The Holistic Healing Power of Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

When many people hear the term acupuncture, the image of needles and an alternative form of pain relief come to mind. However, few realize that acupuncture is a central component of a much broader and ancient practice known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Rooted in thousands of years of observation, practice, and holistic understanding, TCM offers a unique perspective on health and wellness that extends far beyond the modern concept of disease treatment.

Acupuncture is a long-originated technique within TCM that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body^[1]. These points, known as acupoints, are located along pathways called meridians. It is believed the body has more than 2000 acupoints. Meridians are not physical structures to be observed, but conceptual pathways through which life energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows. This energy is believed to originate from internal organs deep inside the body, and it circulates through these meridians, nourishing and supporting various bodily functions. The Qi’s flow is correlated with external factors such as the environment, diet, one’s emotional status and inhalation. Therefore, the overall goal of acupuncture is to harmonize the flow of Qi to maintain balance and health^[2].

 

Differentiating Acupuncture from Modern Needling Techniques

It is important to distinguish acupuncture from other needle-based therapies, like dry needling and sports science-related needling techniques. While both practices use needles, their underlying philosophies and objectives differ significantly. Dry needling, often used in modern sports medicine, focuses on directly targeting muscular trigger points to relieve pain and improve mobility. This technique is based on a Western understanding of anatomy and pain mechanisms.

In contrast, acupuncture, with its roots in TCM, approaches treatment from a holistic perspective. We believe that by inserting needles into acupoints along the meridians, they can regulate the flow of Qi and address a wide range of health issues, from pain relief to emotional well-being. The aim is not just to alleviate symptoms, but to restore balance within the body’s internal systems, reflecting TCM’s broader view of health as a dynamic equilibrium^[3].

 

The Expansive Scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine Techniques:

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic lens through which its practitioners come to view the body and the myriad of negative health symptoms we can experience. TCM encompasses much more than acupuncture alone. It uses a diverse array of treatments and approaches tailored to address various health concerns:

– Cupping Therapy: This ancient technique involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps to draw out toxins and improve circulation. Cupping is particularly effective for sports injuries, as it aids in reducing muscle tension and promoting healing^[4].

 

– Herbal Medicine: TCM herbal medicine includes formulas crafted from a wide variety of plants, minerals, and/or animal products to help restore the balance of your body’s Qi to address the health issues you are experiencing. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, TCM practitioners were invited to be part of a specialized project to utilize condensed herbal granules and capsules to support immune function and alleviate symptoms in patients with Covid-19^[5].

 

– Scalp Acupuncture and Auricle Therapy: For stress-related insomnia and other conditions like chronic headaches for example, TCM practitioners might use scalp acupuncture^[6] or apply herbal pastes to the auricle (the outer ear)^[7]. These therapies stimulate specific points that can help to calm the mind and improve sleep quality.

 

In conclusion, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a rich, multifaceted approach to health that extends beyond the confines of conventional treatments. Whether you are seeking relief from pain, addressing stress and insomnia, or looking for natural ways to support your overall health, TCM provides a comprehensive toolkit for promoting balance and wellbeing in a complex and interconnected world. Stay tuned with us for an ongoing exploration of how TCM integrates into modern health practices, and its enduring relevance and potential to enhance our understanding of health and healing.

If you are looking for a complementary or alternative therapy to what you are doing already, then book in with our TCM therapist to explore how we can help with providing a holistic, natural approach to your wellbeing. At Seven Summits Rehab and Health, we are your Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialists in Vancouver for Whole Body Wellness.

Call: 778-800-8817

Email: info@sevensummitsrehab.ca

 

Written by Seven Summits Rehab and Health Registered TCM Practitioner Eric Tsang

 

 

 

[1] White A. Editorial board of acupuncture in medicine Western medical acupuncture: a definition. Acupunc Med. 2009;27:33–5.

[2] Aung SK, Fay H, Hobbs RF 3rd. Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Basis for Treating Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Theory with Illustrative Cases. Med Acupunct. 2013 Dec 1;25(6):398-406. doi: 10.1089/acu.2013.1007. PMID: 24761185; PMCID: PMC3870484.

[3]Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;1:CD007587.

[4] Al-Bedah AMN, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, Aboushanab TS, Ali GIM, El-Olemy AT, Khalil AAH, Khalil MKM, Alqaed MS. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Apr 30;9(2):90-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.03.003. PMID: 30963043; PMCID: PMC6435947.

[5] Sun XH, Zhang S, Yang Z, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Lianhua Qingwen for Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis[J]. Chin J Integr Med, 2022, 28(7):650-660.

[6] Liu Y, Zhao L, Chen F, Li X, Han J, Sun X, Bian M. Comparative efficacy and safety of multiple acupuncture therapies for post stroke cognitive impairment: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Neurol. 2023 Aug 10;14:1218095. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1218095. PMID: 37638181; PMCID: PMC10447897.

[7] He W, Wang X, Shi H, Shang H, Li L, Jing X, Zhu B. Auricular acupuncture and vagal regulation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:786839. doi: 10.1155/2012/786839. Epub 2012 Nov 27. PMID: 23304215; PMCID: PMC3523683.