Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Article

Risks

In the hands of a qualified practitioner, TCM is very safe. However, there is a small chance of not only getting an infection from acupuncture, but also that an existing infection could be spread to other parts of the body by increased blood flow and circulation.

Normal results

Traditional Chinese medicine seeks to harmonize and rebalance the entire human system rather than to treat just symptoms. Since proper internal balance is considered to be the key to human health, TCM strives to cure disease by restoring that balance and therefore allowing the body to repair itself. Its continuing medical goal is to detect and correct abnormalities before they cause permanent physical damage.

BOOKS

Eckert, Achim. Chinese Medicine for Beginners. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.

Reid, Daniel. The Shambhala Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1996.

Williams, Tom. Chinese Medicine. Rockport, MA: Element Books Ltd., 1995.

Ziyin, Shen, and Chen Zelin. The Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1994.

PERIODICALS

Huston, Peter. "China, Chi, and Chicanery." Skeptical Inquirer (Sept./Oct. 1995): 38-42, 58.

Light, Louise. "Kitchen Medicine for Women." Vegetarian Times, July 1997, 102-106.

Salmons, Catherine A. "Zen and the Art of Healing." Boston Magazine, Apr. 1997, 62-65, 95.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. 2520 Milvia St., Berkeley, CA 94704. (415) 841-3220.

American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. 4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27607.(919) 787-5181.

Leonard C. Bruno, PhD

KEY TERMS

Allopathic—Pertaining to conventional medical treatment of disease symptoms that uses substances or techniques to oppose or suppress the symptoms.

Anatomy—The science of the body structure of an organism and its parts.

Holistic—That which pertains to the entire person, including the mind, body, and spirit.

Palpate—To examine the body by touching or pressing with the fingers or the palm of the hand.

Pharmaceutical—Pertaining to drugs.

Therapeutic—Curative or healing.

Trauma—Injury or damage to the body.