Traditional Chinese Medicine Services
Have you ever taken a ginseng supplement?
How about ginkgo biloba?
Have you ever had an acupuncture treatment?
If so, you’ve been exposed to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a form of medicine which has been practiced in China for thousands of years.
Many of its practices have applications for modern conditions as well.
As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Pat Nardini is trained in the application of traditional Chinese medicine.
Read on to find out more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and how it can help you.
How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Work?
Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the idea that the human body has an inherent energy, or life force, in it. This energy is called qi (pronounced like chee). It flows throughout your body along certain pathways. When the flow of energy is blocked or unbalanced, it can cause illness.
While scientific research has yet to find evidence of the existence of qi, the benefit of Traditional Chinese Medicine is clear. It can be an effective treatment for a variety of different health concerns.
What Types Of Treatments Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Offer?
There are a number of different treatments considered as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
These include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is perhaps the most well-known form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves placing small needles along specific points on your body. It may be effective if you’re struggling with:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic headaches
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Allergies
- Tennis elbow
- Weight loss
- Osteoarthritis
And many more.
Cupping
Cupping is the practice of placing cups on your skin which create suction. It may help with pain, to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation, and as a relaxation treatment similar to a deep tissue massage. While there isn’t much scientific research into cupping, anecdotal evidence suggests it may be effective for:
- Acne
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eczema
- Migraines
- Athletic performance
Chinese Botanical Medicine
A number of the botanical supplements used by naturopathic doctors come from the Chinese tradition. These include:
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginger
- Goji berries
- Cayenne pepper
- Chrysanthemum
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the practice of burning small amounts of the mugwort plant on specific areas of your body. Again, the scientific research is limited on moxibustion. But it has been used as a treatment for:
- Ulcerative colitis
- IBS
- Eczema
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Hypertension
- Chronic fatigue
- Menstrual cramps
- Chronic pain
- Urinary incontinence
What Is A Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner?
A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner is someone who holds an appropriate TCM diploma, degree, or other accreditation from a qualified post-secondary institution.
Dr. Pat does not claim to be a TCM practitioner. Rather, he employs TCM techniques in his practice as a naturopathic doctor.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Safe?
Like any health treatment, there are certain risks involved with Traditional Chinese Medicine practices.
In particular, certain Chinese herbal supplements may interact with prescription drugs. This is why Dr. Pat will ask you so many questions during your first visit. It’s important to understand what your current health condition is and what you’re taking, in order to minimize risks as much as possible.
In general, however, Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered a safe form of medicine.
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help You?
To find out more about how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you, book an appointment with Dr. Pat.
If it’s your first time being exposed to TCM or to naturopathic medicine in general, Dr. Pat offers you a FREE health clarity session.
During this 15-minute session, you’ll get access to Dr. Pat’s knowledge on naturopathy. He’ll answer any questions you may have, address your concerns, and help you understand how naturopathic medicine can help you.
Contact Dr. Pat to book your FREE health clarity session today.