FAQs

What is the difference between TCM and Modern Pharmacology?
What can TCM treat?
Who can have treatment?
Are herbs safe?
When is the best time to use Traditional Chinese Medicine?
When can I expect to see results while taking Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Is a professional Acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist always necessary to practise TCM?

What is the difference between TCM and Modern Pharmacology?

TCM is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of the complexity of plant materials it is far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because TCM are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formulae balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, TCM seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.

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What can TCM treat?

TCM is successfully used for a very wide range of conditions. Please go to our Treatments page for more information

Who can have treatment?

Chinese medicine can be used by people of all ages or constitutions. Your practitioner will take the previous or current illness or medication into account before providing treatment. With suitable adjustments for dosage and with some provisos which will be determined by your practitioner, children and pregnant women can be treated by Chinese medicine.

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Are herbs safe?

Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Over centuries TCM practitioners have compiled detailed information about the pharmacopoeia and placed great emphasis on the protection of the patients. Allergic type reactions are rare, and no lasting damage will be caused if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear.

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When is the best time to use Traditional Chinese Medicine?

If your condition is chronic, you are a suitable candidate for TCM treatments. However, if you are experiencing an acute, life-threatening medical condition, you should see a conventional physician.

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Is a professional Acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist always necessary to practise TCM?

It is advisable to enlist the services of a qualified TCM practitioner who is thoroughly trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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When can I expect to see results while taking Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Because Traditional Chinese Medicine is such an individualized method of treatment, and every condition manifests differently in each person, it is difficult to predict when results can be seen.

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