Chinese medicine is now widely used, not only to treat physical pain and emotional/psychological stress, but also the broad spectrum of ailments commonly treated by Western medicine.
Chinese medicine has always placed special emphasis on treatment which improves general energy levels, assists the immune system and enhances the quality of life.
Diagnosis and treating illness from a holistic viewpoint can successfully treat acute and chronic conditions by reducing the cause of the symptoms, whilst strengthening the underlying spirit and state of health.
A traditional examination includes taking your medical history, physical examination, gathering information about your complaint and contributing factors, as well as tongue and wrist diagnosis.
The two main disciplines of Chinese medicine are acupuncture and herbal medicine. Both are offered either singly or in combination, depending upon what’s best for the patient.
Treatments consist of inserting very fine, disposable needles into specific body locations. Needle insertion is usually painless with a sensation of warmth, tingling or pulling. The effect can be very relaxing and energising. Significant results should be apparent within 10 weekly treatments depending upon your condition.
HERBAL MEDICINES
Chinese herbal medicines consist of permitted animal, vegetable and mineral products with known healing properties. Treating symptoms and the underlying causes, the results can be very powerful and rarely cause unwanted side effects. Prescribed raw or powdered herbs are brewed into a tea at home and taken daily. Pills, tablets, capsules, plasters and tinctures are also used. Consultations are usually necessary once or twice monthly.
WHAT CAN BE TREATED?
The World Health Organisation of the United Nations states: 'Acupuncture has been proven effective in relieving postoperative pain, nausea during pregnancy, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, and dental pain with extremely low side-effects. It can also alleviate anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia.'
Some of the common uses for Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) are listed below.
EYE-EAR-NOSE-THROAT
Deafness, ringing in the ears, poor eyesight, dizziness, sinus infection, sore throat.
INTERNAL
Allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, ulcers, colitis, indigestion, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, constipation, diabetes, hypoglycaemia, oedema, post-viral exhaustion, M.E.
MUSCULAR SKELETAL / NEUROLOGICAL
Arthritis and rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headache and migraine, stroke, cerebral palsy.
INFECTIONS
Colds and flu, bronchitis, hepatitis, malaria, HIV/Aids.
DERMATOLOGICAL
Eczema, psoriasis, shingles, acne, herpes.
MENTAL / EMOTIONAL
Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia.
URINARY / REPRODUCTIVE
Impotence, infertility, pre-menstrual tension (PMT), pelvic inflammatory disease, discharge, cystitis, irregular periods or cramps, heavy periods, morning sickness, habitual miscarriage, lactation problems, menopause, hot flushes.