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FAQs:

What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 2,000 years. TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang, defined as opposing energies, such as earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness. When yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized. Out of balance, however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.

Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or energy, known as qi (pronounced "chee"), in everybody. For yin and yang to be balanced and for the body to be healthy, qi must be balanced and flowing freely. When there is too little or too much qi in one of the body's energy pathways, called meridians, or when the flow of qi is blocked, it causes illness.

The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance yin and yang by promoting the natural flow of qi. In an interesting analogy, often used to explain its nature, qi is described as the wind in a sail, we do not see the wind directly, but we are aware of its presence as it fills the sail.

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is used in conjunction with acupuncture, whenever appropriate, to support the healing process. Herbs are prescribed usually as formulas, rather than individual herbs and are tailored to a specific, individual traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic pattern to meet the medical needs of each patient. Patients are closely supervised and herbs are frequently adjusted as the individual improves to support the dynamic process of healing and recovery.

Does Chinese Medicine Work?

TCM is an approach that covers a lot of ground, and results vary. The practices haven’t been studied in the same way as Western medicine. More research has been done on herbs and acupuncture than other treatments. But studies show a lot of promise:

1. Acupuncture is commonly accepted as a treatment for several conditions, including pain relief and limiting side effects from chemotherapy.

2. Several herbs used in TCM are also used at well-respected, Western medicine clinics to treat anything from trouble sleeping to arthritis to menopause.

3. Tai chi seems to improve balance in people with Parkinson’s disease.

4. Cupping may help relieve pain from shingles.

Is Chinese Medicine Safe?

Experts believe it’s safe if you go to someone who knows what they're doing. This is especially true of acupuncture, tai chi, cupping, and moxibustion.

Herbs can be a little trickier. They don’t go through the same FDA process as drugs. That means there’s not as much research on them, and it can be hard to know exactly what’s in them. Plus, herbs can have side effects or impact other medicines you’re taking. Again, it’s important to go to someone who understands their practice. And always check with your doctor first.

Qi is Which of the Following in Chinese Medicine?

According to TCM, qi is the life force or vital energy. Everything in the world is made up of qi, including the physical body and the feelings a person has.

Followers and practitioners of TCM believe that to be balanced in life and free from physical or mental health issues, a person must have balanced qi. They suggest that illnesses or other conditions only appear when there is a qi imbalance or deficiency in the body.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) defines qi as a vital energy that flows through the body, helping to maintain a person’s health. The NCCIH is interested in the ideas of TCM but does not focus on specific concepts, such as qi. Instead, the NCCIH takes a more scientific view, looking at how these practices affect the body and their use in symptom management.

What are the Symptoms of a Kidney Deficiency in Chinese Medicine?

Often, lower back pain is frequently attributed to kidney deficiency. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this type of deficiency is also not uncommon in women. Deficiency of the kidneys can happen to anyone and can be divided into various types, including yin deficiency of the kidneys, yang deficiency of the kidney, and deficiency of kidney qi. These can lead to dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the waist and knees, and cold hands and feet, among other symptoms. Yin deficiency of the kidneys is more common in young people and is mainly related to various unhealthy habits of urban residents. To alleviate these issues, you can seek guidance from Chinese Medicine practitioners who offer methods for improvements and dietary recommendations below:

Typical Signs of Kidney Yin Deficiency:

- Regular dizziness and tinnitus

- Frequent soreness and pain in the lower back and knees

- Premature ejaculation in men

- Hypomenorrhea or amenorrhea in women

- Insomnia, forgetfulness

- Dry mouth and throat

- Frequent hot flushes, sweating while sleeping

- Scanty urine with a yellowish hue

- Extreme weight loss/thinness

Can Chinese Medicine Help Hypothyroidism?

Unlike conventional medicine which treats the disease, Chinese medicine aims to understand what the underlying causes are that caused an imbalance and then aims to bring the body back into balance using a variety of methods. There are no patients that are exactly alike and thus each person will be treated according to their unique Chinese medicine pattern.

