Demystifying TCM: Embracing its Value in Healthcare
Despite the long history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dating back thousands of years, many people have yet to embrace its value in modern healthcare. Dr. Carolyn Cook, Miami Acupuncturist, MSOM, AP, Dipl Canonical Chinese Medicine, LMT, will illuminate the common myths associated with TCM to help you understand its efficacy in promoting health and well-being alongside Western medicine.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why TCM is gaining popularity, debunk the top 3 myths about TCM, and show the true value it brings to the healthcare community.
Understanding the rising popularity of TCM
In 2020, the number of clinical visits to TCM hospitals was approximately 518.5 million, about 15.6% of the total clinical visits to hospitals of all types. The numbers show a continuous increase year by year. This shows that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is recognized as an integral part of the medical system.
In support, the World Health Organization explained that CAM or TCM represents the unique and holistic view of a long history of knowledge, skill, and health maintenance practices and the prevention, diagnosis, improvement, and treatment of physical and mental illnesses.
Surprisingly, a study found that highly educated youth living in economically developed areas seek TCM the most. They endorse TCM because they recognize the years of practical experience of TCM practitioners like Dr. Carolyn and its effectiveness in treating chronic diseases, promoting natural health care, and having a good curative effect.
Debunking Top 3 Myths on TCM
Along with the growing support for TCM, the misconceptions surrounding it have received significant attention. We aim to unveil the following three myths and provide valuable, evidence-backed facts.
- Myth 1: You’re experiencing the “placebo effect” with TCM. People don’t get better from TCM because it was only in their minds. Several studies have shown the direct and positive effect of Chinese medicine in treating 28 diseases, symptoms, or conditions, which include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as cancer pain, according to WHO.
- Myth 2: TCM and Acupuncture are the same. TCM physicians like Dr. Cook do not only perform acupuncture as the sole method of TCM. Other treatment modalities in TCM include herbal medicines, massage, cupping, lifestyle changes, exercise, and observing a healthy, balanced diet. It’s better to consult Dr. Cook to find what’s right for your needs.
- Myth 3: TCM is an unregulated practice. To become a competent and qualified TCM practitioner in the US, one must go through careful and thorough requirements, such as three to four years of full-time post-graduate study at an accredited educational institution, national board certification for TCM practitioners, as a prerequisite for state certification or licensure, and more.
As you have no doubt realized, the practice of TCM is well-studied and highly regulated. It’s more than just the insertion of acupuncture needles.
One of Dr. Carolyn’s clients shared, “Dr. Cook was recommended to us and it has been two weeks and you would not believe the difference. I can’t even believe it. It’s surreal. This same child that was having such problems is now calm and happy. He smiles and plays and has picked up so many words. He sings and dances when we drive in the car. It’s a miracle. I was about to take him to see a specialist about getting him psychologically tested. Now I don’t need to…”
Embrace TCM’s Value in Healthcare with Miami Herbs
As TCM becomes more known to the public as an accessible and compassionate alternative treatment, we should change how we see modern healthcare. Rather than opposing new ways of healing, we can embrace that both can work together to improve our overall health and quality of life.
If you are considering acupuncture or TCM as a treatment option, Dr. Carolyn Cook is a licensed acupuncturist who can address your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan. Unlock TCM’s transformative benefits and be the best version of you. Contact us at (305) 665-9711 or cc@miamiherbs.com.
Sources:
Guo, Y., Wang, T., Chen, W., Kaptchuk, T. J., Li, X., Gao, X., Yao, J., Tang, X., & Xu, Z. (2022). Acceptability of traditional Chinese medicine in Chinese people based on 10-Year’s real world study with mutiple big data mining. Frontiers in Public Health, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.811730
World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Western Pacific. (2007). WHO international standard terminologies on traditional medicine in the Western Pacific Region. WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/206952
Zhao, Q., Guo, R., Fan, Z., Hu, L., Hu, Z., & Liu, Y. (2023). Medical Conditions and Preference of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Results from the China Healthcare Improvement Evaluation Survey. Patient preference and adherence, 17, 227–237. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S398644