4 things to know before trying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Many of us might know people who have tried traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) before, with half of them singing its praises and the other half claiming that TCM is nothing more than people being gullible.

Phrases like, “Why are you always having headaches? You should go and see my TCM guy, he’s very good!” or “Your immune system is not so good, TCM can help with that” are common, and so are dire warnings about TCM going wrong.

So what is the truth?

Even though most of us have heard of TCM before, it may be difficult to get a firm grasp of what this ancient practice involves, and whether it can support our health and wellness, especially as it uses a completely different approach from Western medicine.

To help, International Medical University (IMU) Centre For Complementary & Alternative Medicine senior lecturer and senior Chinese medicine practitioner Dr Ong Siew Siew offers some thoughts for those who are considering TCM for the first time:

Always look for a registered TCM practitioner

TCM is a legitimate practice that is recognised in Malaysia by the Health Ministry.

With the requirements of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016 [Act 775] being put into place, the local TCM industry is undergoing an important transition towards greater uniformity and credibility.

From March 2024, all licensed TCM practitioners will be registered with the T&CM Council and issued an Annual Practising Certificate (APC).

This will make it easy for the public to verify the authenticity of a TCM practitioner.

TCM uses different principles from Western medicine

Based on TCM principles, every person has a unique body constitution pattern, signifying the intricate equilibrium of opposing elements.

All these elements must coexist harmoniously for a person to be in good health, explains Dr Ong.

TCM aims to restore this equilibrium when a person in unwell and regulate the body’s dynamic energy, which can be influenced by various factors such as diet, stress, chronic illnesses and more.

Based on these principles, TCM practitioners can help to manage many ailments.

For example, TCM can help to relieve chronic pain, support the immune system and improve sleep quality, among others.

Just like Western medicine, some TCM practitioners specialise in certain areas of the body, such as the heart, lungs, digestion or the reproductive system.

“In TCM, our philosophy centres on achieving balance among various elements.

“Therefore, two patients with a similar ailment may receive different therapies because each of them presents a unique imbalance that requires rectification,” says Dr Ong.

As the treatment evolves and the patient’s constitution undergoes changes, the prescription and treatment may require modification.

Therefore, it is highly advisable to maintain continuity of treatment with the same practitioner, who can closely monitor your progress.

This approach markedly differs from Western medicine, which typically focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases by targeting the affected organ or body part.

However, TCM and conventional medication can go hand-in-hand, as long as both healthcare practitioners are well-informed.

Patients need to note though that any oral medications from the two disciplines must be taken at least four hours apart to minimise the risk of interactions.

In contrast, the likelihood of interactions for external treatments like acupuncture, cupping or moxibustion, is minimal.

There is nothing mystical or religious about TCM

Many people of different backgrounds seek help from TCM practitioners.

For your first visit, it will be similar to any other medical appointment – the practitioner will take note of your medical history and perform some diagnostic techniques to check the body’s constitution.

It can be helpful to bring along medical records such as blood test results and any imaging like CT scans or X-rays to provide more background information.

You can also list out your medications and supplements, and discuss your daily routine and lifestyle.

All this information will help the practitioner understand more about you and your needs, so that an effective treatment plan can be formulated.

The TCM practitioner will assess your condition using TCM diagnostic principles and utilise a personalised combination of treatment methods.

These are all grounded in scientific and non-spiritual principles to address any imbalances in the body.

By and large, TCM employs four primary treatment methods: acupuncture, cupping therapy, moxibustion (burning of moxa herb or mugwort) and herbal prescriptions.

The results of TCM treatment will take time

Just like Western medicine, treatment will vary according to the specific condition or ailment that needs to be addressed.

Simple ailments may only need one or two sessions, while those with chronic conditions would need more time.

In addition, every person has a different constitution, lifestyle and habits.

As a result, even if a patient sees improvement in just one session, an existing pattern or situation in a person’s lifestyle may cause the problem to recur.

Therefore, it is normal for a practitioner to ask you to come back for a few sessions, explains Dr Ong.

At the end of the day, she notes that both TCM and Western medicine have different strengths and principles.

In addition to seeing a certified practitioner at a registered clinic, she advises patients to exercise proper judgement so that they feel comfortable and confident with the care they receive.

“Malaysia is currently undergoing a transition phase, shifting from self-regulation to statutory regulation, which includes regulatory-bound TCM education, training and medical record-keeping.

“This transition aims to enhance the code of professionalism and raise the standards of care in TCM, ultimately, leading to improved patient safety and outcomes,” she says.

via thestar