What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine that is used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. TCM is not "New Age," nor is it a patchwork of different healing modalities. TCM is a complete medical system that has been practiced for more than two thousand years. One of the basic tenants of TCM is that the root cause of illnesses must be treated, not just the symptoms. In modern-day terms, TCM is holistic in its approach. It views every aspect of a person, including body, mind, spirit, and emotions, as part of one complete circle rather than loosely connected pieces to be treated individually.

What can your patient's expect on their first visit with you?

I start with a thorough intake which includes a health history,
information about the issue we are dealing with that day, and a
present day assessment of their health from head to toe. I will also
check tongue and pulse, which provides me with more information. I
will make a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the patterns of
dysfunction that I observe.

The treatment itself is usually considered very relaxing, after a
while, patients find that just coming in the door begins the healing
process for them. I insert sterilized, individually packaged needles
in various points on the body. Most patients do not feel discomfort
when needles are inserted; they are so small, much smaller than the
hypodermic needle that we are all familiar with. They part the skin
rather than tear it. The goal is to avoid discomfort to promote
relaxation and healing in the body.

My patient then is allowed to relax for 20 to 30 minutes, patients
love this time for themselves. Before leaving we talk about the
treatment plan and I give other recommendations that my patient can
incorporate into their daily life to help or suggest other modalities
for treatment.