Chinese Medicine Demystified

While Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remains popular worldwide, there’s still plenty of misinformation out there about the ancient healing practice. Here, the team at One Wellness Medical sets the record straight on seven common misconceptions – and s

Myth #1: “TCM is only acupuncture”

TCM is a holistic and robust medical methodology with thousands of years of history. It focuses on the overall wellbeing of the individual and aims to correct imbalances in the body by working with its various healing mechanisms. As the most common TCM treatment tool, acupuncture is often confused as the only form. However, TCM also consists of herbal medication, cupping therapy, and the massage and scraping systems known as tuina and gua sha respectively. Exercise and lifestyle and diet changes are also essential to the TCM treatment process.

Myth #2: “Acupuncture is painful”

Acupuncture, especially for first timers, can be intimidating since it involves the use of needles for treatment – and, needles are often associated with pain. However, acupuncture needles are thin and slender, and do not require deep insertion, making the experience more relaxing than painful. Some people even fall asleep during treatment!

While it is possible to feel a sensation of soreness while the acupuncture point is stimulated, you’ll likely only feel a tiny pricking sensation for the first split-second.

Myth #3: “If it’s natural, it must be safe”

“Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean “without side effects”. While the consumption of TCM herbs is unlikely to cause unintended adverse reactions to the body, there are still restrictions and side effects that apply to patients with certain medical conditions, and elderly or pregnant individuals. The herbs themselves aren’t toxic, but mixing them with certain medications can have toxic effects. So, consulting your doctor beforehand is recommended.

Myth #4: “TCM products are not regulated”

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore regulates all products under TCM – including liquids, tablets and capsules – as well as the relevant importers and manufacturers of any TCM products. Proper product labelling must be adhered to, and herbs must not contain any prohibited ingredients. Measures like these help reduce the likelihood of any errant consumption by unassuming individuals.

Myth #5: “TCM practitioners lack proper training”

In Singapore, TCM is highly regulated, and the TCM Practitioners Act governs all TCM physicians practicing here. Prior to practicing TCM as a licensed physician, an individual must:

• complete a rigorous course (five to seven years) to learn the various aspects of TCM, including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry modules;

• fulfil adequate clinical internships with licensed TCM clinics; and

• pass the Singapore TCM-Physicians Registration Examinations (STRE).

Only after these steps are completed can a TCM physician practice legally in Singapore. There are even continuing education requirements for physicians to upscale and continually hone their clinical skills for the betterment of patients.

Myth #6: “TCM effects take longer than those of Western remedies”

It’s true that Western medicine can alleviate certain symptoms faster, thanks to the immediate effects of surgery and single-molecular drugs. This is what makes Western medicine highly effective for lifethreatening conditions.

The misconception here, however, is that TCM and Western medicine have the same objectives when it comes to healing in the first place. While Western medicine is mainly focused on alleviating the immediate symptoms of a specific ailment, Eastern medicine is more concerned with addressing the root cause of the problem and enhancing the body’s natural defences to prevent diseases from reoccurring.

So, while Western remedies are often sought after for their swift and immediate effects, TCM herbal medications are designed to create change in the bioenvironment of the body and achieve long-lasting holistic effects; this, of course, requires more time to do.

Myth #7: “Eastern and Western medicine cannot be mixed”

The two modes of medication work in different ways, but can be combined to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. One Wellness Medical is a holistic healthcare practice that offers this integrative approach for patients who want the best of both healing traditions. So, in addition to general medical consultations and screening packages, preventative and family medicine at one Wellness Medical are enhanced with TCM herbal medication, acupuncture and other Eastern practices.

However, a general rule of thumb is to take TCM herbal and Western medicines at least two hours apart. This can minimise any possible herbdrug interactions and ensure maximum efficacy for both medicines. One Wellness Medical’s physicians work hand-in-hand to ensure that integration of both treatments is done in the most optimal way.

One Wellness Medical

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