Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments. It is based on the belief that the body is composed of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element corresponds to an organ system. The theory behind TCM is that imbalances in these elements cause diseases.
What Is Moxibustion? Moxibustion (‘灸’) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy practiced for over 2,500 years in China, Japan, Korea, and beyond. It uses the burning of dried mugwort leaves (artemisia vulgaris, ‘艾叶‘)—a small, perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa—to apply heat to specific points on the skin, aiming to stimulate the …
Peppermint tea is a naturally sweet drink made from peppermint, an aromatic herb in the mint family that is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Native to Asia and Europe, it is free of caffeine and calories and has long been used as an ingredient in mint candies, breath mints, and other food products such …
History of Hand Reflexology Hand reflexology—often explored today with the help of a hand reflexology map—is thought to have been first recorded as a pictograph on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhamor in 2330 BC, depicting pressure applied to the hands and feet along with other medical procedures. Later, references appeared on statues of Buddhas in …
The Origins of Cupping Is cupping dangerous, or what exactly is cupping? This article answers common questions about this ancient therapy. Cupping (拔罐) is a traditional practice in Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back to the early Han Dynasty, and its use was also documented in ancient Egyptian medicine. Today, it remains popular in the U.S., …
Acupuncture and acupressure are time-honoured forms of alternative medicine that stimulate specific points on the body to encourage healing and restore balance. Acupressure, in particular, uses steady finger pressure instead of needles, making it easy to practice at home or on the go. Among the most accessible techniques, working with acupressure points in hand offers …
Tuina, an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an ancient art of manipulative therapy and healing that has been practised in China for more than 2,000 years. It is one of the most popular TCM treatments used to treat superficial trauma, injuries, and musculoskeletal problems. Based on the theory of organs and meridians, …
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is more than a method of easing physical aches—it is a practice designed to restore harmony between body and mind. By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points, practitioners stimulate the body’s natural healing responses, relieving pain while promoting deep relaxation and emotional well-being. Although scientific evidence …