Chinese Herbal Therapy
Chinese Herbs are an integral part of TCM. They are specially formulated in China and include flowers leaf stalks, seeds and roots. Each herb has healing properties which are used for specific purposes and perform particular functions. The doctor will prescribe combinations of a group of herbs (from a total of a few hundred herbs) or concentrated herbal granules) specifically suited to treat you and your condition. Each prescription is therefore tailor-made to the individual. The herbs are cooked and drunk as a decoction ('Tea') or concentrated granules to be taken with boiled warm water, to get rid of the root of the problem. Since all patients and conditions are different, treatment can vary from a few weeks to several months. Some patients responding speed quicker than others. The doctor will closely monitor your progress through regular consultation and advice you when to stop taking the herbs.
Acupuncture Treatment
It involves the insertion of very fine sterilised needles, disposable and never re-used, into the body surface at strategic points. Acupuncture is to improve the flow of Qi (Energy), and remove blockages in the meridian channels by stimulating the relevant points. The doctor will leave the needles in place for about 30 minutes or more. Some people's problem need less time and some do not need the needles stay, it depends on the situation. You might have some sensation feeling, the use of needles is virtually painless.
As with much Western medicine, the science-the why and wherefore-of TCM is not clearly understood. But it works very well, for many generations of specialists have refined and perfected the techniques.
Other Treatments
As with much Western medicine, the science-the why and wherefore-of TCM is not clearly understood. But it works very well, for many generations of specialists have refined and perfected the techniques. There are some other treatments along with acupuncture, based on the same principle theories as follows:
- Acupressure which involves no needles
- Nui-Na (Chinese Remedial Medical Massage)
- Cupping (or flash cupping)/ moving cupping
- Moxibustion