Chinese medicine conjures images of acupuncture and herb-based concoctions, and while this isn’t incorrect, it isn’t the whole story. There’s so much more to Chinese medicine than people think, and now that it’s increasing in popularity it’s getting a more in-depth study from people who are curious about what it can do for their health. Chinese medicine is a holistic system which includes cupping, moxibustion, dietary and lifestyle advice, exercises such as qi gong and the treatments we associate with it, such as needles and herbs. It can be used as an addition to conventional medicine too, so it can be both an alternative and complementary therapy which many people don’t realise. A system of treatments which have been developed over the past 2,000 years, it is now one of the most respected and effective forms of medicinal therapy known to humankind. Unlike the type of medications we’re used to, Chinese medicine seeks to find and resolve the causes of an illness, rather than simply remove the symptoms. For example, if you suffer regularly with headaches, you may take painkillers to remove the painful symptoms – in Chinese medicine, however, a therapist may help you by looking at your lifestyle, diet and family history to get to the root of the issue. They can then help you to treat that problem, to prevent future headaches rather than simply help you treat the one you have at the moment. Chinese medicine looks at so many aspects of a condition, as well as sleep, thirst, appetite and digestion. What many people may see as unconnected and different symptoms may well be part of the same illness, and a Chinese medical professional may see that more easily than conventional practitioners will. That said, we shouldn’t immediately dismiss the benefits of conventional medicine. There are conditions for which Chinese medicine isn’t necessarily the best option for.
There are strengths and weaknesses with Chinese medicine, as with any form of treatment. Because of this, conventional medicine is often more precise in diagnosing and treating ailments, and modern surgery can be instantly lifesaving. There are some problems with long-term medications, which is where Chinese therapies can help as a complementary medicine to be used alongside more traditional treatments to solve a number of conditions. If you’re suffering from a condition such as IBS, stress-related conditions and arthritis, Chinese medicine can be really helpful in treating these types of problems. The main aim of these therapies is to get the body functioning at its best, and addressing all aspects of a health complaint, which will improve your wellbeing. Fertility issues have been the biggest draw for people to Chinese medicine, as it’s a condition that can’t always been resolved instantly with conventional medicine so people feel more open to the idea of experimenting with treatments which have had previously worked for other couples. Chinese medicine can be effective in regulating your hormones and increasing fertility in both males and females. Chinese medicine has been increasing in popularity significantly in recent years and can work really well to support traditional therapies – it’s a gentle way of treating some of the persistent conditions we deal with every day. Of course, if you are feeling unwell or have noticed a condition developing, you should still seek advice from your GP who can advise you whether you need treatment – you can then supplement this with Chinese medicine if you so choose to.