Basic TCM Information

Basics of TCM

In developing countries, 80% of their basic health care is dependent on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM includes acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and massages among many others. TCM has been around for centuries but only recently has become a topic of interest in western countries. Around 1949 is when TCM became a topic to study and figure out the effectiveness, and incorporate it into medical treatments. The main studies that have been conducted are whether TCM really works to help treat the body and mind or if the effect is only caused by the placebo effect and not the TCM. The placebo effect has been heavily debated and studied because the base theory of how TCM works is through the idea of yin and yang, but also the flow of Qi. The idea is, if you become sick/ill or have mental problems it is because of a blockage in the Qi or a disturbance in yin and yang and TCM works to balance the forces in your body (Tang).

Basics of Acupuncture

Qi is a system of blood vessels that, instead of transporting blood through the body, transport energy, in 14 different passageways called meridians. In old medicine, it is believed that pain, and stress, among other things, are caused by a blockage in the meridians. The way acupuncture works is by carefully inserting needles into the meridians to try to unblock that flow of energy and heal the body. Acupuncture has been known to cure a wide range of issues including asthma, arthritis, acne, anxiety, and others. Another way acupuncture works to cure the body is by the placebo effect. The placebo effect is when people believe the medicine or treatment they have had will cure them while never getting that treatment. Instead, the body heals itself through the belief they have gotten medicine (Beck).

Risks of Acupuncture

There are several benefits from getting acupuncture that hav been proven in different studies, but there are risks involved with acupuncture and any medical procedure really. When dealing with acupuncture the main thing that could go wrong is simply who is providing the treatment. The risks are significantly downsized if a professional and experienced practitioner is chosen. These practitioners are inserting needles into your skin and need to be chosen carefully. While more serious side effects can happen, common side effects include soreness, fatigue, and minor bleeding or bruising where the needle was inserted. Besides choosing a good practitioner the risk level for acupuncture drops to almost zero if the proper cleaning and sterilization happen (Mayo Clinic Staff).

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