Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Modalities

 

A TCM treatment includes a thorough assessment utilising tongue and pulse diagnostic techniques. After which the most suitable treatment modality/ies, dietary and lifestyle advice will be prescribed, tailored to the individual's body constitution and presenting health condition.

 

TCM treatments aim to enliven the body's self-curative capability to relieve pain, restore balance and harmony to disrupted functions, strengthen immunity, hasten the resolution of disease, prevent illness and achieve higher states of wellbeing. They include:  

 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture points (acupoints) lie on Channels, which are conduits for blood, fluid and Qi. Each one of these channels passes through one or more organs to form a web structure connecting all parts of the body. Hair thin needles are inserted into acupoints and retained for 30 or more minutes whilst the individual rests. 

 

Cupping

Cupping uses the vacuum force created by a flame, whereby the cups draw and hold onto the surface of the body and raise Sha (petechiae). The colour of Sha and rate of fading depend on the individual’s condition, generally Sha fades away within four days to a week. It is a therapy that assists in detoxifying, relieving pain, internal inflammation and blood congestion.

 

Gua Sha

Gua Sha applies unidirectional press-strokes with an instrument (usually made of stone or jade) to warm the skin and raise Sha (petechiae). It has similar therapeutic properties as Cupping.

 

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a therapy whereby moxa (processed Artemisia Vulgaris) is burned over selected areas of the skin. It warms the channels, disperses cold and tonifies Qi in order to strengthen immunity, and resolve diseases caused by cold and blood stagnation.