What is TCM?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a formalized system of healing rooted in thousands of years of recorded experience. An ancient and intelligent paradigm for healing, TCM is standardized medicine. Treatments are personalized for each individual, and allow for the natural blending of TCM and allopathic medicine.

TCM can address many conditions, including: back pain, injuries, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, diabetes, anxiety/depression, common colds, fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and addictions. The World Health Organization has significant data supporting TCM in healing the body-mind-spirit for a multitude of conditions. And there is much research being done to help establish the role of TCM in our current health care system.

Acupuncture is but one facet of TCM. Other modalities that fall under the umbrella of TCM are: herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, bodywork, moxibustion, visualization/meditation, breathing exercises, physical exercise, cupping, gua sha, and blood-letting.

What is TEAM?

Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) is a more comprehensive and inclusive description of the type of medicine many in this field of integrative care are practicing. TEAM allows for styles that originate in Japan, Korea, and other East Asian countries. Additionally, certain styles of TEAM may have been developed or modified in non-East Asian countries; for example, Five Element style is an import from England. Much of what is happening in the US is an evolution of TEAM. And as more research offers legitimacy to the efficacy and deep intelligence of this medicine, it adapts and changes to suit integrative medical settings. Keep in mind that this form of healing work is relatively new to the US, as is the global way we are connected to each other in these interesting times. There is much yet to unfold, but this medicine, in its many facets, holds tremendous value.