What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s ancient systems of medicine, dating back five thousand years in China. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are the main treatments used in Chinese medicine. Good health is all about keeping our energy (“qi”, pronounced “chee”), in balance. If there’s a problem with the body, mind, or spirit, it means the qi is out of balance.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine differ from Western Medicine?
TCM understands emotional, physical and spiritual symptoms as all connected. It expects mental/emotional conditions to go along with physical diseases. In Western medicine, the body is segmented into parts. If one part of the body feels ill, that part of the body is treated. Chinese medicine treats the whole person, not just one symptom or part. It treats the person, not just the disease.
What is Acupuncture?
In TCM, the Qi of the body is accessed through special meridians (channels in the body) that have Acupuncture points on them. The Acupuncturist inserts tiny sterile needles into these points to activate the Qi to either increase the Qi or to get the Qi moving again if it has become blocked.
How is a person diagnosed and treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
To determine any imbalances in a person’s energy system acupuncturists evaluate the pulse and look at the tongue. The person will then be treated using a combination of needles and Chinese herbs. Lifestyle and dietary changes will also be recommended.
Who uses Traditional Chinese Medicine?
People from all age groups try acupuncture. Some come because their doctors suggest it to help with specific problems. Others choose acupuncture or Chinese herbs because they can boost general health. Many turn to TCM when their symptoms are acute, and continue to benefit from ongoing maintenance treatments once their symptoms are gone.
What does Traditional Chinese Medicine treat?
TCM treats all kinds of common illnesses including acute and chronic physical pain, anxiety and depression, asthma, arthritis, back pain, the common cold and flu, constipation and diarrhea, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, headaches and migraines, hepatitis, HIV, impotence, indigestion, infertility, insomnia, menopause, menstrual cramps and PMS, psycho-emotional problems, sinusitis, stress, sprains, sports injuries, and weight loss. Traditional Chinese Medicine is helpful in supporting withdrawal from various chemical substances such as alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. Traditional Chinese Medicine also treats the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatments such as chemo therapy and radiation.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbs are a vital component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They strengthen the effectiveness of the acupuncture you will receive during your visit. Chinese Herbs will continue the healing process until your next treatment.
Laurie Mecham specializes in the use of Chinese Herbs and will know how the herbs work in combination with any other medications you may be taking. Many Chinese herbs compliment western prescription medications. Sometimes they work better and with fewer side effects. During your visit, feel free to ask Laurie how Chinese herbs may benefit you.
Chinese herbs are reasonably priced. It can cost from $10 – $30 a week, depending on the herb and dosage prescribed.
Generally Chinese herbs are used in combinations, allowing for the development of individual formulas that respond to a patient’s particular needs and concerns. The formulas are very old and yet they have proven highly effective in addressing modern illnesses.
Chinese herbs need to be used carefully. When used properly, there are minimal side effects. They should be prescribed and their use monitored by a licensed Chinese herbologist. A board certified herbologist understands the relationship of the herbs to the body’s meridians.
Chinese herbs come in many forms – whole loose, whole raw powdered, powdered extracts, tinctures, tea pills, capsules and tablets. I use primarily capsules and tea pills. In highly specialized cases, I will prepare a more individualized formula using powdered herbs.
To book an appointment for a Free Consultation, call us at (636) 893-5048 or send us an email. (link to Contact Us page.)
The Traditional Acupuncture Health Clinic, is located in the Wolf Public House Building, 15480 Clayton Road, in Ballwin in Greater St. Louis County (West County), about 8 minutes south of Clarkson Rd. and 40/64.
Laurie Mecham is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Traditional Acupuncture Health Clinic in Ballwin, MO. She is licensed in Missouri and has been practicing traditional Chinese medicine since 2001.