Hypothyroid conditions including are commonly seen as a ‘mixed pattern’ of both deficiency and excess. Patients often present with a lack of Qi (energy) and Yang (internal fire) which can leave them depleted, fatigued, cold, and prone to weight gain. Deficiency is commonly caused by poor diet and long-term stress which can prevent the internal organs from functioning optimally giving rise to other symptoms of excess.

During a consultation and acupuncture session, the energetic functioning of all of the organs is assessed. Common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction relate to the liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen from a Chinese medicine perspective. Acupuncture will be used to balance the internal organs and herbal medicine may also be used for various symptoms.

Can Chinese Medicine Cure Herpes?

Chinese medicine offers a very efficient treatment for killing the herpes virus, eliminating the skin rash or lesion, and reducing the pain. Furthermore, Chinese medicine will also focus on boosting immunity and strengthening the constitution to prevent herpes recurrence. Patients who have benefited from Chinese medicine become the most appreciated because it works very quickly and efficiently for them.

In Chinese medicine, genital herpes is considered caused by heat and dampness which reside in the liver and gall bladder meridian and its organs, so the first step is to remove the heat and dampness from the liver and gall bladder, the leading Chinese herbal formula is damp heat cleansing- Long dan Xie gan Tang. In this formula, many herbs can function like an anti-virus effect. It purges the heat and dampness out from the liver and bladder and meanwhile, it can kill the virus.

Can Chinese Medicine Treat Anxiety?

From a Chinese medical perspective, depression and anxiety can be understood as a disturbance to the Shen, roughly translated as our spirit. When the Shen is disturbed, manifestations might include a feeling of lack of meaning in one’s life, an inability to connect to other people, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing, lack of energy, and feeling inauthentic, among other things. Also, if qi/energy is stuck in the body, not moving smoothly, the emotions may get stuck, in fear, anger, or grief for instance. Chinese medicine treats these conditions by reconnecting the spirit with the deepest sense of ourselves and with something larger than ourselves. And it can guide the qi to move more smoothly, alleviating feelings of being stuck emotionally or spiritually.  

Acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy, qi gong, and tai chi are all useful for treating depression and anxiety. No matter if you choose acupuncture or herbs, or use them both, one should always be eating healthfully and exercising.

What is the cost of Chinese Medicine Treatments?

Costs for TCM services vary, depending upon the nature of the condition being treated, the treatments used, the length of the patient visit, and the area of the U.S.

Acupuncture

Treatment costs may vary from initial examination and treatment that takes about 45 minutes to an hour or more and costs $55 to $150 to subsequent costs of $45 to $90 with 10-30 minutes of Chinese treatment.

Herbal medicines

There are several forms of herbals, both traditional and modern. Depending on the individual practitioner and the region, treatment prices vary. Usually, an initial herbal consultation fee ranges from $30 to $60, and a follow-up consultation costs around $30. A month's supply of herbs costs between $30 and $50.

The cost of TCM herbal medicines ranges from just pennies to dollars per dose. Moreover, some "prescriptions" are just for one or two doses (for example using yin qiao for treating a wind-heat pattern of the common cold) and will cost about 50 cents. Other formulas (such as those containing ginseng, cordyceps, or deer antler) used to treat deficiency patterns are required in daily doses over many months and can cost up to $10 a day.

History of Chinese Medicine

The four major periods

Between the 29th century BC and the 16th century CE Chinese medicine passed through four major periods. The first, from the 29th to 27th centuries BC, was the time of the three emperors, primarily an era of myth and legend with only approximate dating of events. The events of the next 2,000 years are obscure, but a slow growth of medical knowledge and gradual changes in medical practice can be assumed.

