Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for approximately more than 3500 years. Its fundamental concept is that Qi—an energy that is a vital force of life— flows through one’s body. Any disparity in Qi, which is caused by a change in its complementary and opposite forces called yin and yang, can lead to diseases and illnesses.
Many emphasized that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not initially based on science, so it doesn’t make sense. However, the people who are treated by this medicine are the living reasons why it is more than feasible.
If you don’t have any ideas about this traditional treatment and have been used to the expensive modern medicine, you’ll more likely have a change of heart once you finish reading this article.
1. Gua Sha
Gua Sha means ‘scraping’ in Chinese. It is a practice in Chinese medicine, wherein practitioners will use tools to apply pressure and scrape into people’s skins in the belief that this has medicinal benefits, such as relieving tension or pain. This often causes tissue damages and will result in red or purple light bruising, which is called sha.
Though it may sound horrible, many Western studies claimed that this is beneficial to one’s health. For instance, a study in Explore: the Journal of Science and Healing reported that Gua Sha made a fourfold increase in microcirculation or the circulation of the blood found in the smallest blood vessels. More importantly, the study claimed that most participants felt a decrease in muscle pains.
Dr. Arya Nelson also published a book focusing on Gua Sha’s capability to treat pain. According to her, a single Gua Sha treatment can produce an immune protective and anti-inflammatory effect that may persist for many days. She added that it is effective to almost everything from relieving muscle stiffness and pain to curing liver inflammation and other internal organ disorders.
Another study concluded that Gua Sha provides beneficial for athletic performance. The treatment reduced the perceived exertion rates done by weightlifters. From this point, this treatment is likely a combination of protein shakes, creatine powders, and many supplements we take for muscle recovery now.
2. Tui Na Massage
Tui na massage therapy modality is derived from the two words depicting actions in the treatment: tui means ‘to push’ while na means ‘to squeeze and grab.’ It’s a bodywork therapy in which you will combine acupressure, massage, and other forms of manipulation. It has been used not only in China but in many Asian countries for many centuries. You can also choose a quality massage chair as well as a great option.
In this therapy, the Tui Na practitioner will start with a few questions before starting a vigorous massage, together with the use of some ointment, herbal compresses, or heat to enhance the treatment. This treatment is best suited for curing musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain.
3. Moxibustion
Historically, Moxibustion is used as a treatment to menstrual cramps and pain. According to Chinese traditional medicine belief, Moxibustion warms and invigorates the blood, stimulates the flow of Qi, and strengthens yang (kidney), while expelling wind, dispersing cold, and dissolving stagnation.
The main purpose of Moxibustion is to facilitate healing. It uses burning moxa or mugwort root, which is made from a dried spongy herb called Artemesia Vulgaris. Mugwort root is often confused with that of marijuana or hemp because it produces that great deal of smoke with pungent odor when burned.
Nowadays, many studies showed that Moxibustion is not only beneficial for women who are suffering from painful menstruation but also for postmenopausal women. One study showed that a group of menopause women experienced lesser frequency and severity of hot flashes after taking Moxibustion sessions.
4. Acupuncture
You have probably seen this in many Chinese-inspired Hollywood action movies. It’s the practice of inserting needles into the subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and into the superficial skin. It’s the class treatment that can be
In traditional Chinese medicine, there are 2000 acupuncture points in one’s body. All of these points are connected by 12 primary meridians, which conduct Qi between internal organs and other surfaces in one’s body.
If you’re not so confident with needles, there are other forms of stimulation you can use to manipulate acupuncture points. These are the following:
- Heat
- Friction
- Impulses of electromagnetic energy
- Suction or cupping (this is pretty common to many athletes)
Acupressure, on the other hand, is an alternative for acupuncture. To do this, you need to apply physical pressures to acupuncture points to clear blockages in meridians. This is very convenient, especially when you don’t have any first ait kid and you need to treat someone. With proper practice and knowledge, you may perform it by yourself to treat yourself or another person.
Here are a few acupressure points to remember when you don’t have any medicines at hand. Don’t worry; it’s way safe. You will just apply some pressure on specific points for a few minutes and see whether you’ll find relief.
Motion sickness
- Nei Guan – 3 fingers below the wrist on the inner forearm between the two tendons
Dysmenorrhea
- Sea of Energy – 2 fingers below the navel
- Large Intestine 4 – the highest spot of the muscle between forefinger and thumb
- Liver 3 – an inch down between your big and second toes
Cough
- Heaven Rushing Out Point – the hollow below the Adam’s apple
- Elegant Mansion Point – besides the breastbone in the hollow below collarbone
- Heavenly Pillar Point – 2-3 fingers below the skull base on ropy muscles
- Three Mile Point – four fingers width under the kneecap, a finger width apart shinbone
- Lung 8 Point – a thumb below the wrist crease, radial palmer of the forearm
- Kidney 6 Point – a thumb below the inside of the ankle bone
- Ding Chuan Point – lower border of the spinous process of the back
Ultimately, acupuncture can help you in getting rid of smoking effectively. It curbs your cig cravings, eases jitters, and lessens your irritability. More importantly, it can also promote lung tissue repair while increasing one’s detoxification and relaxation in the body.