As more and more people look beyond the confines of western medicine to treat their ails, the popularity of alternative therapies like Chinese medicine continues to grow.
What some Australians don't realise is that Chinese medicine is much more that just acupuncture and herbal medicine.
"Traditional Chinese medicine is an integrated system of healthcare that has been around for more than 5000 years," says Judy James, CEO of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association.
"It is still relevant today because the system has adapted and evolved over time to take into account modern circumstances.
"Generally most people tend to associate acupuncture and herbal medicine with Chinese medicine but, in fact,
it encompasses much more. It is a range of therapeutic interventions that includes remedial massage, exercise therapy, food therapy, diet and lifestyle advice and preventative health care.
"People can use it to treat ailments from migraines, colds and muscle pain, to gastritis and depression."
It can also be used to maintain the body's normal functioning, regulate general immune function and assist
with disease prevention.
It's all about balance
The ancient Chinese believed that every living thing is sustained by a balance of two opposing yet complementary forces of energy called Yin and Yang.
The natural interaction between these two forces make up life essence, or qi (pronounced chee) – a type of energy that flows through numerous channels in the body called meridians.
If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there's an inadequate supply, then the body fails to maintain harmony and balance, leaving you potentially vulnerable to illness or disease.
"Stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens, environmental and lifestyle factors can all disrupt the balance and flow of qi," says Judy.
"Chinese medicine works to restore your body's natural balance by removing the cause of any blockage, correcting any abnormal function and normalising the flow of qi."
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is the oldest form of Chinese medicine. Traditionally, practitioners would prescribe patients herbs based on their individual symptoms. Patients would take the herbs home, boil them and then drink the water, much like drinking herbal tea.
Today there are more than 450 substances commonly used in herbal medicine that are available in different forms, depending on the herb and its intended use. They range from common garlic, ginger and cinnamon to the more obscure bupleurum, rehmannia and astragalus.
"Qualified herbal medicine practitioners understand that not all people with the same health condition will display the same symptoms," says Judy.
"So your prescription will be formulated to match your individual health problem. And as your health condition changes, so too will your herbal treatment."
But are the herbs safe?
Herbs, like pharmaceutical drugs, can have a powerful effect on our bodies and should be treated with the same caution and respect.
"Chinese herbs have been tried and tested in the field for many thousands of years," says Judy.
"But some herbs can be toxic in large doses or cause allergic reactions, especially if taken with certain other drugs.
"So it's important to seek advice from a qualified practitioner who has a complete understanding of how herbs work in isolation, in combinations and how they react with other western style drugs."
Conditions that may be treated with herbal medicine include:
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Allergies
- Chronic headaches
- Common cold and influenza
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is by far the most well known of the Chinese medicine treatments in Australia and has received formal recognition from
the World Health Organisation as an effective form of health care.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites, known as acu-points, along the body's meridians. By stimulating these acu-points, practitioners aim to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi through the body.
It is a common misconception that acupuncture can only be used to relieve pain. In fact, acupuncture can also be used to treat the underlying cause of the pain.
Does it hurt?
If performed properly, patients should experience minimal discomfort because the needles used are very fine – they are usually around 0.2mm in width.
Once they are inserted, you may feel a slight tingling around the acu-point, warmth, heaviness or even nothing at all. Some patients may experience a sharp sensation, similar to a mild bee sting when the acu-points are activated or stimulated, but this sensation in
only temporary.
Among many others, acupuncture may be used to treat the following common conditions:
- Headaches and migraines
- Back and neck pain
- Common cold
- Toothache
- Diarrhoea and constipation
Moxibustion
This therapy is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat chronic diseases and involves the use of the dried leaves of the mugwort plant – called moxa. Practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the flow of qi and removes any blockages.
The leaves are either rolled into sticks or made into tiny cones and burned on ointment or a slice of ginger.
There are two types of moxibustion – direct and indirect. During direct moxibustion, the cone-shaped moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. Indirect moxibustion involves a practitioner lighting the end of a moxa stick and holding it close to
the area being treated until the skin heats and turns red.
Cupping
Cupping involves the use of suction cups made of pyrex glass or plastic that are applied to the back, shoulders and thighs to help ease chronic pain.
It can also be used as part of acupuncture therapy to help treat colds and chest problems, sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems
and neurological disorders like back pain and sciatica.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a form of remedial massage that treats muscles and joints by stimulating and facilitating the flow of qi.
After treatment, patients will often feel energised and happy, however as the massage can also release blocked emotional energy, some patients may also feel emotional.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a soft martial arts that can help with stress management and exercise. Its slow, controlled movements can help increase flexibility and strength, improve cardiovascular fitness and encourage better posture. It also has a calming effect.
Tai Chi is traditionally practised outdoors to take advantage of nature's energy and is a form of meditation, helping the mind achieve calm and clarity.
Tai Chi can be used to help people with:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Balance and coordination
- Stress
- Joint stiffness and muscle tension
- Poor posture
- Fatigue
Are you making the most of your cover?
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Mini Dictionary
qi
Pronounced chee, it refers to the life energy that circulates through the body to maintain the balance
of yin and yang.
Meridians
A network of twelve invisible channels in the body through which qi flows.
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