Acupuncturist in Beijing

"Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), more of a lifestyle choice rather than complementary medicine"

It’s no surprise due to the age of Chinese society that they have such an established medical system, as like any of the ancient civilisations; be it Indian (Ayurveda), Greek and even Maori culture, society learns that any 'natural' disease can be aided by remedies provided by their environment, in a sense 'nature does provide' it’s just knowing where to look.

Something I noticed when speaking to locals about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all were familiar with the concept of 'patience' when it comes to healing. Even with my own knowledge in complementary medicine, this is something I struggle with from time to time. All had a similar view; “Anything that is treating the root cause of disease takes time", we often lose patience and look for easier means, resorting to pharmaceuticals which many Chinese believe can create long term damage to the body and often only treat the symptoms. 

Here is an interesting concept I feel is worth mentioning due to my own interest in treating pregnant women in preparation for childbirth: "The Golden Month' or "One Month’s rest". One of my guides explained this further: following giving birth, for the next 28 days women are to rest/ sleep, only to be disturbed to feed the baby and eat. Immediately after birth is seen as a very vulnerable time for women; due to extreme loss of energy and blood resulting in the body being very susceptible to illness, if this prevails it could create a chronic lifelong illness. This period of time is also viewed as an opportunity, which can really establish good health for the new mother and establish a strong constitution. The windows in the room are all sealed with plastic, any cracks and gaps filled- the emphasis is that no draft is allowed to penetrate the room. All cleaning during the initial 2 weeks is 'steam baths', eventually the woman is allowed to bathe but it’s in the hottest water tolerable. At no point during these 4 weeks is the woman to experience cold or wind. She emphasised that previous to having her son she constantly had breathing issues/ shortness of breath (weak energy/ qi), since her 'Golden month' she has never experienced these symptoms again. 

A lot of us don’t have this luxury postpartum, but it pays to bear in mind the stress and pressure put upon women to be immediately back into day to day routines, exercise and even working for some! Are we creating health problems for ourselves later in life? The opportunity to maybe take life slower for the first 28 days could be optimal for mother’s health long term. It also provides a beautiful time to bond with baby.

The Chinese have developed such an elaborate and effective form of medicine over 2000+ years.  It has herbal dispensaries like we have pharmacies and entire hospitals dedicated to Traditional Chinese medicine. Visiting China was enlightening as a TCM doctor to visit the origins of this profession, where Traditional Chinese Medicine is more culture than complementary therapy. 

and I surely anticipate returning again.

Guang'AnMen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xicheng Province, Beijing.

'Tong Ren Tang'- major Herbal Medicine dispensary chain store in China.