Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture Treatment

June 18, 2008 by Tammy

What was once only a part of European health care has now intertwined itself into the Western health system as well. This is known as holistic therapy for pain relief.

Holistic therapies are traditional approaches to the relief of pain that were created by the Chinese and have been around for approximately two to three thousand years.

It is believed that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around even longer, roughly in the area of 5,000 years old! Based on more than one technique, Traditional Chinese Medicine also makes use of herbal remedies in order to balance out the body’s internal vital energy.

traditional chinese medicine One large part of Chinese Medicine lies in the points of acupuncture. Acupuncture was originally derived from the belief that a person’s health was based on how much chi (or vital life energy) was to be found in the human body. This thought has stayed steady and strong and still offers a large influence in today’s Chinese medicine.

Good health comes when positive life force or vital energy is able to traverse throughout the body by way of pathways. These pathways are known by the Chinese as meridians. Each meridian has a particular organ link in the human body. Acupuncture by qualified practitioners, is when the acupuncturist sticks stainless steel needles into the spots which are believed to connect to the meridians and channels of the body. A successful acupuncturist is able to unblock the chi or the body’s energy, because it is believe that when chi is blocked, pain is the result.

The needles used in acupuncture are inserted into the skin and left in for a few minutes or in some cases up to nearly a half an hour. Acupuncture, a holistic form of treatment, is believed to arouse endorphins within the body. These endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller so the more active they are, the less pain there is. What a simple concept!

Acupuncture has worked many successful cases, like in those people with disorders like sinus pain, jaw pain, spinal problems, and backaches. This therapy also aids in the withdrawal of addictions such as quitting smoking or with mental and psychological disorders.[singlepic=15,320,240,,right]

Another major part of Traditional Chinese medicine is the use of herbal medicines. Herbs have been a part of medicine for many centuries, dating back thousands of years ago! Herbs are so popular because it is believed that they have a unique ability to help relieve pain. Along with acupuncture, herbs also help to deal with many health problems.

Some of the most popular cures include the following…For a healing for spasms and cramps, the best herbs are angelica, kava, rosemary, and valerian root. If nerve pain is the problem then chamomile, capsaicin, licorice, white willow and gotu kola will be your best bet for relief. For those with back pain, wood betony, passionflower or hops will give some relief to your discomfort. The regular headaches can be aided by spearmint or peppermint but migraine headaches need linden, skullcap or feverfew for help. Joint pain is alleviated by sea cucumber and ginger. Of course, talk with your health care provider before taking any herbs since in some cases herbs can negatively interact with other medications and treatments that you are currently undergoing.

If neither herbs nor acupuncture improve your pain then perhaps meditation will do the trick. Meditation has been an ancient practice for many centuries. Meditation is the conscious effort to unclutter your mind and clear your brain of stressful thoughts or anxiety. This additional stress could be what is directly or indirectly causing you this discomfort and pain. The three different types of meditation include concentrative, transcendental and mindful meditation.

All of these ancient Chinese practices are great ways to relieve you from the pain that you’re dealing with. Western medicine is becoming increasingly comfortable with with Chinese medicine since many case studies have shown such positive results. So if you are battling chronic pain, and have been unable to find true relief, then perhaps Chinese medicine could be beneficial to you. It is at least worth your time and energy to investigate your options.