Chinese medicine in Toronto
                     Chinese medicine in Toronto
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical 
system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent 
illnesses for more than 2,000 years. TCM is based on a belief in 
yin and yang, defined as opposing energies, such as earth and 
heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness. When 
yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized. Out 
of balance, however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.
Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or energy, 
known as QI  (pronounced "chee"), in every body. For yin and 
yang to be balanced and for the body to be healthy, qi must be 
balanced and flowing freely. When there is too little or too much
qi in one of the body's energy pathways, called meridians, or 
when the flow of qi is blocked, it causes illness.
The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance yin and yang 
by promoting the natural flow of qi. In an interesting analogy, 
often used to explain its nature, qi is described as the wind in a 
sail, we do not see the wind directly, but we are aware of its 
presence as it fills the sail.
What is the history of TCM?
The first writings about TCM date back to 200 BCE. Herbal 
medicine and acupuncture, including theory, practice, diagnosis,
and treatment, were recorded in classical Chinese texts and 
refined over many centuries.
The practice of TCM stayed in Asia for centuries. Chinese 
immigrants had been practicing TCM in the United States since 
the mid-19th century, but its existence was unknown to most 
Americans before 1971. That year, New York Times reporter 
James Reston, who was in China covering former President 
Nixon's trip, had to have an emergency appendix operation. 
After the operation he received acupuncture for pain, and his 
stories about this experience with TCM fascinated the public. 
Since then, TCM has gone on to become a mainstream 
alternative medicine practiced all over the world.
How does TCM work?
Disease, alterations in the normal flow of qi such that yin and 
yang are imbalanced, is thought to have three major causes: 
external or environmental factors, your internal emotions, and 
lifestyle factors, such as diet. Through the use of its therapeutic 
modalities, TCM stimulates the body's own healing 
mechanisms. Practices used in TCM include:
  Acupuncture  and acupressure
 Moxibustion, burning an herb near the skin
 Herbal medicine
 Nutrition
 Chinese massage, called tui na
 Exercise, such as tai chi and qi gong which combine 
movement with meditation
In TCM, the body's internal organs are thought of not only as 
individual structures but also as complex networks. According 
to TCM, qi flows through organ systems, the kidneys, heart, 
spleen, liver, lung, gallbladder, small intestine, and large 
intestine, by way of meridians. Despite their specific names, 
these 5 systems correspond to more than individual body parts. 
The kidney, for example, represents the entire urinary system 
along with the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. The
heart, meanwhile, represents both the heart and the brain.
What should I expect on my first visit?
The TCM practitioner will ask you questions about your medical
history and do a physical exam to look for signs of imbalance. 
The TCM practitioner will examine your skin, tongue, and hair, 
as well as other parts of your body, from the brightness of your 
eyes to the color of your nails, and check 6 pulses on each of 
your wrists. The practitioner will also listen to your voice to 
assess your shen (spirit), and will work to determine if one or 
more of your organ networks are affected. The practitioner then 
tries to correct imbalances in your body by providing a 
combination of the therapies discussed above.
What is TCM good for?
Over the centuries, TCM has been used to treat countless 
conditions. Western scientists are still studying its effectiveness 
for various diseases. For serious conditions, make sure you are 
working with a conventional doctor along with a TCM 
practitioner. Always let everyone on your health care team know
about any medicines, herbs, or supplements you are taking. 
Some of the conditions for which TCM is known to be helpful 
include:
  Obesity 
 Diabetes and its complications, such as retinopathy 
(damage to the retina located in the back of the eye)
 High cholesterol
 Depression
 Arthritis
 Back pain
 Male and female fertility disorders
 Alzheimer disease
 Parkinson disease
 Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome
 Recurrent cystitis, inflammation of the bladder
 Nausea and vomiting
 Heart disease
TCM may also be an effective treatment for the following 
ailments:
 Allergies
 Asthma
 Cancer, especially colorectal cancer
 Stroke
 Sinusitis
 Addictions
 Pain, including childbirth and abdominal
 Menopausal symptoms
 Osteoporosis
 Infections (respiratory, bladder, vaginal)
 Sleep problems
 Stress
 Constipation
 Diabetic neuropathy
  Epilepsy 
Is there anything I should watch out for?
You should not take Chinese herbs without supervision, 
especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. A trained and 
certified TCM practitioner can identify herbs that are safe to 
take. The practitioner should also explain the potential side 
effects of the herbs they prescribe. Always tell your doctor about
any herbs or supplements you are taking.
How can I find a qualified TCM practitioner?
The following organizations can help you locate a qualified 
practitioner in your area:
 The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental 
Medicine -- www.aaaomonline.org
 The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture 
and Oriental Medicine -- www.nccaom.org
 The Institute of Traditional Medicine -- www.itmonline.org
What is the future for TCM?
There are more than 50 Oriental medicine training programs in 
the United States. Future research studies and clinical trials on 
TCM are needed to find out exactly how it works, and its 
effectiveness, safety, and cost.