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Traditional Chinese medicine

By Amanda Genge, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been around for thousands of years. It might sound exotic, but odds are you know something about these therapies. Acupuncture and massage are two common therapies of this ancient medical system.

TCM: the basics

The main belief of TCM is that every person's body contains two opposing forces or energies called yin and yang. When these forces are out of balance, a person's qi, or life force, can't flow freely. That's when disease can set in. To treat and prevent illness, practitioners of TCM aim to restore the balance of yin and yang. 

Treatments like herbs, special diets, massage and even exercises called tai chi are used to aid this process. Tai chi combines movement with meditation. TCM also uses acupuncture. This is a treatment where thin, flexible needles are inserted in targeted areas of the body to treat pain. These treatments are believed to unblock the flow of qi. This is thought to improve overall blood flow along certain energy pathways called meridians. Once the balance and good flow return, wellness is expected to be restored.

Why choose TCM?

Some people turn to TCM as an extra treatment when modern medicine alone doesn't provide relief. TCM may be explored as complementary treatment for a variety of conditions, including:

• Obesity
• Infertility
• Digestive problems
• Pain
• Sleep disorders and more

More research needs to be done to prove clinical benefit in some cases. But already, some small studies have shown that TCM treatments may be effective. One study showed that acupuncture - when combined with physical therapy - offered more relief to patients with shoulder pain than physical therapy alone. And tai chi has been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Some oncologists also believe certain TCM therapies can improve the quality of life during and after cancer treatment. Practices like yoga, massage and acupuncture have been helpful to some.

What does a TCM provider do?

At your first visit, the provider will take a detailed medical history and do a physical exam. Your skin, hair, nails, eyes and tongue will be checked, and your pulse will be taken. Your provider will look for any imbalances and may prescribe different remedies to treat them.

Concerns and warnings

TCM treatments may pose risks. Some herbs can be harmful if you buy them over-the-counter. Even when taken as prescribed by a provider, there can still be side effects. Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially careful. They should check with their delivering doctors before using any complementary treatment.

That's why it's important to find an experienced, reputable provider.

• Ask about his or her training and education.
• Is the provider licensed and certified? Most states require TCM providers to be board-certified by the Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
• Does he or she belong to professional associations?
• Ask for references from your doctor.

Always check with your regular doctor before you start complementary treatment like TCM. He or she can talk to you about the risks and benefits as they relate to your own personal health needs.

View the original Traditional Chinese medicine article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Wesa K, Gubili J, Cassileth B. Integrative oncology: complementary therapies for cancer survivors. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America.

• University of Minnesota. Is TCM regulated? Accessed April 16, 2008

• Vas J, Ortega C, Olmo V, et al. Single-point acupuncture and physiotherapy for the treatment of painful shoulder: a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology (Oxford).

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine.