Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) 103
medications, so the person always should tell the
TCM physician of any medications he or she is
taking. Similarly, a person taking conventional
medications should first discuss Chinese herbal
remedies with his or her doctor before taking the
remedies.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique for heating an herbal
remedy, which the TCM physician often rolls into
a wicklike structure and holds just above the skin
while the herbs burn. The heat further stimulates
the acupuncture point below the herb, drawing
the herb’s healing qualities into the body’s meridians
(energy channels) to release stubborn energy
blockages. The TCM physician may combine moxibustion
with cupping, in which the physician
places a small glass cup over the skin while it is
still warm. The cup contains the heat, which sucks
the skin surface into the cup. This also intensifies
the herb’s actions.
Qigong
Qigong is a form of energy work that employs
structured breathing, meditation, and physical
movements, similar to TAI CHI or YOGA. Qigong is
an integral aspect of nearly all TCM treatment
approaches because it emphasizes balancing the
flow of energy. The movements and BREATHING
stimulate the flow of blood as well as the LYMPH
circulation, helping clear toxins and metabolic
wastes more quickly from the body. Many people
practice qigong privately as they would
MEDITATION. The movements are more simple than
those of tai chi or yoga, and easier to learn from
videotapes or books. Conventional doctors may
recommend qigong separate from TCM as a means
of improving balance, FLEXIBILITY, and mobility in
people who are elderly or who have chronic
health conditions that make movement difficult.
Many communities have classes in qigong, and
some hospitals use it as part of their rehabilitation
programs or for stress relief. Qigong is gentle and
rhythmic, providing a sense of calm and relaxation
at the same time that it tones and stretches
the muscles and joints. Qigong is especially helpful
for people who have conditions that restrict
mobility, because its regular practice improves
flexibility and range of motion.
Benefits and Risks of TCM
When practiced as a complementary approach,
TCM offers considerable benefits without many
risks. As with all alternative and complementary
methods, conventional doctors become concerned
when people forgo proven conventional treatments
in lieu of alternative practices. TCM methods
are not proven to cure HEART disease, CANCER,
DIABETES, and other such conditions. Most TCM
physicians in the United States are accustomed to
working in close coordination with conventional
practitioners, and refer people for conventional
care for conditions that require it.
See also AYURVEDA; NATIVE AMERICAN HEALING.