Iffley Acupuncture Clinic

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the blanket term used to refer to a broad system of traditional medical practise in China. It comprises of four main branches of TCM including Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na massage and Qigong. The term TCM was initially coined by colleges of medicine in modern china, in an attempt to unify the above systems under a common framework. Acupuncture and herbal practitioners in the West subsequently adopted the same term to convey the fact that they were practising under these same unified principles.

Although there remains a diversity of practise within the acupuncture profession in the UK and China, TCM offers a common foundation for sharing conventional practise. It enables practitioners to utilise a more systematic approach than was previously available. One of the big advantages of this system is that it equips practitioners with a broader repertoire of treatments with which to promote health and healing.

Sometimes, only one treatment modality may be necessary, while at other times a combination may be prescribed to complement another. Different treatment methods can be utilised to address different aspects of a person's condition. Chinese herbal medicine for example can be prescribed for patients to take on a daily basis, meaning their treatment is supported between acupuncture sessions. Similarly, Tui Na might be offered as a viable alternative to those who are apprehensive of acupuncture.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to illicit healing, combat ill health and promote harmony and internal equilibrium. It is used also as preventative medicine; to help maintain health and wellbeing and to allay the onset or development of disease.