ALERT: we are offering Chinese herbal medicine consults using Zoom, during the pandemic shutdown. If you are requiring a consult, please contact the clinic.
Traditional Chinese Medicine - What Is It?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a form of healing originating in China more than 5000 years ago.
The two main tools of TCM are acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Depending on the condition and its unique presentation in each individual, acupuncture or Chinese herbs may be used alone or together to achieve the best results.
· It is a holistic approach to healthcare, linking body, mind and emotions.
· It provides drug free pain relief for some conditions
· It assists in the prevention of disease
· It treats the underlying imbalances that have led to a condition developing, as well as the symptoms
· It is convenient, as we prescribe un-messy concentrated granules – you just add water or put them into capsules. No boiling up stinky concoctions for hours.
Philosophy and types of treatment used
Tanya utilises traditional Chinese medicine to treat your health problems using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, according to what best suits your needs. She will also give dietary and lifestyle advice to support your treatment.
Tanya has been practicing the holistic philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine since 1994 and has had wide experience in many areas. Traditional Chinese medicine can successfully treat many conditions, improve your health and wellbeing, and assists in the prevention of illness.
When Would I Use It?
When you have a complaint that is not making sense to your GP or to you; when the variety and intensity of symptoms are confusing and seemingly unrelated but all happening at once... that is when you may consider TCM.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is the world’s most widely used traditional medicine system. It is used throughout Asia and by Asian communities worldwide, as well as by an increasing number of others seeking holistic, natural healthcare.
Here is the theory. TCM works by directing the body's natural 'Chi' or ;Qi' along its normal paths, or meridians, in the body, from the feet, up along the limbs, through the organs, and up to the top of the head. There are many channels along which this river of energy flows, and the energy path has names like spleen energy, kidney energy, heart energy.
When Qi gets stuck, or is weak or absent, each particular blocked path causes very distinct groups of symptoms. Poor health or vitality will be the result. This may not be an overt illness. You may be lacking energy, just not right, agitated, sleeping badly, have developed a rash, are generally under par, feeling flat for no obvious reason, or you could be really unwell and scientific medicine can't give you a diagnosis, let alone a solution. (For example, all the practitioners at CSO use TCM at the first inkling of a cold or flu. So far, despite treating many people with the flu, no one at CSO has been off work with the flu ! But we wont speak too soon...)
In her practice of acupuncture, Tanya uses high quality, very fine gauge, sterile needles to mobilise and activate this Qi. She may also use herbs to add heat to the needles, in a technique known as moxibustion. Cupping, made popular by movie stars, may leave temporary bruising but is also a great way to bring blood supply to areas of the body and release deeply held and chronic muscle strain.
Chinese herbs are naturally found ingredients that have medicinal properties which, when prescribed by a trained TCM herbalist, can add to the benefits of acupuncture and traditional Chinese treatments. They can be prescribed without acupuncture.
After taking a detailed analysis of your condition, your history, constitution and any underlying imbalances you might have, a combination of Chinese herbs you Chinese herbal medicine formula will be formulated specifically for you.
Because your formula is tailor made specifically for you and you alone, each herb is carefully selected to reduce the likelihood of any unpleasant side effects during your treatment.
More than 95 per cent of traditional Chinese medicines are plant-based. At Central Sydney Osteopathy we do not use herbs that are sourced from endangered species. We ensure that we only use herbs that come from companies that regularly test each batch for pesticide residues and heavy metals.
We can supply your herbs in the form of concentrated granules, which require no additional preparation. Just add water and drink. Some formulations are also available as pills.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been found to be helpful in alleviating symptoms of a wide range of chronic and acute illnesses and conditions. While it is not possible to provide a complete list of possible benefits and conditions treated here, there is a large and growing body of research evidence supporting the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for a large variety of health conditions.
Tanya is able to offer Chinese Herbal Medicine care online or over the phone. Contact the clinic on 02 95573176 or [email protected] should you be seeking distance care.
