Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Western, scientific medicine is based on an increasingly detailed understanding of human chemistry and biology. This understanding supplies conventional medicine with a clinical framework from which to approach the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Conventional medical practice has evolved an emphasis on the use of technical diagnostic studies, pharmaceuticals, and surgery. When applied with wisdom and care, conventional medicine can yield great health benefits. When applied with carelessness or indiscretion, it can yield frustration and disappointment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on an ancient understanding of human relationship with the natural world. Within and throughout all the systems of the natural world there flows an essential life force, known as chi (pronounced "chee"). The smooth flow of chi produces good health. Chi flows best when systems are in balance. In TCM diagnosis, patterns emerge, and they tell the TCM practitioner a story about which systems are out of balance, and why. When applied with wisdom and care, TCM can yield great benefits. When applied with carelessness or indiscretion, it can yield frustration and disappointment.

Conventional medicine and TCM are simply different frameworks for clinical problem-solving. In terms of metaphor, one system views the doctor as mechanic - the other views the doctor as gardener. Each system has an important role to play in health promotion.

In the body, chi flows in certain channels, or meridians. Acupuncture involves the placement of very thin needles through the skin at certain points along these meridians, to redirect and improve the flow of chi within the body. This technique is of proven benefit in a wide range of medical conditions.

TCM practitioners may also use a technique called moxibustion, where a stick of tightly-wrapped leaves of mugwort is lit, and the burning tip is held close to, but not touching, the skin at certain acupuncture points. Another TCM technique is known as "cupping," a vasopneumatic treatment where suction is applied to areas of skin using glass bulbs, as another way to stimulate a healthier flow of chi. TCM practitioners may also possess a deep understanding of the uses of Chinese herbal preparations, ranging from raw materials to make teas or decoctions, to manufactured supplements to specifications based on ancient combination formulas.

At Illinois Multi-Med, TCM and acupuncture are an integral part of a service mix where "mechanics and gardeners" work side by side for the sake of better patient care. In our model of care, biochemistry, biomechanics, mind, spirit, and chi all matter.

Chinese Herbal Therapy

When you consult with a Chinese herbalist, be prepared to answer questions about appetite, digestion, elimination, sleep, pain, energy level, stress level, and a variety of other things. You will also have your pulse taken at the wrist (in six different ways), and have a visual inspection of your tongue. The herbalist will then make a diagnosis according to principles of TCM, and may then consult reference books to find the herbal prescription best suited to your condition.

Chinese herbal therapy means taking herbs two, three or more times per day until a problem is rectified. Remedies may take the form of decoctions (made by boiling dried herbs in water), tinctures (herbs preserved in alcohol and taken in prescribed amounts), teas, pills, or plasters. You may experience new symptoms as your body gets used to the herbs, but this is typically a positive sign. If symptoms become too uncomfortable, your prescribing herbalist will make modifications for you.

Chinese herbs are derived from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, fruits, peels, roots, twigs, bark, and fungus. Minerals and animal parts (e.g., shells, antlers and bones) are sometimes used. In Chinese herbal theory, herbs are categorized according to taste and temperature. Tastes are acrid, sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and bland. Temperatures are hot, cold, warm, cool, neutral, and various ranges in between. Hot conditions are treated with cooling herbs and vice versa.

Patent herbal preparations combine ingredients based on ancient formulas that have stood the test of time. In most situations, patent formulas should be prescribed by an experienced Chinese herbalist. Adaptogenic, or tonifying herbs are often prescribed to prevent balance from swinging too far in one direction. Because Chinese herbal prescription involves the use of balanced combinations and a range of dosages, it is best that you not try to treat yourself. When combined with acupuncture and other methods of TCM, Chinese herbal therapy can be a powerful source of health benefits.