The second period was a mixture of legend and fact centered on the career of Bian Qiao (Bian Que)—about whom anecdotal material dates to the first half of the 5th century BCE. The third period was that of the great practitioners, the physicians Zhang Zhongjing and Wang Shuhe and the surgeon Hua Tuo, running from about ce 150 to 300. The individuals and events were real, although legends have grown up around them. The final 1,300 years, featuring the compilation of encyclopedic works and the writing of commentaries on earlier authors, produced little that was original. In the second half of the 16th century, tenuous communication began with medical representatives from the West, and the character of Chinese medicine began to change.

Five Elements/Phases in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the Five Phases theory is used to explain relationships between organs in our bodies based on what element characterizes them. At the core of the theory is the fact that the five elements affect each other in a "nourishing" or "suppressive" way. For instance, Water is "nourishing" to Wood but "suppressive" to Fire. As such at the core of the theory there is the idea that Organs in our bodies are in a constant state of change and interdependence, with elements constantly getting nourished or suppressed by each other. The five elements are in constant search of a harmonic balance.

The Five-Phases theory is particularly useful in Chinese Medicine to explain how diseases spread in the body. For instance, a disease affecting the Kidney (Water) will have more propensity to spread to the Heart (Fire). The inverse is true as well: since the Spleen (Earth) is suppressed by the Liver (Wood), a disease seen as affecting the Heart might also be present in the Liver.

Under the Five-Phases theory, one of the priorities for treatment will be to prevent the transmission of the disease. For instance, if a Liver (Wood) disease is diagnosed, the Spleen (Earth) will be treated in advance to prevent the disease from spreading. Also, as with everything in Chinese Medicine, treatment is about restoring balance. If an element is weak versus the others (like a Deficient Kidney - Water), the main purpose of the treatment will be to nourish it so it regains its normal level. 

Interestingly the Five Phases theory also applies to the field of psychiatry. For instance, grief is considered a Metal emotion and Anger a Wood emotion. This is why grief wins over anger: Metal suppresses Wood. Similarly, a patient's emotional state can be reflective of a defective Organ. As such someone very anxious (perhaps with issues of insomnia) might have a Deficient Spleen since anxiety is an Earth emotion and the Spleen is the Earth Organ.

Eight Principles in Chinese Medicine

The eight principles (Ba Gang) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are a set of diagnostic categories that practitioners use to classify patterns of disharmony or imbalance in the body. These principles are:

1. Yin and yang: This principle refers to the balance of two opposing and complementary forces in the body. In TCM, yin represents the feminine, passive, and receptive aspects of the body, while yang represents the masculine, active, and expressive aspects.

2. Interior and exterior: This principle refers to the location of an imbalance or condition within the body. An interior condition affects the internal organs, while an exterior condition affects the surface of the body.

3. Cold and heat: This principle refers to the presence of excess or deficiency of either cold or heat in the body. In TCM, cold is thought to constrict and contract the body, while heat expands and stimulates it.

4. Deficiency and excess: This principle refers to the presence of either a deficiency or excess of certain substances in the body, such as Qi (vital energy), blood, or fluids.

5. Full and empty: This principle refers to the presence of either excess or deficiency of certain substances in the body. A full condition is one in which there is an excess of substances, while an empty condition is one in which there is a deficiency.

6. Qi and blood stagnation: This principle refers to the proper flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood in the body. Stagnation refers to a blockage or disruption in the flow of these substances, which can lead to various health issues.

7. Upward and downward: This principle refers to the movement of Qi (vital energy) and other substances in the body. An upward movement refers to the upward movement of substances, while a downward movement refers to the downward movement.

8. Excess and deficiency of organ systems: This principle refers to the balance of function between the various organ systems in the body. An excess or deficiency of function in one or more organ systems may indicate an imbalance or disharmony in the body.

12 Meridians in Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the concept of pattern/syndrome differentiation using meridian/channel (Jing Luo) theory refers to the use of the meridians and channels in the body to diagnose and treat imbalances or conditions. In TCM, the meridians and channels are thought to be pathways through which Qi (vital energy) and blood flow throughout the body.

There are 12 main meridians (Jing Luo) in TCM that are believed to be the most important for maintaining health and balance in the body. These meridians are:

1. Lung meridian: The lung meridian is responsible for the intake of Qi (vital energy) and the distribution of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, as well as the regulation of the body’s water metabolism.

