Golden Health Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine is practised in China
in hospitals alongside western medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of primary health care that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, acupressure massage, exercise and lifestyle advice. TCM has an uninterrupted history of development in China and other parts of East Asia dating back over 3000 years. The primary feature of modern TCM is the premise that good health relies on the restoration and maintenance of harmony, balance and order to the individual.
TCM takes an holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as it does on the treatment. TCM diagnosis consists of enquiry, listening, smell, observation, pulse assessment and palpitation.
When healthy, an abundant supply of qi (pronounced chee) or “life energy” flows through the body’s meridians (a network of invisible channels through the body). If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then the body fails to maintain harmony, balance and order and disease or illness follows. This can result from stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens, weather and environmental conditions and other lifestyle factors and becomes evident to TCM practitioners through identifiable signs of body dysfunction. TCM practitioners look carefully for these signs of health and dysfunction, paying particular attention to not only the presenting condition but also the medical history, general constitution and the pulse and tongue.
Clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment principles are based on the theoretical frameworks of TCM which seeks to identify underlying symptom patterns that indicate how the body is or has become dysfunctional. Treatment is focussed on the underlying condition as well as treating the presenting symptoms. Clinical decision-making and patient management strategies are also influenced by contemporary Western approaches to health care, including infection control practices and known interactions of herbal medicines with pharmaceuticals and other therapeutic substances.
What all this means in simple terms is that TCM tretaments are extremely individual for each person. A lack of balance, a blockage of energy flow has contributed to symptoms in the body. This is treated by the placing of fine acupuncture needles along the energy flow lines of the body in order to open them and ensure the energy flows smoothly. Herbal medicines are very often used to assist this process. By balancing the body, by helping the body to whole health and balance then the body can get on with healing. The body is designed beautifully to heal itself and this is what TCM will help it to do. It is not an instant "quick fix" but it is deep down and lasting.
In China TCM is practised alongside western medicine in hospital as it is understood that the body needs help to help itself even where surgery has been required. Our Chinese doctor Frank Fan has practised in hospitals in China and has extensive experience and training in medicine.
For more information go to our Frequently Asked Questions page
Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology
Chinese Herbal Medicines originate from plants and other natural substances ie. Seeds, tree bark and roots; there are over 300 Chinese herbs in common use. The Doctor will prescribe a formula of herbs, carefully selecting mixtures of up to 15, to treat your condition. Each prescription is therefore tailor-made for you as an individual based upon your unique symptoms. As treatment continues, the Doctor closely monitors your progress through regular free consultations and alters the ingredients and or doses accordingly.
There is a growing body of research which indicates that traditional uses of plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents often coincide. However herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of the complexity of plant materials it is far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formulae balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.
Many rumours abound regarding animal extracts, particularly from exotic species. We use none of these products; all our herbs are natural, free from animal products and come from totally reliable and auditable sources.
For more information go to our Frequently Asked Questions page |
