About Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient healing system that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It is based on the idea that health is the result of a balanced flow of Qi, which is the vital life force or energy that flows through the body. TCM focuses on maintaining harmony within the body and between the body and nature to prevent illness and promote well-being.
Key concepts of TCM include:
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Qi: This is the fundamental life force that flows through the body, sustaining health. Qi flows through specific pathways in the body, known as meridians.
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Yin and Yang: TCM believes that health arises from a balance between these two opposing but complementary forces. Yin represents qualities such as cold, passive, and feminine, while Yang represents heat, activity, and masculine. Imbalance in these forces can lead to illness.
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Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements correspond to different organs, emotions, and aspects of health. The balance and relationship between the five elements play a central role in maintaining health.
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Organ Systems: In TCM, each organ is not just about its physical function but is also associated with emotions, energy flow, and other aspects of health. For example, the lungs are connected to grief, while the liver is related to anger.
In TCM, meridians are the pathways or channels through which Qi flows in the body. There are 12 primary meridians, each corresponding to a specific organ system, and they form an interconnected network throughout the body. These meridians are believed to play a crucial role in maintaining the flow of energy and balance in the body.
Common TCM therapies
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Acupuncture: Fine needles are placed at specific points to restore Qi flow, relieve pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine: Customised blends of herbs are prescribed to target the root cause of imbalance and nourish the body.
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Cupping Therapy: Gentle suction encourages circulation, reduces tension, and supports detoxification.
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Moxibustion and Tui Na (Therapeutic Massage): Techniques that warm, move, and balance Qi to promote relaxation and vitality.
The TCM Approach to Health
TCM takes a holistic view. Seeing the body, mind, and environment as interconnected. Diagnosis often includes pulse and tongue assessment, observation, and discussion of lifestyle, sleep, emotions, and diet. Treatments are tailored to each individual, aiming to restore balance rather than just relieve symptoms.
Today, TCM continues to thrive as a trusted, complementary system of care. Its time-honoured wisdom offers gentle, natural ways to support health, manage stress, and enhance overall wellbeing in modern life.
What to expect in a session with Melanie
During your session, Melanie takes a holistic approach to understand both your main concern and the deeper patterns that may be contributing to it. At times, she may request a gentle tongue and pulse analysis to gain further insight into your overall health.
This process is simple and non-invasive. You’ll be asked to briefly show your tongue so she can observe its colour, shape, and coating, without any physical contact.
For the pulse assessment, Melanie will lightly hold each wrist to feel three positions on each side, providing valuable information about your internal balance and energy flow.
Together, these observations help create a clearer picture of the root cause, allowing Melanie to tailor your treatment to best support your body’s natural healing process.
