Traditional Chinese Medicine has evolved over thousands of years since its origin in ancient China. The practitioners of TCM use acupuncture, diet, herbs, and various other techniques to cure illnesses. Although it is widely practiced China, it is considered as an alternative form of medicine in other parts of the world. The history of Traditional Chinese Medicine is 2500 years old with its roots in ancient Taoism.

The Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted on the belief that the organs of the human body must be in balance to remain healthy. Any imbalance in the two opposing life forces-yin and yang can cause physical and mental illnesses. According to the ancient Chinese beliefs, the human body has certain pathways, meridians and the vital energy called Chi, or Qi flows through it.

However, when the flow of vital energy is blocked or weak, it causes several health problems. It is then necessary to balance yin and yang and restore the flow of energy in the body. There are several techniques in traditional Chinese medicine, which helps to achieve wellness and prevent diseases.

Health Conditions and TCM

Traditional Chinese medicine treats a wide range of illnesses ranging from a common cold to Parkinson’s disease. It can treat the following health conditions:

 High blood pressure
 Allergies
 Insomnia
 Back pain
 Arthritis
 Obesity
 Depression
 Anxiety
 Infertility
 Psoriasis and other skin diseases
 Menopause symptoms

Various types of Treatment Methods

Treatments in ancient Chinese medicine vary from one person to another. TCM practitioners adopt a subjective approach towards the patients as the treatment depends on the type of imbalance in the human body. Some of the methods adopted by TCM practitioners include the following.

Herbal medicines

The use of herbs in Chinese medicinal therapies is popular since centuries. Different types of herbs of medicinal value are ginseng, longan, black sesame, Chinese wild yam, Goji berries and many more. Chinese herbal medicines manufactured from different parts of the plant such as the leaves, stem, roots, and flowers, are available in the form of powders, capsules, granules and so forth.

Acupuncture

One of the most popular forms of therapeutic methods used by the ancient Chinese is acupuncture. This alternative form of medicinal treatment is widely known to bring relief to a range of health concerns.

Diet

The Chinese believe that every food has warming and cooling properties. They also believe that food possesses certain healing properties.

Moxibustion

It is a technique, which involves burning a dried plant material near or on the surface of the skin. This helps to warm and stimulate the flow of Qi in the body. Moxibustion facilitates healing when performed accurately.

Tuina

This therapy is quite similar to acupuncture as it helps to harmonize yin and yang in the human body. However, this therapy uses acupressure or finger pressure instead of fine, thin needles for stimulation. It is Chinese pediatric massage therapy. It helps to treat different types of musculoskeletal disorders. It is an ideal treatment post injury or trauma.

Qigong

Another form of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Houston is Qigong. This ancient form of Chinese therapy involves the use of various healing techniques such as meditation, movement exercises, and controlled breathing. It helps to relax the muscles and nerves and brings a sense of calmness to the body. It improves the balance of yin and yang and unblocks the energy of the body.

Is TCM Safe and Effective?

Clinical trials prove that TCM is effective and can treat illnesses. However, again, it can be subjective, and the results may vary from person to person. Therapies such as acupuncture, when performed by an expert practitioner are generally safe and effective. There are hardly any side effects when it is performed using sterile needles.

Chinese herbal medicines are quite powerful and may contain traces of drugs that are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Therefore, before you use traditional Chinese medicines in Houston, you need to seek the opinion of your doctor or a medical expert.