What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a well of medical knowledge gained from over several thousand years of observation, investigation and clinical experience. TCM has evolved as an empirical medicine and its theories and treatments have been repeatedly in use and refined over this long period of time. In the USA, TCM is regarded as an Alternative Medicine by the definition coined by Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institute of Health (NIH).
The history of TCM can be traced back to the New Stone Age over 10,000 years ago. TCM practices developed in an empirical manner through the observation of the effects they produced on certain parts of the body and on specific ailments. Early acupuncture was carried out using sharpened bone fragments prior to the development of other tools. The first and most important classic text of TCM had been completed in about 200 BC. This book, known as the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, discussed the theory and philosophy of TCM as well as the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, herbs, diet and exercise.
By the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), another valuable classic, the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold Factors (Shang Han Lun) had been written by Zhang Zhongjing. This classic is an authoritative practical guide to the treatment of illness even to the present day. Another well-known Chinese medical works is the Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gong Mu), compiled in the Ming dynasty (1368- 1644 A.D.) by Li Shizhen. This encyclopedic work includes descriptions of almost 2,000 different kinds of medicines and forms an important framework for TCM herbology.
The history of TCM can be traced back to the New Stone Age over 10,000 years ago. TCM practices developed in an empirical manner through the observation of the effects they produced on certain parts of the body and on specific ailments. Early acupuncture was carried out using sharpened bone fragments prior to the development of other tools. The first and most important classic text of TCM had been completed in about 200 BC. This book, known as the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, discussed the theory and philosophy of TCM as well as the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, herbs, diet and exercise.
By the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), another valuable classic, the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold Factors (Shang Han Lun) had been written by Zhang Zhongjing. This classic is an authoritative practical guide to the treatment of illness even to the present day. Another well-known Chinese medical works is the Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gong Mu), compiled in the Ming dynasty (1368- 1644 A.D.) by Li Shizhen. This encyclopedic work includes descriptions of almost 2,000 different kinds of medicines and forms an important framework for TCM herbology.
What Is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing art known to mankind and it was originated in China nearly five thousand years ago. The word “acupuncture” is divisable in two parts, acu- and -puncture. Acu- in Latin means needle and puncture comes from Latin to pierce with a pointed instrument. It is a practice of insertion of needles into specific exterior body locations to relieve pain, to induce biological changes, and for therapeutic purposes.
Acupuncture points are located and joined together in “channels” or “meridians”, along which Qi (life energy) flows. The points used in treatment are carefully chosen by acupuncturist to disperse any blockages and to bring the patient's Qi into balance.Most acupuncturists in the USA are now using fine, sterilized, and disposable needles in practice. The needling induced pain is minimal and adverse reaction is very rare.Moxibustion is the process whereby a dried herb is burnt, either directly on the skin or indirectly above the skin over specific acupuncture points to warm the Qi and Blood in the channels. In modern clinic, a substitute device called TDP lamp is often used for the very same purpose of moxibustion.
Indications of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been reportedly used for treating most of diseases in China. Studies show that there are tremendous variations among individuals in response to acupuncture treatment. The rate of efficacy for different conditions varies depending the skill and style of acupuncture practitioner.
Followings are some recommendations for acupuncture therapy by World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute of Health (NIH) and a review of recent evidence-based studies. Actually these are only few of the good indications of acupuncture.
WHO Recommended Conditions for Acupuncture:
1. Gastrointestinal: allergies, ulcer, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, GI weakness, anorexia and gastritis.
2. Urogenital: stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
3. Gynecological: irregular, heavy, painful menstruation, infertility, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
4. Respiratory: emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
5. BJMN: arthritis, migraine, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.
6. Circulatory: hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia.
7. Emotional and psychological: depression and anxiety.
8. Addictions: alcohol, nicotine and drugs.
9. Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders.
10. Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
National Institute of Health Consensus Statement on Acupuncture:
A. Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of following conditions:
1. Postoperative nausea and vomiting.
2. Post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting.
3. Postoperative dental pain.
B. Acupuncture is useful as adjunct, alternative or comprehensive management for following conditions:
1. Addiction.
2. Stroke rehabilitation.
3. Headache.
4. Menstrual cramps.
5. Tennis elbow.
6. Fibromyalgia.
7. Myofascial pain.
8. Osteoarthritis.
9. Low back pain.
10. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
11. Asthma.
[Acupuncture, NIH Consensus Statement 1997 Nov 3-5; 15(5):1-34]
Evidence-Based Acupuncture Based on Recent Publications:
A. Pain Conditions:
Good evidence: osteoarthritis, headache, and pain relief during labor.
Positive with reservation: fibromyalgia, dysmenorrheal, peripheral and neuropathy.
Inconclusive: low back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
B. Other Conditions:
Good evidence: nausea/vomiting, acute dental pain, stroke rehabilitation, breech version, shortening of labor duration, and menopausal hot flashes.
Positive with reservation: drug addiction, infertility, and depression.Inconclusive: asthma.
Acupuncture points are located and joined together in “channels” or “meridians”, along which Qi (life energy) flows. The points used in treatment are carefully chosen by acupuncturist to disperse any blockages and to bring the patient's Qi into balance.Most acupuncturists in the USA are now using fine, sterilized, and disposable needles in practice. The needling induced pain is minimal and adverse reaction is very rare.Moxibustion is the process whereby a dried herb is burnt, either directly on the skin or indirectly above the skin over specific acupuncture points to warm the Qi and Blood in the channels. In modern clinic, a substitute device called TDP lamp is often used for the very same purpose of moxibustion.
Indications of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been reportedly used for treating most of diseases in China. Studies show that there are tremendous variations among individuals in response to acupuncture treatment. The rate of efficacy for different conditions varies depending the skill and style of acupuncture practitioner.
Followings are some recommendations for acupuncture therapy by World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute of Health (NIH) and a review of recent evidence-based studies. Actually these are only few of the good indications of acupuncture.
WHO Recommended Conditions for Acupuncture:
1. Gastrointestinal: allergies, ulcer, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, GI weakness, anorexia and gastritis.
2. Urogenital: stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
3. Gynecological: irregular, heavy, painful menstruation, infertility, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
4. Respiratory: emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
5. BJMN: arthritis, migraine, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.
6. Circulatory: hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia.
7. Emotional and psychological: depression and anxiety.
8. Addictions: alcohol, nicotine and drugs.
9. Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders.
10. Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.
National Institute of Health Consensus Statement on Acupuncture:
A. Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of following conditions:
1. Postoperative nausea and vomiting.
2. Post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting.
3. Postoperative dental pain.
B. Acupuncture is useful as adjunct, alternative or comprehensive management for following conditions:
1. Addiction.
2. Stroke rehabilitation.
3. Headache.
4. Menstrual cramps.
5. Tennis elbow.
6. Fibromyalgia.
7. Myofascial pain.
8. Osteoarthritis.
9. Low back pain.
10. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
11. Asthma.
[Acupuncture, NIH Consensus Statement 1997 Nov 3-5; 15(5):1-34]
Evidence-Based Acupuncture Based on Recent Publications:
A. Pain Conditions:
Good evidence: osteoarthritis, headache, and pain relief during labor.
Positive with reservation: fibromyalgia, dysmenorrheal, peripheral and neuropathy.
Inconclusive: low back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
B. Other Conditions:
Good evidence: nausea/vomiting, acute dental pain, stroke rehabilitation, breech version, shortening of labor duration, and menopausal hot flashes.
Positive with reservation: drug addiction, infertility, and depression.Inconclusive: asthma.
What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine in traditional Chinese medicine describes formula which are made from the roots, stems, bark, leaves, seeds or flowers of many plants, as well as some mineral and animal parts.The herbs are usually decocted into a decoction. Some come in ready-prepared pill or powder, called “patent” herbal formulas.
The herbal medicine is usually taken in the form of a “recipe” called a prescription. To make up a prescription, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine carefully blends together a number of herbs which have specific functions. Most Chinese
medicinal herbs are regarded as dietary supplements in the USA.
