Chinese Medicine: A Healing Tradition

rerun imageTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the most complex, highly-developed traditional healing theories in the world. The major components of TCM are acupuncture and herbal medicine. Other aspects include acupressure massage, exercise systems such as Tai Chi (pronounced “tie chee”) and Chi Gung, and theories about architecture and interior decoration known as Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shwee”). TCM attracts many people today because of its holistic emphasis, its ancient origins, and its Eastern feel. However, as yet, there is only limited scientific evidence that it actually works.

History of Chinese Medicine

Primitive acupuncture needles dating back to around 1000 BC have been discovered in archeological finds of the Shang dynasty in China. The theoretical framework underlying the practice of acupuncture was first set forth in the Inner Classic of Medicine or Nei Jing, first published in 206 BC. Chinese herbal medicine received its first rudimentary theoretical foundations at about the same time, but it was not until the 12th century that the depth of medical theorizing associated with acupuncture was fully applied to herbal treatment.

Over subsequent years, both acupuncture and herbal medicine evolved greatly, with major changes occurring at different points in history. The 19th century was a time of major change, and many traditional techniques popular today actually originated during that period.

Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine is an all-embracing system that—at least in theory—encompasses every aspect of human existence. According to the principles of TCM, health exists when life-energy (“Qi”) flows freely and the opposing forces of “yin and yang” are balanced.

Exercise systems such as Tai Chi and Chi Gung (Qigong) are said to help maintain this healthy flow. Feng Shui principles are said to provide the proper living environment to enhance health. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used to restore balance and free flow of energy when it has become disturbed.

The Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture involves the use of hair-thin needles inserted in specific spots on the body called acupuncture points. These points are chosen according to the principles of TCM. Their application is not based on the Western concept of the disease involved. Acupuncture is practiced primarily by certified acupuncturists, although other health professionals may use it as well.

Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of complex, herbal combinations. These combinations are chosen according to the specific pattern of imbalance in the individual. Acupuncturists often prescribe Chinese herbs, and there are also people who practice Chinese herbology alone.

Tai Chi and Chi Gung involve special movements and ways of breathing. These methods are usually taught in group classes, and daily practice is necessary for the best results.

The art of Feng Shui involves arranging the living situation so that the outer circumstances support health. It can be learned in classes or from books. Feng Shui counselors are also available.

Current Uses

In theory, TCM can address all possible physical, psychological, and spiritual problems. It is primarily used to treat long-term chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and menopausal symptoms, as well as some acute or recurrent conditions that are not life threatening like menstrual pain, migraine headaches, and colds and flus. TCM is also widely used to promote wellness and prevent disease.

Scientific Evidence

At present, there is no meaningful scientific evidence that the principles of TCM reflect true insights into health. There is some evidence, however, that certain TCM therapies may be helpful for specific conditions.

For example, acupuncture is one therapy that has undergone a great deal of study. The overall results from numerous studies found that acupuncture produces at least a modest benefit for the relief of nausea and vomiting. In addition, several small studies have found acupuncture to be helpful for tendonitis. But the research on other common conditions, like back pain and neck pain, have produced inconsistent results or have been low-quality studies.

Chinese herbal medicine has undergone less scientific evaluation. For most conditions studied, at most 2 double-blind trials have been reported, and even these were generally not up to current scientific standards. Weak evidence of this type hints that Chinese herbal treatment may be helpful certain conditions, such as for allergies, asthma, constipation, menstrual pain, muscle spasm, and osteoarthritis.

Safety Concerns

There are serious safety concerns regarding traditional Chinese herbal therapy. Chinese herbal medicine traditionally uses treatments that are now recognized as potentially dangerous, such as mercury, arsenic, lead, licorice, and the herb Aristolochia. In Hong Kong, poisoning caused by the herb aconite was so widespread that public health authorities felt it necessary to launch an information campaign to combat the problem.

Besides toxicity caused by Chinese herbs, other problems have been caused by adulteration of herbal products with unlisted ingredients. When ingredients are unlisted, treatment cannot be tailored to a patient's needs and safety issues may arise.

For these reasons, take precautions before trying Chinese medicine and make sure that you talk to your doctor before taking any herbs.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
https://nccih.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
http://www.iscmr.org

REFERENCES:

Acupuncture. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/biomedical-libraries/natural-alternative-treatments. Updated July 27, 2017. Accessed October 13, 2017.

Acupuncture: In depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. Available at: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction. Updated January 2016. Accessed October 13, 2017.

Chinese acupuncture history. Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences website. Available at: http://kootenaycolumbiacollege.com/articles/chinese-acupuncture-history. Accessed October 13, 2017.

Chinese medicine. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/biomedical-libraries/natural-alternative-treatments. Updated September 8, 2014. Accessed October 13, 2017.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/biomedical-libraries/natural-alternative-treatments. Updated August 29, 2012. Accessed October 13, 2017.

Traditional Chinese medicine: In depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. Available at: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm. Updated October 2013. Accessed October 13, 2017.

Last reviewed October 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP