Traditional Chinese medicine is a practice that has been around for over 2,000 years. It has its origins in the Eastern Asia regions of China, Korea, Tibet, Japan and Vietnam. The first medical tract about Chinese medicine dates back to the Han dynasty (206 b.c.-a.d 220). As early as 3500 b.c there were holy men and shamans that lived a hermit’s life in the mountains of China. They practiced what was known as the long way of life. The way of long life encompassed all aspects of human living down to breathing techniques that would increase vitality.
China, along with India, was among the first countries to develop a medical culture thousands of years ago that is still in practice today. Since it began as a practice, Chinese medicine has evolved over time to treat more and more conditions effectively. Immense knowledge has been gathered and passed down through generations regarding cures, herbal prescriptions and diagnostics (including tongue and pulse) that can rival western medicine.
Chinese medicine takes a different approach from conventional or western forms of medical practices. First and foremost it looks at the whole person, and treats any disease or condition within that framework, looking for a disharmony in the functions or interactions of yin, yang, qi, blood, organ systems and meridians and/or of the interaction between the human body and the environment. There is not a symptom (or set of symptoms) and a single treatment, but more of a complete comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of a disease. It is one of the most popular forms of holistic medicine in the United States today.
There are a few therapies that are considered to be part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which include;
- Acupuncture and moxibustion
- Therapeutic exercises such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi
- Tuina Massage
- Chinese Herbal remedies
- Nutritional food therapies
How TCM has changed over the years
As a medical practice, Chinese medicine has kept its authenticity and still follows the same principles as it did centuries ago. However, a few things have changed over time. Most changes have occurred in the mode of delivery and ways of administering medical herbs. For instance, when it started out therapies such as cupping and acupuncture used rudimentary equipment that often times made the experience one that you had to endure rather than enjoy even though the end goal was to get the patient to relax. Now the medical practice has incorporated western ideas to some extent and thus developed better ways of administering therapy such as safer cleaner acupuncture needles (instead of bone or stone) and plastic or glass cups for cupping.
The healing techniques and herbs which were once the hidden secrets of shamans and holy men are now taught openly. Traditional Chinese medical practices have been taught in over 100 countries and their popularity keeps growing. They are now practiced side by side with western medical practices across China. Practitioners in traditional Chinese medicine can now perform clinical trials with the standards of conventional medicine and publishing results in journals usually reserved for western medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine today in our culture
Acupuncture and TCM was brought to the United States in the 1970’s and has evolved and assimilated into the American culture somewhat. It is now much more common to find practitioners of Acupuncture or any of the other forms of TCM being practiced in any given city throughout the US. The traditions have largely been kept intact and the training we receive is usually from doctors and scholars directly from China or one of its prestigious universities. All of the classis texts and newer research out of China is readily available to us.
At Boca Raton Acupuncture we are proud to have the opportunity to bring this ancient form of alternative medicine to the modern community in which we practice. As leaders in the TCM community here in South Florida we can assure you that the methods we use in our clinic will help you discover the true root cause of your condition and an effective and affordable way to treat it. Consultations are always free, let us show you how we can help you!