A 2000-year-old healing system has cultivated its practices to ensure patient-centered care in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a priority.
Welcome to the universe of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, which this article aims to shed light on. In particular, we look at an inextricable component of this practice – patient-centered care – and explain how vital it is to this ancient healing system.
The patient is always put first in TCM, largely because the core philosophy of this practice is that the mind, body, and spirit are fundamentally interconnected. Read on to discover how this holistic approach might be just what you need.
A Very Brief History
Traditional Chinese Medicine has existed for two millennia; a testament to its timeless efficacy.
Beginning in Ancient China, TCM has evolved with the input of generations of healers.
This long-standing international and Chinese cultural heritage displays the commitment and effort put into addressing the distinct needs of individual patients.
The Holistic Healing Approach
Where conventional medicine aims to treat isolated symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach.
This is what makes the harmonious equilibrium between various elements that make up the interconnected system upon which our health and well-being rely so crucial.
TCM recognizes the unique complexities of each individual; that healing resides beyond physical ailments; that mental and emotional aspects play an equal role in the process; and the importance of addressing the person as a whole.
People now have unprecedented access to this holistic healing practice as there are top Chinese doctors offering Chinese medicine online consultations. Anyone looking for alternatives to conventional medicine can easily avail themselves of Eastern practices on the internet.
The Cornerstone Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yin-Yang Theory: Bringing Opposing Forces into Balance
TCM has its roots in the Yin-Yang theory.
A theory underscoring the delicate balance between opposing forces.
Yin symbolizes the receptive aspects.
Yang represents the moving, growing, and dynamic elements.
Balancing Yin and Yang is necessary for good health.
By identifying imbalances, TCM addresses the root cause of illnesses.
The restoration of harmony is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care.
Five Elements Theory: The Interconnectedness of Bodily Systems
Bodily systems are categorized by the Five Elements theory.
These systems are sorted into elements, including Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Each element denotes specific organs and attributes.
These relationships are relied upon by TCM practitioners for diagnosis.
Patient-centered care in traditional Chinese medicine is emphasized by a personalized approach.
In understanding that each person has a unique constitution, treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine can be specifically tailored.
Qi and Meridians: Vital Life-Force and Energy Pathways
Qi, the vital life-force that flows through the body along the meridians, and its energy pathways are central concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Techniques like acupuncture and herbal medicine are used to regulate the flow of Qi, as its balance is seen as essential for health.
A patient-centered approach is exemplified in TCM through the treatment of individual Qi imbalances, acknowledging that energy needs differ between people.
Herbal Medicine: A Host of Healing Plants
Herbal medicine is, quite simply, a pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Many herbs, each with distinct properties and effects, are utilized in TCM. Custom herbal formulas are prescribed by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to address the patient’s unique condition.
A patient-centric approach is once again perfectly aligned with this modus operandi.
Acupuncture: Helping Qi Flow Like a River
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into precise points on the body to regulate or stimulate the flow of Qi.
This is a well-aligned treatment with patient-centric care, as acupuncture addresses individual Qi flow issues, promotes better well-being, and offers relief from numerous health issues.
Dietary Therapy: The Unique Energetic Properties of Foods
According to TCM, foods are classified based on their energetic properties.
With each food having a different, distinct effect on the body’s balance and Qi, dietary changes are often recommended in accordance with the patient’s unique constitution.
Traditional Chinese Medicine propagates personalized nutrition as a major aspect of patient-centric care.
Mind-Body Connection: Emotional Impact on Health
A great deal of importance is placed on the mind-body connection and emotional well-being in TCM.
With emotions seen as inextricable from the state of one’s health, an imbalance in emotions can affect physical fortitude. Enhancing emotional well-being is a vital contributor to patient-centric care which is why TCM practitioners give it so much attention.
Preventative Medicine Starts with Proactive Self-Care
Patients are included in their treatment journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine, rather than just remaining on the fringe of understanding their own health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views diagnosis as a detailed and personalized process, considering a patient’s medical history, emotional state, and physical examination results.
Treatments are then tailored to the individual’s specific needs provided prevention and maintenance haven’t fully worked. This refers to the philosophy held dear in TCM that individuals be proactive about maintaining their health rather than waiting for illness to first strike.
This works well as a form of complementary healthcare to conventional healthcare as it aligns with modern preventative practices.
Complementary Healthcare, the Global Influence of TCM, and Ongoing Research
Traditional Chinese Medicine has received global reception as a complementary healthcare system through its seamless integration with contemporary medicine.
Offering alternative perspectives and treatment plans, the patient-centered approach in Traditional Chinese Medicine meets the demand for holistic healing, leading to the global influence of TCM.
As more research is performed, evidence-based Traditional Chinese Medicine bridges traditional wisdom with modern-day healthcare practices, working to strengthen TCM’s top position in patient-centric care.
Such is the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine that an online Chinese doctor doesn’t need to be in the room with their patients in order to do a body diagnosis, facial diagnosis, or tongue diagnosis.
In fact, with the continual advancement of technology (such as high-quality cameras), forming an accurate diagnosis for online Chinese doctors is easier than ever before.
A more easily attainable form of complementary healthcare doesn’t exist.
From the East: TCM as Chinese Cultural Heritage
Far from just being a medical system, Traditional Chinese Medicine is an inherent aspect of Chinese cultural heritage.
Its long-standing value and significance are seen in the preservation of its methodologies and continued practice. As a proud symbol of a rich Chinese Cultural heritage, TCM is a testament to this country’s commitment to patient-centric care since time immemorial.
Patient-Centered Care in Traditional Chinese Medicine is Invaluable
As the global influence of TCM becomes wider and wider, its relevance in contemporary medicine is increasingly solidified.
In a world where patient well-being is paramount and contemporary medicine leans in favor of treating isolated symptoms, traditional medicine has come to the forefront as a complementary medicine.
Whether used in conjunction with modern medicine or on its own, by putting your unique needs first, Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to treat the root cause.
Ready to test out this timeless tradition? Simply type into Google, ‘Chinese medicine near me’ and book an online Chinese medicine consultation today.