Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has recently been recognized by the World Health Organization by being added to their global diagnostic compendium in the newest version of the International Classifications of Diseases. Practiced in all major cities in every corner of the planet, TCM has proven itself as a truly holistic and individualized form of healing.

TCM differentiates diseases given a “western” or allopathic diagnosis according to their specific characteristics of signs and symptoms, such as cold, heat, damp, dry, deficient, excess, scattered, stagnant, mild, toxic, etc., to provide a deeper understanding of the root and origin and prevent simply masking superficial manifestations.

For example, the common cold is broken down into at least five separate syndromes in TCM, depending on the qualities of the condition, as well as the constitutional health of an individual patient. This level of detail and observation is even more evident in areas such as digestion, metabolism, gynecology, fertility, mood disorders, food/environmental allergies, among numerous other stubborn ailments.

TCM treatment modalities also vary depending on the situation, and may include acupuncture, electro stimulation, cupping, gua sha, tuina, ear seeds, diet/exercise/lifestyle modifications, and herbal formulas.

The vast majority of herbal formulas are vegetarian or vegan, as so many of the natural health supplements we already know and love have originated from traditional chinese medicine: goji berries, reishi mushrooms, astragalus, aloe vera, ginger, ginseng, and on and on. TCM helps us to reap the most benefit out of these powerful plants and extracts, according to the fundamental principles of balance and prevention.