A professional herbalist needs to go through about 5 years medical education and additional clinical training, just like other medical specialties. By the principle of Chinese medicine, personalized formula should be given to each individual based on clinical presentations and results of pattern analysis. One has to talk to a herbalist in person to understand if the herb supplement will fit your conditions.
Indications of Herbal Medicine
Almost all diseases have been reportedly treated by herbs in China. Generally speaking, circulatory, respiratory, neurological, gynecological, immunological and dermatological disorders are good indications of Chinese herbal medicine.
The herbal medicine is usually taken in the form of a “recipe” called a prescription. To make up a prescription, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine carefully blends together a number of herbs which have specific functions. Most Chinese
medicinal herbs are regarded as dietary supplements in the USA.
A professional herbalist needs to go through about 5 years medical education and additional clinical training, just like other medical specialties. By the principle of Chinese medicine, personalized formula should be given to each individual based on clinical presentations and results of pattern analysis. One has to talk to a herbalist in person to understand if the herb supplement will fit your conditions.
Indications of Herbal Medicine
Almost all diseases have been reportedly treated by herbs in China. Generally speaking, circulatory, respiratory, neurological, gynecological, immunological and dermatological disorders are good indications of Chinese herbal medicine.
News
More Americans using acupuncture for common ailments
By Dr. David B. Samadi, Published May 15, 2012
FoxNews.com
A new survey demonstrates increasing acceptance and utilization of acupuncture for treatment and health promotion. The analysis was published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and looked at utilization rates, demographics and reasons for using acupuncture. Overall, the researchers found that between 2002 and 2007 there was a significant increase in the number of patients using acupuncture.
The 2007 NHIS data indicated 6.5% of Americans had reported ever using acupuncture. Of these, 22% had seen an acupuncturist in the last 12 months. 25% of those who had tried acupuncture had done so once, and 70% had seen an acupuncturist fewer than 5 times. The vast majority of those who had seen an acupuncturist had done so for some kind of pain, primarily arthritis and other orthopedic pain, headaches, or fibromyalgia. About 40% of the people who reported using acupuncture for a specific condition specifically reported notusing conventional therapies for that condition, while 20-40% reported using some kind of conventional medical therapy for the same condition.
Acupuncture has shown high efficacy in treating stroke
Acupuncture can be used for treating most of the diseases. Results show that acupuncture treatments for neurological disorders provide very good efficacy. Among them, acupuncture has very high effective rate for stroke.
An estimated 36% of U.S. adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the National Institutes of Health. When mega-vitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons is included in the definition of CAM, the number of U.S. adults using some form of CAM in the past year rises to 62%. Among the common CAM practices identified by the survey were acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
A survey by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine found that approximately one in ten adults had received acupuncture at least one time and 60% said they would readily consider acupuncture as a potential treatment option.
Nearly half (48%) of the individuals surveyed who had received acupuncture reported that they were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment. In addition, one in five (21%) of the total NCCAOM survey respondents reported that they had utilized some other form of Oriental medicine besides acupuncture, such as herbs or bodywork (e.g., shiatsu).
These studies and others like them clearly demonstrate that CAM therapies such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine are common practice in today's health care system. They also support the need for consumers to be provided accurate and reliable information regarding their treatment options.
Cleveland Clinic Among First In U.S. To Open Hospital-based Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Cleveland Clinic has opened a Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic, one of the first hospital-based herbal clinics in the U.S., to round out its integrative medicine services and provide supplementary options for patients seeking a holistic, natural approach to their care.
Changes to Ohio laws in 2012 opened the door for licensed Chinese herbal therapists to legally prescribe custom herb blends and traditional formulas within a clinical practice. The clinical expertise of the herbalist coupled with attentive vigilance from a practicing physician decreases the risk of drug-herb interactions, similar to drug-drug interactions patients experience while taking multiple prescription drugs.
While herbal treatment has been used for centuries in China to treat acute and chronic conditions, it has not been widely used in modern practice despite proven benefits. The unique mix of ancient Eastern therapies and present-day medicine is a progressive approach to care.
At the Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic, herbalists will prescribe blends based on research which has shown that herbs may be used to help manage diabetes, decrease cold/flu symptoms, manage chronic pain, increase energy, improve breathing, digestion, sleep, and menopausal symptoms, and help address menstrual cycles if infertility is an issue.