2. Large intestine meridian: The large intestine meridian is responsible for the absorption of water and the elimination of waste from the body.

3. Stomach meridian: The stomach meridian is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food.

4. Spleen meridian: The spleen meridian is responsible for the production and transportation of blood and Qi (vital energy), as well as the transformation and transportation of fluids in the body.

5. Heart meridian: The heart meridian is responsible for the circulation of blood, the production of Qi (vital energy), and the expression of emotion.

6. Small intestine meridian: The small intestine meridian is responsible for separating and absorbing nutrients from food.

7. Bladder meridian: The bladder meridian is responsible for the storage and elimination of urine.

8. Kidney meridian: The kidney meridian is responsible for the production of Qi (vital energy) and the regulation of water metabolism, as well as the storage of essential substances, such as bone marrow and Jing (vital essence).

9. Pericardium meridian: The pericardium meridian is responsible for protecting the heart and regulating the circulation of Qi (vital energy) and blood.

10. Triple energizer meridian: The triple energizer meridian is responsible for the regulation of the body’s temperature, fluids, and circulation.

11. Gallbladder meridian: The gallbladder meridian is responsible for the production and secretion of bile.

12. Liver meridian: The liver meridian is responsible for storing and regulating the flow of blood, as well as maintaining the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body.

Six Stages in Ancient Chinese Medicine

The six stages (Liu Jing) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a diagnostic framework that practitioners use to identify patterns of imbalance or disharmony in the body and to develop a treatment plan to restore balance and promote health. In TCM, the six stages refer to six different patterns of disharmony or imbalance that can occur in the body, and each stage is associated with a specific set of symptoms and treatment principles.

The six stages are:

1. Wind: The wind stage is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and joint pain. Treatment for the wind stage involves the use of warming and tonifying herbs and acupuncture points to strengthen the body’s resistance to external pathogens.

2. Dampness: The dampness stage is characterized by symptoms such as swelling, edema, and a feeling of heaviness. Treatment for the dampness stage involves the use of diuretics drying herbs and acupuncture points to drain excess fluids from the body.

3. Heat: The heat stage is characterized by symptoms such as fever, thirst, and a red tongue. Treatment for the heat stage involves the use of cooling and clearing herbs and acupuncture points to reduce heat and inflammation in the body.

4. Dryness: The dryness stage is characterized by symptoms such as dry skin, dry mouth, and constipation. Treatment for the dryness stage involves the use of moistening and nourishing herbs and acupuncture points to nourish and hydrate the body.

5. Cold: The cold stage is characterized by symptoms such as cold hands and feet, a pale tongue, and a feeling of coldness. Treatment for the cold stage involves the use of warming and tonifying herbs and acupuncture points to warm and stimulate the body.

6. Fire: The fire stage is characterized by symptoms such as irritability, red eyes, and a red tongue. Treatment for the fire stage involves the use of calming and nourishing herbs and acupuncture points to balance and nourish the body.

TCM practitioners use the six stages theory in combination with other diagnostic tools, such as observation of the body and assessment of symptoms, to identify patterns of imbalance or disharmony in the body and to develop a treatment plan to restore balance and promote health.

4 Levels in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The four levels (Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a diagnostic framework that practitioners use to identify patterns of imbalance or disharmony in the body and to develop a treatment plan to restore balance and promote health. In TCM, the four levels refer to four different layers or levels of the body, and each level is associated with a specific set of symptoms and treatment principles.

The four levels are:

1. Wei (defensive) level: The Wei level is the outermost layer of the body and is responsible for protecting the body from external pathogens and toxins. Symptoms of imbalance at the Wei level may include fever, chills, and joint pain. Treatment for the Wei level involves the use of warming and tonifying herbs and acupuncture points to strengthen the body’s resistance to external pathogens.

