Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tiverton

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tiverton

Changjiu Chinese Medical Centres

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm

Market Walk, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6BL, Tel: 01884 259118

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practised for over 4000 years and is now a vital holistic system of health and is trusted by millions. It is a recognised form of alternative medicine and is in some cases recommended by the UK National Health Service.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health care with its own unique theories. Treatment includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, reflexology or cupping.

Central to the pracitce of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the belief that all living matter must be in balance. In Chinese this is known as 'Yin Yang' which are two opposite aspects of bodily parts or functions. In English, Yin Yang has a variety of translations - down/up, back/front, inside/outside, night/day etc. If the Yin Yang is out of balance the patient will experience medical problems depending on the degree of imbalance.

Traditional Chinese remedies and methods are detailed below.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine in the world. Initially, the cause of the complaint will be discussed by analysing the tongue and pulse and discussing the sysmptoms with the patient. The herbalist will then prescribe some plants extracts in a mixture specifically designed according to the historic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of treatments involving the insertion of very fine needles into the acupuncture points along fixed meridians through which the life force flows. This is called 'Qi' (pronounced 'chee'). It consists of all essential activities of life - spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. A person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi together with the balance of the Yin and Yang.

Acupuncture is a painless and relaxing treatment. Its principle is that it can unblock the flow of Qi helping to adjust the Yin Yang.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture, sometimes known as Acupuncture Facelift, is a way of reducing signs of ageing and helps to reduce wrinkles. The technique used follows the normal principles of acupuncture using needles inserted in the facial region. This painless procedure will increase the circulation and stimulate collagen production. This in turn will help fill out the wrinkles and lines giving a firm skin and younger looking complexion. The treatment is safer and cheaper than having surgery and there are no unpleasant side effects.

Massage

Massage has been practised for over 2000 years. It is beneficial to sufferers of muscular and soft tissue problems including soreness, numbness, backache, headache, stiff neck and general mobility. It relaxes the body and helps to ease physical and mental tensions.

Cuppage

Cuppage therapy involves a jar (glass, china or bamboo) placed on the surface of the skin in order to relieve local Qi congestion by the removal of air in the jar. This method promotes the free flow of Qi.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a method of burning herbs to produce a mild heat to apply to the skin surface to warm the meridians and unblock collaterals (components of the meridian system).

Reflexology

This therapy is based on the assumption that all principal organs of the body have corresponding points on the hands and feet. The massaging of these points gives rise to a feeling of contentment and well being.

Our Staff

Chinese medicine has been practised in our family for generations. All our practitioners have graduated from Chinese medical universities and are experienced in the treatment of various health problems. In particular the treatment of problems that are rarely treated by other Chinese practitioners. For example, the therapy of eye acupuncture for the treatment of eye problems causing headache and eight extra meridians (acupuncture points) which have just been discovered concerning the speedy and effective treatment of the digestive system.

Summary of Treatable Ailments

Dermatological

Herpes, acne, spots, hair loss, prurigo, shingles, eczema, alopecia, ringworm, vitiligo, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Muscular, Neurological, Skeletal and Vascular

Arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, stiff neck, headache and migraine, back pain, stroke complications, ligament inflammation, omalgia, tennis elbow, dizziness, trigeminal, neuralgia, hemiplegia, gonitis, sports injuries and sprains and frozen shoulder.

Mental and Emotional

Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, panic attacks, palpitations and giving up smoking.

Internal

Hypoglycaemia, hypertension, asthma, bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, oedema, diabetes, constipation, haemorrhoids, gastritis, colitis, indigestion, colds and influenza and weight loss.

Gynaecological and Obstetric

Infertility, irregular menstruation, multiple miscarriage, premenstrual tension, menopausal complications, discharges, fibroids, cysts and endometriosis.

Genital Urinary

Abnormal genital bleeding, impotence, premature ejaculation, prostate disorders, low sperm count and low sex drive.

Ears, Nose and Throat

Otitis, tinnitus, virus sore throat, hay fever, pharyngitis, rhinitis and sinusitis.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Why is Traditional Chinese Medicine a Viable Alternative to Western Medicine?

Because most western medicine treatment has damaging side effects which is avoided in Chinese medical treatment. Some western drugs are harmful or addictive, whereas Chinese herbal drugs are not. Chinese medicine treats the cause of the illness whereas western medicine only treats the symptoms. Chinese medical treatment is gentler and less aggressive.

How does a Chinese Doctor make a Diagnosis?

In general by observation, touching, questioning and listening to the patient. In particular, there are two methods for analysing the patient's problems - by observing the tongue (shape, colour and coating) and pulse condition.

Is Chinese Medicine Painful?

No, on the contrary, it is very relaxing.

What does the Treatment involve?

Firstly, a diagnosis will be made and then the doctor will draw up a treatment plan. The treatment will vary depending on the ailment in question but would normally involve a course of treatment over a period of time.

Is Chinese Medical Treatment Safe?

Yes. Our doctors have been practising for many years and are fully qualified and are also recognised by the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine in UK.