Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique, 5000 year old system of healthcare
that attempts to optimize the function of the mind, body and spirit.
TCM is preventative medicine as well as curative. It harmonizes
the body without chemicals or secondary affects by balancing the
body's "Qi". Qi is described as the body's vital energy that circulates
in a structured manner via distinct pathways, called meridians,
throughout the body. Each meridian connects with a specific organ
and shares its energy. When the energy of an organ or associated
meridian becomes excessive, stagnant or deficient, an imbalance
will occur, resulting in the individual's health becoming compromised.
Such imbalances can occur months, or even years before the onset
of symptoms or illness. The flow of energy can be affected by stress,
overexertion, lack of physical activity, emotions, as well as environmental
and lifestyle factors.
The goal of TCM
goes beyond simply treating symptoms, but aims to re-establish
the proper balance of Qi within the body, and to address the causes
of the imbalance. Treatment consists of acupuncture, acupressure,
traditional chinese herbs, moxibustion and cupping.
Although TCM
is very popular in China, it has also gained acceptance in Europe,
Japan, America and Canada. Even The World Health Organization recognizes
TCM as being safe and reliable with little to no side effects.
