Traditional Chinese Medicine in Melbourne
If you’re a resident of Brunswick, Flemington or surrounding the Melbourne suburbs looking for a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in Melbourne that offers soothing TCM treatment, discover what Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic can do for you. We offer a range of TCM treatments at our clinic that are safe and effective.
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a healing system that is based on over 2500 years of traditional Chinese medicinal practices. It is believed that more than three million Australians use TCM either on its own or as a complementary healing approach to conventional Western medicine. TCM incorporates a variety of healing methods and practices, including acupuncture, cupping, meditation, herbal remedies, moxibustion (i.e. the drying of herbs near the skin) and Tai Chi, among numerous others.
What Is the Philosophy Behind TCM Treatment?
Unlike Western medicine which is reliant on science and medicine and is very logical and methodical, Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on balance, harmony and energy. The two key components of TCM are Qi, and Yin & Yang.
Qi is the life energy, or vital energy, found in any living thing. Qi is comprised of the physical part that gives us air, water and the food we eat. The other part of Qi provides us with the essential fluids and energy flow that courses through the bodies of each and every one of us.
Yin and Yang are effectively two sides of the same coin; to really understand Qi, you need to understand the two sides of Yin and Yang. Yin is the cold, dark and descending part of Qi, whereas Yang is the ethereal, otherworldly side that would best be characterised as warm, bold, energetic and expressive.
Yin and Yang are two halves of a whole; neither exists independently of the other, and both must exist together and be kept in a state of perfect balance. They are interdependent, with the balance between the two halves being what shapes a person’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
How to Balance Your Qi
To maintain good health, you not only need to ensure your Yin and Yang remains in balance, but also your Qi as well. An imbalance can lead to various types of illnesses, with the nature of the illness depending largely on whether you’re experiencing a Qi deficiency or surplus. Qi deficiencies can manifest themselves as a lack of sleep or a deficit in mental stimulation. On the other hand, an excess of Qi can be a result of everything from environmental pollutants to excessive physical activity.
Different healing practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture and Tui Na can help bring your Qi back into balance.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Safe?
TCM can be considered safe as long as you go to a registered, experienced practitioner or reputable Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic. This is especially important for those who provide acupuncture, Tai Chi, cupping and moxibustion services.
It is suggested that the following groups shouldn’t use or rely on TCM as their sole means of healing:
- Elderly people
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People scheduled for surgery
- People taking other forms of medication
- Children
- People with a serious medical condition
If you fall under any of these categories and insist on still using TCM, we recommend you don’t use it to replace Western medicine, and that you should consult your doctor.
Does It Work?
It needs to be said that studies into the effectiveness of TCM have not been carried out quite as extensively as treatment options from western medicine, with the majority of studies focusing on acupuncture and herbal remedies than in the other areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, the widespread popularity and acceptance of acupuncture and the general use of Chinese herbs as a complementary treatment to western medicine indicates that it may have a positive effect.
Book a TCM Treatment Appointment Today
Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic provides TCM treatment to residents in Brunswick, Flemington and other surrounding suburbs. More than just an acupuncture clinic in Melbourne, we consider ourselves to be a holistic natural therapy clinic. Whether you’re looking for Traditional Chinese Medicine or you wish to speak to a nutritionist in Melbourne, make an appointment with us today.
