You've probably seen athletes or famous actors with purple circles on their bodies. It's called cupping. Or maybe you've heard of a friend who got acupuncture for their back pain. Some people drink herbal teas for colds. This is what we call traditional Chinese medicine , or TCM for short. People use it not only to cure diseases, but also to prevent them.
What is the idea behind TCM?
Simply put, Western medicine as we know it looks at our body like a car. It has different systems, it needs to get things like fuel and oil, and it needs to get rid of waste properly. It's very scientific and logical.
But TCM is not like that. It is not based on science itself. Instead, it is based on the concepts of balance, harmony, and energy . It has two main ideas.
1. Qi
This is also called life energy. According to TCM belief, this energy runs throughout our entire body. It is something that is constantly moving, constantly changing. TCM treatments often focus on maintaining the proper flow of this 'chi' energy.
2. Yin and Yang
These are two opposing qualities that describe the nature of 'chi' energy. Think of it this way:
- Yin: Night, darkness, cold, femininity, negativity.
- Yang: Day, light, warmth, masculinity, positivity.
TCM believes that everything in life has a small part of its opposite, and the main thing is balance . For example, think of a medicine that your doctor gives you. It's good for the illness. But if you take too much? That's dangerous. That's how balance is important in everything.
According to TCM, these ideas also apply to our bodies. When the yin and yang qualities of your body's 'chi' energy are in balance, you feel healthy. When that balance is lost, you feel sick. TCM methods try to restore this balance and create a healthy flow of 'chi' energy.
What methods are used in TCM?
There are several different treatment methods used in TCM. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Treatment method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Gently inserting very fine needles into specific areas of the body. |
| Cupping | Placing heated cups on the skin to create a vacuum (suction). |
| Herbal Medicines (Herbs) | Teas, powders, and capsules, often made from plant parts. |
| Meditation | A way to sit quietly and calm the mind. |
| Moxibustion | Placing dried herbs close to the skin and burning them provides warmth. |
| Tai chi | A slow, focused exercise that focuses on breathing. |
Are these safe? Will they really work?
Speaking of security...
Experts believe that most of these are safe if you go to a qualified practitioner who is knowledgeable about the subject, especially things like acupuncture , tai chi, and cupping.
But you need to be a little careful with herbal remedies. Because they are not as rigorously tested and approved as the drugs we buy from the pharmacy. This means that there has not been a lot of research on them. Also, it can be difficult to know exactly what they actually contain. More importantly, these herbal remedies can also cause side effects, or they can interact with other medications you are already taking. Therefore, never use these things without talking to your doctor.
Speaking of results...
Because TCM is such a broad system of treatment, results vary. However, research on some methods has shown promising results:
- Acupuncture is considered a recognized treatment for pain relief, especially to limit the side effects of chemotherapy treatments for cancer.
- Several herbal medicines used in TCM are even used in recognized Western medical centers to treat conditions such as insomnia, arthritis, and menopause.
- Tai chi exercises have been shown to improve balance in people with Parkinson's disease.
- Cupping can help relieve the pain caused by herpes zoster (shingles).
Who is TCM best suited for?
It's really a personal decision. Some people use them for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, others use them to reduce stress. They are often used in conjunction with Western medical treatments. This may be a good choice for you in the following situations:
- If you have a lot of symptoms for no apparent reason .
- If you are suffering from side effects of the medications you are taking.
- If you have tried Western medical treatments but have not gotten any results .
- If you want to prevent future illnesses .
Who should avoid TCM?
Doctors generally advise against completely abandoning Western medical treatment and turning to this, especially if you have a serious condition like cancer or liver disease.
Most importantly: Avoid stopping treatment prescribed by your doctor for a serious medical condition and resorting solely to alternative methods such as TCM.
Also, the following people should be very careful when using herbal medicines:
- Elderly people
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
- People who are scheduled for surgery (some herbs may increase the risk of bleeding)
- People using other medications
- When treating a young child
What do our doctors think about this?
Western doctors expect scientific evidence that something is safe and effective before they recommend it. So it's a little difficult for them to recommend TCM. But overall, research and interest in TCM is increasing day by day.
Even leading health centers in the world, such as the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins, offer TCM methods such as acupuncture and herbal medicine to patients.
Take-Home Message
- TCM is an ancient Chinese medical system based on the body's vital energy (Qi) and its balance (Yin and Yang).
- This includes things like acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine.
- It is appropriate to use this as a complementary treatment in addition to Western medical treatment, but it should not replace Western treatment for serious illnesses.
- If you always resort to this treatment, choose someone who is well-versed and qualified in it.
- Most importantly: Always talk to your doctor for advice before starting any new treatment, especially herbal medicine.
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