How Many People Are Taking Herbal Supplements
A survey of 21,923 adults in 2004 show, the percentage taking at least one herbal supplement was 12.8%. This means that more than one in ten adults were taking herbal supplements, with evening primrose oil, the most common supplement, used mainly by women. Individual characteristics such as age, sex, ethnicity, and social class influenced the use of herbal supplements, but there was no evidence that this substituted for conventional medical care.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day
October 24 is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day supported through a unique international partnership of organizations. It is part of an effort designed to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
By Dr. David B. Samadi, Published May 15, 2012
FoxNews.com
A new survey demonstrates increasing acceptance and utilization of acupuncture for treatment and health promotion. The analysis was published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and looked at utilization rates, demographics and reasons for using acupuncture. Overall, the researchers found that between 2002 and 2007 there was a significant increase in the number of patients using acupuncture.
The 2007 NHIS data indicated 6.5% of Americans had reported ever using acupuncture. Of these, 22% had seen an acupuncturist in the last 12 months. 25% of those who had tried acupuncture had done so once, and 70% had seen an acupuncturist fewer than 5 times. The vast majority of those who had seen an acupuncturist had done so for some kind of pain, primarily arthritis and other orthopedic pain, headaches, or fibromyalgia. About 40% of the people who reported using acupuncture for a specific condition specifically reported notusing conventional therapies for that condition, while 20-40% reported using some kind of conventional medical therapy for the same condition.
Acupuncture has shown high efficacy in treating stroke
Acupuncture can be used for treating most of the diseases. Results show that acupuncture treatments for neurological disorders provide very good efficacy. Among them, acupuncture has very high effective rate for stroke.
An estimated 36% of U.S. adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the National Institutes of Health. When mega-vitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons is included in the definition of CAM, the number of U.S. adults using some form of CAM in the past year rises to 62%. Among the common CAM practices identified by the survey were acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
A survey by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine found that approximately one in ten adults had received acupuncture at least one time and 60% said they would readily consider acupuncture as a potential treatment option.
Nearly half (48%) of the individuals surveyed who had received acupuncture reported that they were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment. In addition, one in five (21%) of the total NCCAOM survey respondents reported that they had utilized some other form of Oriental medicine besides acupuncture, such as herbs or bodywork (e.g., shiatsu).
These studies and others like them clearly demonstrate that CAM therapies such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine are common practice in today's health care system. They also support the need for consumers to be provided accurate and reliable information regarding their treatment options.
Cleveland Clinic Among First In U.S. To Open Hospital-based Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Cleveland Clinic has opened a Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic, one of the first hospital-based herbal clinics in the U.S., to round out its integrative medicine services and provide supplementary options for patients seeking a holistic, natural approach to their care.
Changes to Ohio laws in 2012 opened the door for licensed Chinese herbal therapists to legally prescribe custom herb blends and traditional formulas within a clinical practice. The clinical expertise of the herbalist coupled with attentive vigilance from a practicing physician decreases the risk of drug-herb interactions, similar to drug-drug interactions patients experience while taking multiple prescription drugs.
While herbal treatment has been used for centuries in China to treat acute and chronic conditions, it has not been widely used in modern practice despite proven benefits. The unique mix of ancient Eastern therapies and present-day medicine is a progressive approach to care.
At the Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic, herbalists will prescribe blends based on research which has shown that herbs may be used to help manage diabetes, decrease cold/flu symptoms, manage chronic pain, increase energy, improve breathing, digestion, sleep, and menopausal symptoms, and help address menstrual cycles if infertility is an issue.
How Many People Are Taking Herbal Supplements
A survey of 21,923 adults in 2004 show, the percentage taking at least one herbal supplement was 12.8%. This means that more than one in ten adults were taking herbal supplements, with evening primrose oil, the most common supplement, used mainly by women. Individual characteristics such as age, sex, ethnicity, and social class influenced the use of herbal supplements, but there was no evidence that this substituted for conventional medical care.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day
October 24 is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day supported through a unique international partnership of organizations. It is part of an effort designed to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
