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Introduction

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) are part of Chinese medicine, which have been used primarily as the main health care means in China for thousands of years.

Today, these therapies are used throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. They are also becoming popular with Australians. These treatments provide alternative solutions to individuals who prefer natural cures as a way of living.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment method that involves inserting special needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It produces its therapeutic effects by stimulating the body's own repair mechanism and therefore, promotes the healing process. Acupuncture points are distributed throughout the body.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine uses a combination of many different herbs in treating health problems. These herbs may be dried plant parts such as leaves, flowers, seeds or roots. Firstly, the practitioner consults with the patient, make diagnosis and prescribes a combination of several herbs to treat the condition with minimal side effects. Some of the commonly used herbs include cinnamon twigs and barks, ginger and mandarin peels.

Philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine believes it is more important to prevent an illness than to treat them. Thus, Chinese herbs has been used widely as general tonics and for health maintenance purposes than just a medication.

Chinese medicine also believes that people should live in harmony with nature in order to stay healthy. We should set our daily routine in accordance with the natural rhythm.

Furthermore, Chinese medicine promotes living in moderation. It often consider the cause of a condition as the result of excessive indulgence, which abuses the body.

Application of Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have had clinical success in the treatment of various health conditions. These include:
Asthma

Acne & Skin problems

Arthritis
Back pain
Chronic Fatigue

Colds & flu
Depression

Digestive Problems
Heart diseases

High Blood Pressure
Muscle aches & Sporting injury
Period Pain & PMS
Stress

Wonder actions of acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine

Clinical findings have shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine produce the following actions: 
Improvement of the local blood circulation
Removal of the waste produced by muscles, the cause of muscle aches
Regulating digestion
Regulating hormone production and balance
Regulating the nervous system
Stimulating immune responses
Strengthening immune functions
Reducing stress
Reducing cholesterol levels in the blood
Reducing inflammation
Fighting off bacteria and viruses 
Calming the body and mind

More: Specialised Acupuncture  , Chinese Herbal Treatment

Who can have acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine

Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are suitable for everyone. The treatment schedule is tailored to the individual's need.

However, there are some people who should be cautious when considering acupuncture treatment. These are pregnant women, people with advanced illnesses and people who are in coma or in shock. Those with advanced illnesses should consult a registered practitioner to obtain a clear diagnosis. He/she can then consider acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as an alternative option of treatment.

References

Longman concise medical dictionary, 1994

Chinese-English Manual of Common-Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ou Ming, 1995