I don’t really know anything about Chinese medicine. What is the history of Chinese Medicine?
How is Chinese medicine different from Western medicine?
Is there proof that Chinese medicine works?
What types of conditions are best treated with Chinese medicine?
How do I choose a qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine?
Where do I go for more information?

What is the history of Chinese medicine?

There are many styles of Asian or Chinese medicine, but the most prevalent is TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine. This style was developed in China in the 1950’s and is a unified system based on various traditional Chinese systems of medicine. TCM in its current form is a modernized aggregate of the oldest, continually practiced, literate, secular group of medical traditions in human history.  Today, hundreds of millions of people around the world enjoy the benefits of the TCM-style of Chinese medicine, making it the most popular form of complementary medicine on earth.

How is Chinese medicine different from Western medicine?

There are numerous differences between the two systems, ranging from diagnosis to treatment.  A fundamental distinction, however, is that Western medicine emphasizes a structural understanding of the human body while Chinese medicine is more concerned with function. Looking at structures is extremely useful for evaluating the more mechanical parts of the anatomy, such as the cardiovascular system, and for identifying isolated pathologies such as tumors. Western medicine, however, often breaks down when faced with the management of complex conditions affecting multiple systems. On the other hand, TCM is especially well suited for understanding and treating systemic conditions that lack a single, identifiable etiology.

Is there proof that Chinese medicine works?

In allopathic or Western medicine, the concept of evidence is often tied to double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials. In reality, however, many procedures are never actually vetted through this process. For example, since sham surgery is generally thought to be a violation of bioethics, the real benefits of most forms of surgery have never undergone validation through clinical trials.

In addition, while the efficacy of drugs may be indicated through basic research and clinical trials, many, if not most, pharmaceuticals work through mechanisms that are not well understood.  Listen carefully to the TV drugs ads that remark that drug X is ‘thought to work through’ a certain mechanism.  Obviously, the common perception among the public that pharmaceutical drugs are approved for use based on a thorough scientific understanding of their effects on the human body is often not correct.  The bottom line in allopathic medicine, not unlike traditional medical systems, is simply ‘does it work?’.

While positive results from the scientific testing of Chinese therapies continues to accumulate with thousands of journal articles in China being published each year, the best endorsement of Chinese medicine is an unparalleled body of empirical evidence, systematically collected by professional physicians over 2,000 years. Great clinical results continue today, generally without the adverse effects and exorbitant cost of allopathic therapies. After thousands of years of investigation, innovation, and refinement, Chinese medicine continues to offer some of the most effective and safest medical treatment available to humanity.

What types of conditions are best treated with Chinese medicine?

For thousands of years, the Chinese had to solve their medical problems with their native medicine and developed treatments for the many of the diseases that affect human beings. Here in Arizona, where your Chinese medical practitioner is not a primary care provider, please see an MD prior to beginning Chinese treatment, especially if you are experiencing new symptoms. Once your problem has been identified, your Chinese practitioner can determine whether or not Chinese medical treatment is appropriate for your case.  Just a few examples of the multitude of conditions successfully treated using acupuncture include headache, shoulder pain, neck pain, pain of the hands and arms, abdominal pain, back pain, and pain of the lower extremities. Chinese herbal medicine–the standard for internal medicine in China–is used for many other health issues, including joint pain and dysfunction, fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, and insomnia.

How do I choose a qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine?

The most important credential to look for is always the Licensed Acupuncturist designation (L.Ac.). This certifies that the practitioner has completed approximately 3,000 hours of training at an accredited school or has the equivalent of internship study and has passed all of the required examinations. Medical Acupuncturists and other practitioners who offer Chinese treatment as a complementary therapy typically do not have the same quantity or quality of training and will more than likely not be able to offer the standard-of-care as established in China.

Secondly, inquire about the circumstances of the treatment session. It is essential that your privacy and safety be paramount in the process. Adequate time to discuss your individual situation in a comfortable and secure setting and adherence to the Clean Needle Technique required of all Licensed Acupuncturists are a must. If you do not notice frequent hand washing and the use of antiseptic alcohol during acupuncture treatments, your practitioner is not following the standard-of-care or the law.

Finally, choose a practitioner that is specialist in Chinese medicine. Although many good TCM practitioners will incorporate some supplementary techniques, beware of the jack-of-all-trades who offers anything and everything to attract more clients. Chinese medicine, which includes herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion heat therapy, tui na bodywork, and qi gong exercise regimens, is a rich medical system. Those who appreciate the breadth of this medicine will dedicate themselves to exploring its profound depths.

Where do I go for more information?

Ted Kaptchuk’s The Web That Has No Weaver is the classic treatise for the layperson. We also always encourage you to ask us any questions that you may have. Much of the power of Chinese medicine to heal derives from understanding Chinese medical thought to be able to make the best choices for yourself. Your practitioner will help you to understand the wisdom of the Chinese medical perspective to allow you to optimize your health and well-being.