Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete, holistic system which looks at the body and mind as a whole and treats illness from the root or cause rather than just treating the outward symptoms.

TCM involves the use of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine which can be used separately or together.

Acupuncture is known to be over 5000 years old and archaeological digs have unearthed early acupuncture needles made of bone which have been dated to 3000 BC. Technology has moved on significantly from this early time and acupuncture needles are now precision-crafted from high quality metals and are incredibly fine. Castle View Clinic uses only single use, disposable needles to eliminate any risk of cross-infection.

Herbal Medicine in China dates back as far as 2000 BC and by AD 659 Chinese herbal practitioners had a comprehensive list of herbs and their actions. Many of the theories behind Chinese Herbal Medicine as it is practised today had already been established by this time.

TCM is based on the idea that the body is made up of Qi, or energy, which circulates the body along specific channels or meridians. Simplistically, illness is caused by blockages of the flow of Qi in the channels or by an insufficiency of Qi.

By inserting acupuncture needles into very specific points along the channels, or by giving an individually tailored herbal prescription, the body's energy and function can be affected on a very deep level.

Acupuncture and Herbal consultations are very detailed and involve quite in depth questions in order to establish the way the illness or imbalance is affecting the body and mind, and also how it was caused in the first place. During the consultation your tongue will be examined and your pulse taken in several different places. These examinations give vital clues as to what is happening inside the body.

Chinese medicine is a safe treatment for everybody, young or old, because it looks at the body as a whole. Many different conditions respond well to treatment. A course of treatment is normally required, the length of which will depend upon the severity and longevity of your condition. If you would like to learn more about what treatment with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine involves, or would like to discuss your health in further detail with either Cathy or Mark, please feel free to phone for an informal chat.