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In the province of Ontario, only a licensed and registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or a TCMP can practise TCM in its entire scope. What this means is, a TCMP is the only regulated health practitioner who can offer a TCM diagnosis, practise acupuncture, additional modalities (cupping, gua sha, nutrition, etc) and herbal medicine.
A licensed and registered Acupuncturist in Ontario can also provide a TCM diagnosis, practise acupuncture and any additional TCM modalities, but they cannot dispense or prescribe herbal formulas.
If you are considering booking an appointment for acupuncture, cupping or any of the treatments under the umbrella of TCM, I urge you to seek out a licensed and registered member of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners of Ontario (CTCMPAO).
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Safe?
When practised by a regulated and licensed TCMP or Acupuncturist, TCM treatments can be safe and effective. All acupuncture needles are single use and are disposed of immediately into a sharps container.
TCM was developed over thousands of years via empirical science; using trial, error, time and recalibration to create a sophisticated and complete system of medicine. It flexes its ancient wisdom when it comes to disease prevention, the mind-body connection and the management of chronic conditions.
Applicable to virtually anyone, TCM treatments can be used in conjunction with Western medicine for a multitude of issues ranging from stress management to infertility.
Clinically speaking, these are the most common reasons why patients seek out TCM treatments:
Having many different symptoms without a clear causation
Reducing the side effects from medications
Having tried Western medicine but not achieving the desired results
Wanting to prevent illness and improve overall wellness