What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is a traditional system of healing originating in China more than 2,500 years ago. It has spread to other countries such as Korea, Japan, Vietnam, as well as Europe and the U.S.  According to Chinese medical theory, the body's life energy or "Qi" (pronounced chee) flows through the body on channels known as meridians. When energy is "stuck or stagnant" people develop pain or other symptoms of illness. The goal of TCM is to restore balance and make the body's energy flow normally again. 
Another important concept in Chinese medicine is the philosophy of yin and yang. In this philosophy, all things, including the body, are composed of opposing forces called yin and yang. Health is said to depend on the balance of these forces. Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and prevent illness.

Health assessment is accomplished using a variety of methods. First, the practitioner takes a thorough history that includes identifying symptoms, previous illnesses, nutrition, use of medications/supplements and information about lifestyle and social support. Next the pulse is taken from both wrists. The eyes, ears and tongue may also be examined.

Treatments in TCM are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. The goal of treatment is to correct deficiencies, and to support and fortify the body.

Chinese medicine therapies include:
Acupuncture, which uses thin metal needles along the body's meridians.

Acupressure, which uses the hands or fingers to apply direct pressure to points along the body's meridian.

Chinese herbs. Combinations of herbs, roots, powders, or animal substances taken in food or drink can restore the yin-yang balance in the body.

Cupping, which uses warm air in glass jars placed on areas of the body that need the qi warmed.

Diet. Particular foods can restore the yin-yang balance in the body.

Massage (tui na) on specific areas of the body or along the body's meridian.

Moxibustion, which uses small amounts of heated plant fiber (moxa) on specific areas of the body.

Tai Chi is a mind/body practice involving moving the body slowly and gently while breathing deeply and meditating.

Qi gong uses exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation to move the energy or chi in the body.

How does acupuncture work?
The acupuncturist places very fine needles just below the skin's surface in different parts of the body called "acupuncture points".  For example, needles may be placed on the neck, back, arms, legs, and ears. These points are specific areas along the meridians that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various health problems. Typically, needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes.
 
How is a TCM practitioner trained?
Licensed acupuncturists must have between 2-4 years of training and must pass a certification exam. In contrast, a licensed physician who performs acupuncture will typically have 200-300 hours of training.
When looking for an acupuncturist, you should ask the practitioner the following questions: what type of training the practitioner had, whether they have national certification and is licensed to practice in your state, what type of therapies the practitioner uses, and how experienced the practitioner is in treating your specific health issue. For more information about acupuncture see the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. If you are a provider, you may be interested is a one hour CEU/CME video lecture available through NCCAM called Acupuncture: An Evidence-based Assessment.

 

Is there any research supporting the use of TCM in women's health? Here are some links to research demonstrating that TCM effectively treats women's health conditions:
Acupuncture improves rates of pregnancy after IVF .

Tai chi helps maintain bone density in postmenopausal women.

Acupuncture and qi gong help treat fibromyalgia.

In one small study acupuncture was effective in treating dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) resistant to conventional treatment with NSAIDS (ibuprofen).
Another small study showed that Japanese type acupuncture was effective in treating pelvic pain in young women with endometriosis.
Many of these studies are small and preliminary but they show the potential benefit of TCM. Larger more rigorous studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of many of the treatments we use in women's health including TCM.
 
I believe that TCM is a wonderful system of healing that can restore balance to the body, fortify the body for the prevention of disease and promote the body's innate ability to heal itself.  A good TCM provider (like any provider) will only care for patients they are able to treat within their scope of practice and will refer to another provider (such as a conventional provider) when the patient needs further diagnostic testing or has a condition outside their scope of practice or expertise.  I frequently refer to to TCM providers in my practice and have enjoyed working with them collaboratively. From my perspective, all of your health care providers should work together as a multidisciplinary team caring for you in the best way possible. As always, let me know if I can help!