What is Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a written history dating back 2500 years. It is based upon ancient, empirical observations of the natural world and is the world’s oldest continually practiced professional medicine.
The underlying theory of TCM revolves around balancing the universal, yet opposing forces of Yin and Yang. It understands that dis-ease results when the internal and external environments are not harmonised. By using a range of treatment techniques it aims to restore relative balance and therefore health.
What does Chinese Medicine treat?
Chinese medicine can be effective in treating chronic and acute conditions. It can be used for the symptomatic relief of pain and illness, to treat the underlying constitutional factors that predispose dis-ease, or for the prevention and maintenance of general health and well being. Conditions that Chinese medicine can treat include:
- Stress & Anxiety
- Depression
- Colds & Flu
- Digestive Problems
- Headache/ Migraine
- Allergies
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Back, Neck & Knee pain
- Asthma
- Smoking cessation
- Insomnia
- Menstrual pain
- PMS
- Infertility
- Menopausal symtpoms
- Skin conditions
- Trauma & Injury
Obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics are TCM specialities. Pregnant women, lactating mothers and children can all safely take properly prescribed TCM treatment without harm.
What can you expect from a TCM consultation?
At your initial consultation a comprehensive case history is taken and a course of treatment prescribed. Subsequent visits are shorter and less intense. They serve to monitor your progress, review and modify your treatment plan. Dietary advice, lifestyle or adjunctive treatment will also be given as part of treatment.
How long before I notice an effect?
Acute symptoms tend to rectify almost immediately, while chronic conditions may take a couple of weeks before improvement is noted. A course of treatment varies according to individual cases but the rule of thumb is that for every year of dis-ease there is one month of treatment.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture works by inserting very fine acupuncture needles into special points on the body. The aim of treatment is to stimulate energy (Qi) flow and remove blockages. When these blockages are removed balance is restored and health and well-being is optimised.
The treatment is very safe and uses only high quality disposable acupuncture needles. Acupuncture needles are much finer than medical needles and generally insertion is not painful. Most people report an initial tingling sensation followed by a calm and relaxed feeling during the treatment. Acupuncture is often combined with Chinese massage, cupping and moxibustion.
What is Chinese herbal treatment?
Herbal medicine comes in many forms. The most common method of taking herbs is by decoction.Clients take whole raw herbs, leaves, twigs, flowers and barks away and boil them to make a tea at home. This method allows for maximum flexibility in prescribing the exact therapeutic blend. Herbs are changed or added and doses modified to suit individual conditions.
Although the tea requires preparation and often tastes bitter, it is more rapidly absorbed by the body, and the effects are stronger and more immediate. Herbal pills and powders are convenient modern day alternatives to decoction.
How do I know if my practitioner is professionally trained?
Our TCM practitioners are registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria. Registration ensures they have completed adequate training and are clinically competent to practice Chinese Medicine. Their conduct must comply with strict professional and ethical standards set by the Board.
Want to know more about Chinese Medicine?
If you want to know more about TCM or have a health issue for which you need assistance please contact the clinic on 03 9821 4222. We offer new clients a courtesy preliminary telephone consultation to discuss specific health needs. Alternatively, you can email us with any queries you may have.