TCM is the oldest continuously practiced medical tradition in the world, dating back at least 2500 years. Over this period of time it has been written down, discussed, tested and refined to produce a profound and practical tradition of healthcare. Even in our modern technological age, TCM still provides a healthcare service to over a billion people worldwide every day. With all of that said it is still a relatively unknown practice within the USA and so can be a little daunting for people when they first consider using it. This page is designed to educate, explain and inform you about TCM and put to rest any doubts you may have.
Different Modalities for Different Needs
There are many differing components that make up TCM as a whole. These can be ordered into 4 categories:
The Gilbert Clinic offers two aspects of TCM and it is these that we will explain in more detail below.
Whilst we may be familiar with the practices of massage therapy or acupuncture; in the USA we will less familiar with the practice of Herbal medicine, and it is this we can explain in more depth.
Herbal medicine itself is the backbone and core practice within TCM. It accounts for the vast majority (over 80%) of TCM interventions or treatments. It is, simply put, the use of herbal, mineral and (historically) animal substances to create a healing process within the body*. The root and foundation of the practice of TCM is herbal medicine. The choice of which herbal agents to combine together has been, throughout the ages, recorded in the form of Formulas. The first written record of these Formulas dates back to at least 200 BCE. There are classically over 10,000 herbs and 1500 formulas that make up the core of TCM Herbal Medicine practice. There are also over 11,000 classics of TCM that have been written down over the past 2000 years detailing treatment strategies and uses of herbal medicines against disease and debilitation. From this vast store of knowledge, with its extensive testing and thorough analysis, Chinese Herbal Medicine when utilized by a properly trained practitioner is a safe and scientific modality.
TCM follows a strict methodology that allows a practitioner to prescribe these herbal formulas to patients. They are often adapted by adding and / or taking away individual herbs within a particular prescription. In doing this they can be effectively individualized in a way that the conventional Western (or allopathic) Medicine can not. Also Herbal prescriptions are designed to treat the patient in their entirety, allowing the practitioner to treat a patient not only for the conditions that they present with (for instance a headache) but also for the reasons why they may have the condition in the first place (e.g. the imbalance in the patients nervous system functioning leading to the headache). In this respect TCM, and Herbal Medicine in particular, are ideally suited to chronic or long term disorders as it addresses the question of why rather than just treating the symptom.
When combined with Conventional or Allopathic care TCM is a perfect compliment and is used as such at The Gilbert Clinic as well as being a stand alone option for you to consider.
*The Gilbert Clinic does not employ any animal products unless specifically indicated and then only with the full knowledge and consent of the patient. We do use any animal products whose collection and use have caused any suffering to an animal.
These use of fine sterile needles inserted in to specific points of the body to create a healing process is the practice of acupuncture. This art and science was developed in China over the last two millennia, with an emphasis upon treating pain and inflammation in the body. Its use has expanded to include a host of other conditions and its practice has now been endorsed by such esteemed bodies as the American Medical Association, The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization. The points at which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, the depth of that insertion and even the angle at which it is inserted is defined and exact. The combination of needles and points that are chosen is in accordance with the detailed theory of TCM. It is used as a ‘stand alone’ technique or can be easily combined with Chinese Herbology or conventional medical care. In many societies, both in Europe and Asia, it is a standard part of the healthcare systems.
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.
It is very important to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced acupuncture practitioner.