Chinese medicine practices you need to know

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) originated over 2,000 years ago. It is a combination of herbal remedies and practices based on the belief that the energy that flows from Qi (a cosmic force that, according to the Chinese, permeates the entire universe), must be intact to have a healthy body and a peaceful mind.

Acupuncture, moxibustion (a kind of acupuncture with heat) and cupping are the tools most used by TCM practitioners to make the vital flow of energy flow in the right way.

These three treatments are believed to be effective against ailments ranging from autoimmune diseases to simple headaches. Suction cups are widely used by athletes around the world, and an example of this is Michael Phelps, a multi-champion swimmer, who used them at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

O awesome.club found 13 common problems where acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion can relieve pain and help treat illness along with conventional methods of medicine.

Depression and anxiety are two conditions that often combine, but luckily, acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping help alleviate some of their symptoms. For example, one study found that acupuncture can help treat depression during pregnancy.

Respiratory problems, resulting from colds and which can end up in asthma, are also easily treated with any of the three methods mentioned above. A certified TCM teacher will assess your condition before subjecting you to these practices to determine which will be most beneficial to you.

We all suffer from some form of allergy during our lives. Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping are a good way to relieve most of your symptoms. Moxibustion in particular is used to treat allergies as it restores the flow of Qi energy and helps to soothe the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. One of the most common TCM treatments for this and other autoimmune diseases is, again, moxibustion.

The key to treating this type of problem is improving the immune system, and the practice, combined with acupuncture, is believed to do a good job.

Muscle sprains can be treated with the three external TCM practices already mentioned. Many athletes around the world use cupping as a complementary treatment for these conditions. The case of Michael Phelps is the best known.

High or low blood pressure can also be treated with TCM. One study found that acupuncture significantly reduced high blood pressure levels in patients already using antihypertensive medications. This means that, along with conventional medicine, the practice can help people who suffer from the condition to live more comfortably.

Constipation or diarrhea, bloating or indigestion, all of these problems can be treated with the use of acupuncture and moxibustion. Since Qi energy is believed to be blocked in the abdomen, performing these practices on specific pressure points will restore energy flow and help eliminate these ailments.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis or arthritis due to “wear and tear” will experience joint pain where cartilage has broken and bones rub against each other. The problem, like many others, can be mitigated by using the techniques already mentioned.

Pain, in any part of the body, occurs, according to TCM belief, when the flow of Qi is broken or blocked. To unlock and restore it, one can use a combination of external traditional Chinese medicine practices.

Nausea or vomiting can be stopped by applying acupuncture or moxibustion to specific pressure points on the hands, stomach and chest.

Only a certified TCM practitioner can perform acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion on pregnant women. It is also advisable that the treatment be carried out within an official medical institution. The three practices are known to relieve pain during labor, or even help the fetus regain its position if it is the case for a breech baby. It is recommended to adopt the practice under the supervision of an obstetrician.

Warts, blisters and acne, in addition to other skin problems, can be treated and relieved with cupping and acupuncture. Wet cupping (Hajimah), in particular, is very effective against eczema and psoriasis.

Many neurological disorders, such as Bell’s palsy, have been successfully treated with acupuncture. Using this method, inflammation was reduced and stimulation of nerves and muscles was achieved, which helps to reduce most of the symptoms of this disease.

TCM, as already mentioned, is considered a complement to conventional medicine. Finding a certified clinic and practitioner is essential for an acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping treatment.

Let us know if you’ve used any of the methods mentioned to deal with the problems listed in our post and how effective they were for you.