How Traditional Chinese Medicine can be a good alternative treatment or medicine
Before we dive into why Traditional Chinese medicine can be a good alternative treatment some of you may be wondering what is involved when it comes to traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
What is traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is a type of holistic and natural health care system. It is built on a foundation of more than 3000 years of Chinese medical practice. It includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, Tuina massage, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, physical exercise and dietary therapy.
Why is traditional Chinese medicine a good alternative medicine?
TCM is holistic and natural and it stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms. As an alternative medicine is considers all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, rather than just being based on several obvious signs or symptoms.
TCM may also have much to offer us in terms of preventing illness and disease, optimizing the body balance and enhancing our well being.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental & social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – World Health Organisation, 1948.
The healing modalities of traditional Chinese medicine include acupuncture, cupping and Tuina massage. Acupuncture and cupping therapy are relatively well-known. Most people can not differentiate Tuina massage or Chinese manual therapy from other types of massage.
Tui-Na Massage is a medical manual treatment and it is a standard treatment in TCM hospitals and clinics throughout China. It incorporates a hands-on technique to balance yin and yang by massaging different acupuncture points across the body. These techniques are very helpful in treatment of muscular injuries and pain. It can also improve blood circulation and can be used to decrease stress.
TCM Shanghai has treated a number of patients on an ongoing basis for back pain, sciatica and lower limb joint pain. Tuina Massage not only relieves pain but also improves flexibility and muscle strength because of its natural form of healing.
“I have tried many types of massage. Tuina seems to be the most effective one for me. I always have muscle tension in my shoulders and back. The practitioner knows how and where to press to relieve that tension. After each session my body is re-energized!” —- J. C.
What the most popular treatment?
The most popular treatment is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has been practiced for thousands of years in China. It is a method of treatment that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile and single-use needles into the patient’s skin. This entails stimulating certain points of the body in order to alleviate pain and treat various health issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is among the many forms of “alternative medicine” available in U.A.E.
In the U.A.E, traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative treatment has experienced a huge surge in popularity. The number of clinics providing acupuncture and various other TCM treatments is now widespread in the U.A.E. TCM Shanghai Chinese Medical Center is the one and only Chinese medical center endorsed and approved by the Chinese Ministry of Health in the Middle East. TCM Shanghai has been mandated by the Chinese government to develop and revolutionize traditional Chinese medicine in local society with our first state of the art facility in Dubai.
From our grand opening in Nov 2017 until April 2018, we have already welcomed more than 500 patients in our medical centre. We also have patients travelling from Sweden, the UK, Iran and USA to enjoy our TCM health consultation, diagnosis and recommended treatment plans.
Unlike western medicine, TCM is more concerned with body function rather than fixing specific anatomical structures. As an alternative medicine is works on the concept that “Chi” the vital energy circulates through meridians or channels that connect bodily organs and functions.
“I have worked with TCM Shanghai throughout the Rugby season in the UAE. I have noticed an increased ability to recover from injury and it also doubles up as a fantastic way to unwind from a tough day at work” Nick McCashin – Jebel Ali Dragons Rugby.
How many sessions are enough to provide results and have a lasting impact?
It is a common question that is asked of us. Let’s take acupuncture as an example. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for many conditions. It is an effective alternative treatment for conditions such as chronic pain or chronic depression. One key to its success is that the patient receives an adequate amount of the treatment for his or her specific needs. In TCM Shanghai, the practitioner usually will prescribe 6 to 10 sessions as a first course of treatment depending on the health issue or condition. In general, one visit isn’t enough to achieve enduring results and different people have different reactions to the treatment. The results can vary from noticeable improvement after one or two treatments, to requiring months of regular treatments.
What are some of the factors that will influence the results?
- How long the problem or condition has been going on for
- How severe the health condition is
- How diligently one comes in for treatment
- Your genetics
- The willingness to change thought patterns, lifestyle and dietary habits
- Exposure to stress
Immediate but subtle changes you may notice that will confirm that you’re making progress:
- Needing fewer pain medications
- Symptoms becoming less frequent and do not last as long
- You are sleeping better
- Improved appetite and digestion
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Being able to navigate emotional ups and downs more effectively
- Feeling healthier and happier
- Having more energy
Developing healthy habits is also often a determinant of the long-term success of treatment. Please bear in your mind, natural approaches need more patience. We don’t just fix your symptoms we also treat the underlying problems they may be unseen.
What can you expect when you arrive at TCM Shanghai
At the TCM Shanghai Chinese Medical Center we offer a unique TCM Health & Risk Assessment with our state-of- the-art equipment. This is 15 mins of a non-invasive and painless screening procedure allowing us to collect, store and analyse a wide range of medical data. This is based on Chinese medicine principles and methodologies which are used to document and monitor illnesses as well as the treatment and healing process. This data also helps us map out the patient’s health risk factors as a basis for our tailored healthcare prevention program.
Our doctors in TCM Shanghai Chinese Medical Center have rich experience and are experts specialized in different fields. We treat a vast array of conditions, from pain and chronic disorders to acute illnesses. We offer programs combining medical and wellness services. We also organize workshops and seminars to educate our patients about how TCM can change their lives and bring them more well-being.
The TCM Shanghai Chinese Medical centre is in a prime location on Jumeirah Beach Road opposite Kite Beach. It is very easy to access and we have convenient free parking. We have a lift inside our clinic directly from underground parking to our reception area or treatment floor. You can learn more about our wellness treatments here
If you would like to discuss how TCM Shanghai and our alternative treatments might be able to help you, please call us on +971 4 886 2862 or make an enquiry online here
