Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete system of medicine used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. It is effective for physical, psychological and emotional conditions.
Acupuncture, a form of TCM, has been practiced for more than 2,500 years, yet it is one of the most widely used modalities of the 21st century. This ancient knowledge of the body and its functions is still relevant for today's health conditions.
TCM sees disease as an imbalance in the flow of energy (Ch'i). TCM aims to identify where there is imbalance and uses one of several methods such as acupuncture and herbs to help the body restore itself to a state of relative balance.
TCM aims at treating the whole person, rather than just a disease. It takes into account not only physical but also mental and emotional aspects to develop a complete picture of a patient and looks at diagnosing and treating the root pattern(s) of disharmony rather than simply treating the symptoms of disease.
TCM has always been used as a preventative medicine as a way of maintaining health, but can bring great benefits to the patient in almost any illness.
Treatment by acupuncture consists of the insertion of fine, sterilized needles into carefully selected points of the body, which are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy.
The number of needles varies, and they are typically left in place for 20 minutes. The number of treatments depends on both the patient and the nature of the condition being treated.
When you come in for treatment, up to half an hour could be spent discussing not only the immediate problem but also taking a full case history to build up a picture of your health.
You may feel sensations of numbness, tingling, warmth, coolness or experience aches in various parts of the body. These are all considered normal.
Yes. Each needle is only used once. They are pre-packaged, sterile, made from stainless steel and are immediately disposed of after use.
This will most likely include acupuncture, but may include:
- Moxibustion (a form of heat therapy)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Dietary and Lifestyle advice
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...This is just a sample of commonly treated conditions
Alice is a member of the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists and a registered ACC treatment provider. Her studies were completed at the New Zealand School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Wellington. This involved Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs (patent), Western Anatomy, Physiology and basic Pharmacology.
It was a combination of experiences and interests, which over a period of time focussed Alice's passion toward traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, leading her into four years of full time study.
© Revitalize Health Practice Limited, New Zealand 2006
TCM aims at treating the whole person rather than just a disease. It takes into account not only physical but also mental and emotional aspects to develop a complete picture of a patient.