2. Qi (vital energy) level: The Qi level is the second layer of the body and is responsible for the production and circulation of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. Symptoms of imbalance at the Qi level may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and digestive issues. Treatment for the Qi level involves the use of herbs and acupuncture points to tonify and regulate Qi (vital energy) in the body.

3. Ying (nutritive) level: The Ying level is the third layer of the body and is responsible for the nourishment and support of the body’s tissues and organs. Symptoms of imbalance at the Ying level may include weakness, anemia, and poor appetite. Treatment for the Ying level involves the use of nourishing and tonifying herbs and acupuncture points to support and nourish the body’s tissues and organs.

4. Xue (blood) level: The Xue level is the innermost layer of the body and is responsible for the circulation of blood throughout the body. Symptoms of imbalance at the Xue level may include irregular menstruation, blood disorders, and blood stasis. Treatment for the Xue level involves the use of herbs and acupuncture points to regulate and nourish the blood and promote circulation.

What Can Chinese Herbal Medicine Treat?

Over the centuries, TCM has been used to treat countless conditions. Western scientists are still studying its effectiveness for various diseases. For serious conditions, make sure you are working with a conventional doctor along with a TCM practitioner. Always let everyone on your healthcare team know about any medicines, herbs, or supplements you are taking. Some of the conditions for which TCM is known to be helpful include:

- Obesity

- Diabetes and its complications, such as retinopathy (damage to the retina located in the back of the eye)

- High cholesterol

- Depression

- Arthritis

- Back pain

- Male and female fertility disorders

- Alzheimer disease

- Parkinson disease

- Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome

- Recurrent cystitis, inflammation of the bladder

- Nausea and vomiting

- Heart disease

TCM may also be an effective treatment for the following ailments:

- Allergies

- Asthma

- Cancer, especially colorectal cancer

- Stroke

- Sinusitis

- Addictions

- Pain, including childbirth and abdominal

- Menopausal symptoms

- Osteoporosis

- Infections (respiratory, bladder, vaginal)

- Sleep problems

- Stress

- Constipation

- Diabetic neuropathy

- Epilepsy

The Benefits of Chinese Medicine

The benefits of traditional Chinese medicine vary, but many patients report experiencing decreased pain and inflammation, less stress, and faster recovery times after injury. Some studies have suggested that certain traditional Chinese medicine treatment options may improve fertility as well.  

1. Decreased pain and inflammation

Pain and inflammation could be the result of a range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and migraines. Pain and inflammation may also result after an injury or illness as well. Back and neck pain, which is often best treated through chiropractic services, may also improve through traditional Chinese medicine. When dealing with pain and inflammation, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners typically recommend acupuncture and herbal medicine. 

2. Hormonal balance and improved fertility

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has been used as a treatment method for infertility. Traditional Chinese medicine may promote healthy hormonal changes and could increase blood flow to the uterus and improve fertility. Of course, this is not a substitute for more traditional infertility treatments, but it may serve as an extra form of treatment. The good news is traditional Chinese medicine is safe, non-invasive, and does not have any side effects, so utilizing it can never hurt. 

3. Reduces the body’s stress response

Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic approach to medicine and can treat the body and mind. One of the benefits of treatments such as tai chi, acupuncture, and holistic medicine is reduced stress. These treatments can produce a calm feeling, and many find the treatment process itself to be relaxing. Combined with reduced discomfort, many can live a less stressful and more fulfilling life when regularly practicing traditional Chinese medicine. 

4. Promotes body flexibility and balance

The most notable method of traditional Chinese medicine for improving the body’s flexibility and overall balance is tai chi. This is a type of martial arts, but practitioners utilize its mental and physical health benefits, especially in patients who may deal with osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. Chiropractic treatment can also address issues of stiffness and pain related to the spine. 

5. Aids in the recovery process after injury

After an injury, traditional Chinese medicine may assist in the recovery process. Most notably, massage therapy, chiropractic services, and acupuncture may help speed up the recovery process. Tai chi can also be utilized as an alternative and safe form of physical therapy for many.

