Traditional Chinese medicine originated in China about 2,000 years ago: it is a blend of herbal treatment practices and the belief that the flow of “qi” energy must be intact in order to have a body and a healthy mind.
Acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping are the tools traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use to make “qi” flow as it should. These three treatments are believed to help with things ranging from autoimmune diseases to simple headaches.
Cupping is widely used by athletes around the world. Swimmer Michael Phelps wore it during the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
We have found 6 common conditions where acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion can relieve pain and help treat illnesses alongside conventional medical methods.
Traditional Chinese Medical
Anxiety and Depression
Depression and anxiety are two conditions that often come together. Acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping help relieve some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example, one study found that acupuncture is believed to treat depression during pregnancy.
Respiratory Conditions
Respiratory conditions, from colds to asthma, can also be easily treated with one or all of three methods. A TCM-certified physician will evaluate your condition before undergoing any type of treatment.
Allergies
We all suffer from some type of allergy during our lives. TCM believes that acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping are one way to alleviate most allergy symptoms.
Moxibustion, a treatment in which mugwort is burned at one of the acupressure points, is used to treat allergies. Restores the flow of qi energy and helps alleviate symptoms from the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis And Other Autoimmune Diseases
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. One of the most common TCM treatments for RA and other autoimmune diseases is moxibustion.
The key to treating autoimmune diseases is to strengthen the immune system. Moxibustion and acupuncture are believed to work well.
Muscle Problems: Sprains
Muscle sprains can be treated with all three external TCM practices: acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping. cupping has been used by many athletes around the world as a complementary treatment for muscle aches and sprains.
The best-known case is that of Michael Phelps, an American Olympic swimmer, who received treatment during the 2016 Olympic Games.
Blood Pressure
High or low blood pressure can also be treated with TCM. One study found that acupuncture can significantly lower high blood pressure in patients already using antihypertensive medications.
This means that, along with conventional medicine, acupuncture can help patients suffering from high blood pressure.
TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is considered complementary to conventional medicine. It is imperative to seek a certified clinic and physician when choosing acupuncture, moxibustion, or cupping treatment.
Please let us know if you used any of the methods mentioned above to treat the conditions listed in our article and if they worked well for you.
