Top Traditional Chinese Medicine

People are learning the benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, deep massage, Qi and herbal medicine. Westerners are the new kids on the block when it comes to accessing this treatment, as more than a quarter of the world's population make TCM, also known as Oriental medicine. The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization believe that TCM is an effective Western medicine, and now many health insurance companies will introduce acupuncture as a treatment for various ailments. It is very exciting for those of us who find acupuncture a great help in reducing pain and improving blood circulation. Acupuncture originated in China 3,000 years ago and is the most common medical procedure worldwide, because the same treatment not only eliminates acute pain, it is a preventative process because it re-directs Qi. Qi is an important physical strength, everything comes from Qi and flows and connects man with the earth and the sky. It is also a source of natural healing for the body, all disorders can be traced to Qi imbalance, and acupuncture points release Qi bound and allow it to flow naturally — the body can begin to heal itself. An acupuncture diagnosis involves a doctor asking a long list of questions, some of which are often considered by Americans to be private. The questions cover everything from writing sleep patterns to regular daily meals to how often a patient urinates in a 24-hour period. These are necessary questions, as the more information an acupuncturist has, the better it is to say where Qi is blocked. The patient will usually be lying on a massage table (Oriental acupuncture is usually performed in a sitting position) and the doctor will insert very small needles into another 2,000 points and the body connects in 14 ways, or medians. The needle is not harmful, and in contrast to what you may have felt, it does not twist or pierce the skin. They are placed just below the surface and the patent is left in a cool, dark place for about an hour. There are different sizes and lengths of needles, each for specific diseases and point. Needles are made of very thin stainless steel and are attractive; they are discarded after each use. Another type of TCM herbal remedy; these are often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Because everything is connected, pain and conditions in the body are closely related to a person's emotions and thought process. That is why people who suffer from chronic pain are also prone to depression. TCM doctors often prescribe medication to help the patient relax, with periods of acupuncture. This is called tonic herbalism, and some of the most popular herbs used are probably in your kitchen. Green tea and ginseng are two of the most popular herbs used in TCM, but here are some foods that are considered "warm" that will help maintain good health and restore balance to finished Qi: Rice and noodles, broccoli, egg whites, fish and chicken. It is not surprising that these are main ingredients in all Oriental cuisine. For a complete view of TCM, we have combined acupuncture (prevention and treatment), herbal remedies and diet, it is only right that we should touch exercise. Add Qi, of course, still means strength, and gong means activity or practice. The art and function of Qi involves practicing posture, breathing, meditation, and slow movement of body parts. Qi is an excellent exercise, and because of its popularity, you can find classes in your area by opening a phone book.