How to Find a Chinese Medicine Practitioner Near Me

Today, there are thousands of TCM practitioners (alternatively known as a Chinese Medicine Doctor) around the world who are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. However, unless you get a personal recommendation, it can be overwhelming and intimidating trying to find a TCM doctor who can help you with your health concerns. Whether you are looking for an acupuncturist to optimize your fertility or someone to help you find relief from pain, here are some tips on how to find a TCM practitioner.

1. Check qualifications

While a practitioner can have Board certification in Acupuncture, and/or Chinese Herbology, make sure your Chinese Medicine Doctor is licensed and board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese herbs. To become a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, the TCM doctor will have completed a 3-4 year full-time master’s degree, which includes thousands of hours of supervised hands-on clinical training and passed national or state board exams.

2. Research Training/Specialities

In addition to being certified to practice acupuncture and prescribe Chinese herbs, a good TCM practitioner should be trained in cupping, moxa, massage, nutritional support, and even modalities like Shonishin, a type of pediatric needle-free acupuncture.

3. Understand the different acupuncture practices

There are two main types of acupuncture practices with different experiences, so make sure you understand the difference and pick the one that you resonate with the most. The first type of acupuncture practice is the traditional “private practice.” Each TCM practitioner sees one patient at a time in a private room with plenty of time to talk and develop a treatment strategy. The second type of acupuncture practice is called “community acupuncture” where patients are treated in a group setting. This is a cheaper option, but it does mean you’ll be treated in a communal treatment space with less personal attention.

4. Make sure the TCM practitioner is accessible and communicative

When you consult with a TCM practitioner, you need someone that you can put your faith in. Someone who listens to you helps explain their treatment plan, and can even converse with your doctor if necessary. You should feel comfortable speaking with the TCM practitioner and that you are getting the attention you need.

What to Expect During an Appointment with a Chinese Medicine Doctor

Since TCM practices are vastly different from those of Western medicine, many people do not know what to expect when visiting a TCM doctor. Knowing what to expect can make the visit more productive and less stressful.

The First Visit

A health assessment is the focus of the first visit. The TCM practitioner utilizes five different diagnostic methods during the assessment:

1. Inspection

The practitioner observes the individual’s behavior as well as their appearance, such as the color of their face. They also carefully inspect the tongue, including its size, shape, color, texture, and coating. The tongue is considered to be a reflection of the whole body.

2. Auscultation

Auscultation refers to the sounds individuals make. The practitioner listens to the person’s voice, breathing, cough, and other sounds.

3. Olfaction

The practitioner notes the smell (e.g., body odor and breath) of the individual.

4. Inquiry

The practitioner asks questions about pain, sleep, energy levels, hot or cold symptoms, the digestive system, and other body systems. They gather pertinent information about the person’s medical history.

5. Palpation

Palpation involves touch. The practitioner feels pulse points on the wrist to determine the strength, rhythm, and quality of the pulse, which provides information about the body’s energy and overall functioning. They may also feel areas of pain and energy pathways in the body.

The practitioner uses the information gathered during the assessment to decide what type of therapeutic method(s) may help the individual achieve and maintain health.

Therapeutic Methods

After the initial visit and assessment, the TCM practitioner typically makes recommendations regarding potential therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbology, or Tui Na massage.

1. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at different points on the body.

2. Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa, or mugwort root, on or near the skin.

3. Cupping involves the use of heated cups to create suction on the skin.

4. Chinese herbology involves the consumption of a tea, capsule, or powder made of plant leaves, roots, flowers, stems, or seeds.

5. Tui Na massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons, in conjunction with acupuncture.

Follow-up appointments include the practice of the recommended therapeutic method(s) to address the individual’s health concerns or to maintain their overall health.

Sources:

Mount Sinai

Britannica

WebMD

Northwestern Medicine

Medical News Today

Cigna

Ballarat Acupuncture

Acu NYC

Spine Chiropractic

Me and Qi

MUIH

Further Food

Taking Charge

Yosan Edu

Painscale