Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic way of healing that have been in practice for several thousands of years.  The practice of TCM includes many treatment modalities including acupuncture, herbal therapy, tuina (Chinese massage), acupressure, diet therapy, and qi gong. Acupuncture treatments involve the insertion of small, sterile needles into specific acupoints on the body to help stimulate the flow of qi (energy). Herbal therapy involves a formulation of Chinese herbs tailored to the individual person and can be in the form of raw herbs or granules to be brewed into a tea, capsules, or tablets. Tuina or acupressure is a style of massage to help the flow of qi in the meridians and collaterals or the muscles of the body.  Diet therapy is used to advise patients on certain foods that will help build and balance their body and foods to avoid that may have a negative impact on their health.  Qi gong is a meditative exercise that focuses on breathing and specific movements to improve health.  Some other therapies used in TCM are cupping and gwa sha which aids in the circulation of blood and qi.

During the first visit, a general consultation will take place with a detailed health history.  The tongue and pulse are inspected as part of the TCM diagnostic parameters. Once all the information is gathered, a TCM diagnosis is formulated into a syndrome and treatment principle on how to treat your condition.  Acupuncture and herbal therapy are often recommended as the main treatment strategies but many of the other treatment modalities may be used in conjunction with them.
You may come prepared with any questions, wear comfortable loose clothing, and an unbrushed tongue. Avoiding stimulants such as coffee may help you relax during the session.

In British Columbia, Traditional Chinese Medicine is regulated by the CTCMA.  If you have any questions in regards to the regulation and practise of TCM, please visit the CTCMA website at www.ctcma.bc.ca.