Eastern Medicine, also known as Oriental Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the oldest codified system of medicine in the world. It is a profound healing art that existed long before the scientific traditions of the West, in a culture that had a very different view of the world and where human dissection was forbidden. Founding TCM practitioners devised their own unique methods to view health and disease. Through observation, trial and error, they discovered that human’s body, mind and spirit were interconnected and affected by the external environment.
After hundreds of years of assessment and evaluation Traditional Chinese Medicine has stood the test of time. It is practised alongside Western Medicine in many hospitals in China and is very much an integral part of their healthcare system.
Despite hundreds of research studies revealing its efficacy in the treatment of numerous conditions, TCM is still viewed by many westerners as an alternative medicine. However, this attitude may be on the cusp of change, as institutions such as NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) are now recognising and recommending treatments such as acupuncture for conditions such as chronic pain. The British Medical Journal also published an article recently stating the evidence on therapies such as acupuncture is underused in clinical practice and health policy.
TCM is based on the belief that Qi (the body’s vital energy) flows along meridians (channels) in the body and keeps a person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in balance. It aims to restore the body’s balance and create harmony between the naturally opposing forces of yin and yang, which can block qi and cause disease. Medical practices such as acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, nutritional therapy, massage and herbal medicine are used to bring the body and mind into a balanced state. Thus, preventing illness, speeding up recovery and healing disease.
Western Medicine traditionally views the body in separate parts, using technology and pharmaceutical drugs to deal with disease and trauma. Combined with TCM the two health systems forge an integrative and comprehensive approach to health, addressing both specific medical conditions as well as viewing all aspects of the “whole being.”
The Blossom Pathway fuses Eastern and Western methods, to provide effective treatment to a variety of medical diseases and conditions. The approach compliments approaches prescribed and directed by GP’s, healthcare professionals and other specialists, so that clients can reach and maintain their optimum health.
