Traditional Chinese Medicine: Restoring the balance of Qi

DAMIAN POUSTIE Poustie Author

Feb 16, 2023 |

With its focus on restoring balance to the body, Chinese medicine can provide a unique and holistic approach to health and wellness.

Did you know nearly 3 million Australians visit traditional Chinese medicine practitioners every year

In recent years more and more Australians are trusting traditional Chinese medicine practitioners with their health.

So what exactly is traditional Chinese medicine?

It’s a system of healing based on ‘Qi’. Qi is an energy, known as the body’s ‘life force’.

When our bodies are healthy, Qi should flow freely through our meridians’ (the body's energy pathways). Imbalances or blockages in Qi could cause disease and illness.

To restore the balance of Qi, equilibrium must be achieved between our body’s internal organs and the earth's external elements (earth, fire, water, wood, and metal).

The practices used in Chinese medicine aim to restore and maintain the balance of Qi using a holistic approach. Traditional Chinese medicine seeks to understand normal function as well as the disease process and considers prevention of illness to be just as important as treatment of illness.

Practices commonly used in Chinese Medicine

Thinking about visiting our traditional Chinese medicine practitioner but not sure what an appointment might involve?

Here are some of the most common practices used at The Health Collective to maintain and restore the balance of Qi, along with some conditions each practice may assist with:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves placing fine, sterile needles into very specific points called acupressure points.

While the thought of having needles placed into your skin may seem scary to some, the practice of acupuncture is really, very gentle. In fact, most of our clients say they don’t even feel the needles going in.

Acupuncture aims to clear Qi blockages. This allows energy to flow freely through your body and promotes healing.

Acupuncture aims to treat both the cause of your condition as well as the condition itself. It’s not only useful in illness but can also be used to maintain health and well-being to prevent disease.

Interested but still not fond of the thought of needles? Don’t let the needles put you off. Our practitioner may use other methods to stimulate pressure points such as acupressure or electrostimulation to rebalance Qi.

For a more in-depth look into acupuncture, particularly how it may be used for pain relief, check out our blog post here.

Acupuncture may assist with:

• Pain (labor pain, menstrual pain, neck, back, and joint pain)

• Sports injuries

• Nausea and vomiting (after chemotherapy or surgery)

• Headaches

• Osteoarthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Infertility

Chinese massage

Chinese massage uses the same principles of acupuncture to stimulate balance and harmony in your body by encouraging the flow of Qi.

Most people love a massage, but Chinese massage isn’t just a nice way to spend time to unwind. We don’t just stop at relaxing muscles and relieving stress.

Chinese massage aims to heal your body, by focusing on your energy, your mental health, and your physical health. We want you to leave us feeling an improvement physically, as well as mentally and emotionally.

Chinese massage uses two techniques.

1. Tui Ni (pronounced twee-na), is a push and pull method that focuses on the muscles, similar to western massage.

2. Zhi ya (pronounced zee yah), is a pinching and pressing method that focuses on acupuncture points, similar to reflexology.

Chinese massage may assist with:

• Migraines

• Headaches

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Muscle pain

• Injury and recovery

• Arthritis

• Fatigue

• Sciatica

• Lactic acid build-up

Cupping

In recent years cupping has gained popularity thanks to various celebrities being spotted with round marks on their bodies. You may remember when many news sources reported the spiked interest in cupping during the Rio Olympics when Michael Phelps sported round marks on his shoulders and back.

But, did you know, cupping has been around for thousands of years?

In fact, one of the first written mentions of cupping is from ancient Egypt in Eber’s papyrus (1550 B.C.).

Cupping aims to release stagnations and stimulate the flow of Qi.

Cupping involves placing warmed glass cups on your skin to create a vacuum. This increases the flow of blood in the area, encourages cell repair, and helps to release tension in your muscles. Cupping may also stimulate the formation of new connective tissue and new blood vessels.

Cupping may assist with:

• Muscle pain and tension

• Coughs

• Congestion

• Asthma

• Digestive complaints

Traditional herbs

Did you know that there are 450 different substances used in Chinese herbal medicine?

Most Chinese herbal medicines are plant-based but certain herbs have some animal products or minerals. They can be made up into a tablet, powder, paste, or lotion, depending on the type of herb and its intended use.

Herbal medicines aim to stabilise imbalances in Qi by supporting and strengthening your body's normal functions, and boosting your immune system.

Chinese herbal medicine is not one size fits all, each prescription is formulated, very specifically for the individual as illnesses and their presentations may vary from person to person.

When you come to The Health Collective for Chinese herbal medicine, we will tailor your herbal formula specifically to you, your condition, your body, and your health goals. But we don’t just set and forget. Your formulation of traditional herbs must be specific to your needs at every stage of your journey. We work with you to adjust your prescription as required.

Traditional herbs may assist with:

• Stroke

• Heart disease

• Some mental disorders

• Respiratory conditions (i.e.bronchitis and the common cold)

• Digestive disorders (i.e. IBS, reflux, constipation)

• Insomnia

• Stress and anxiety

Interested? Give us a call

Traditional Chinese medicine involves several practices aimed at restoring the balance of Qi in your body to promote healing and wellness. At The Health Collective, our qualified and licensed practitioner of Chinese Medicine offers acupuncture, cupping, traditional Chinese herbs, and Chinese massage to treat a wide range of conditions.

Our practitioner are extremely skilled and knowledgeable, with many years of experience. She strives to deliver the most personalised service possible, providing you with the care and attention you deserve. This is something that we are really proud of.

Have a question?

Book a discovery call with us to learn how The Health Collective might help you achieve your health goals.

Disclaimer

All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The Health Collective can consult with you to confirm if a particular treatment is right for you.

References

Aboushanab, T. S., & AlSanad, S. (2018). Cupping therapy: An overview from a modern medicine perspective. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(3), 83–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001

Australian Acupuncture and Chinese medicine association. (2023). Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. https://www.acupuncture.org.au/acupuncture-chinese-medicine

Australian Acupuncture and Chinese medicine association. (2023). Acupuncture. https://www.acupuncture.org.au/acupuncture-chinese-medicine/acupuncture

Australian Natural Therapies Association. (2020). The Definitive Guide to Oriental Chinese Massage. https://www.australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au/explore-natural-therapy-treatments/massage/oriental-chinese-massage/

Better Health Channel. (2022). Chinese Herbal Medicine. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chinese-herbal-medicine

Healthdirect. (2022). Chinese Traditional Medicine. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chinese-traditional-medicine

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Chinese Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chinese-medicine

MedicineNet. (2022). Cupping Therapy. https://www.medicinenet.com/cupping/article.htm