Advantages of traditional Chinese medicine
What to expect on your first visit
Conditions treated
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is effective at treating a wide variety of health concerns including respiratory and sinus problems, emotional issues, sleep disturbances, digestive complaints, pain, fatigue, menstrual problems, and much more.
Medical emergencies are referred to the local hospital.
Practitioner Training
In British Columbia, there are different types of training undergone by various professionals of TCM. Each require a minimum of two years of university education plus the following education and clinical residency at a credentialed traditional Chinese medicine college:
- A minimum of three years for a Diploma of Acupuncture
- A minimum of four years for a Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- A minimum of five years for a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diploma
The curriculum includes the same diagnostic and basic science programs taught in mainstream medical institutions. However, TCM has its own diagnostic system, so these mainstream diagnostic principles are mainly used to communicate with other health care professionals.
Advantages of traditional Chinese medicine
TCM is a comprehensive system of medicine developed and practiced as a primary means of health care for approximately 4 500 years.
TCM emphasizes the prevention of disease and aims to treat the root cause of ailments.
TCM views everything as being integrated. In this way, the body is seen as an integrated whole with no separation of body and mind or the environment.
Because each person is different, each treatment will be unique to the individual.Specific techniques
Specific TCM services and techniques we use at Achieve Health include the following:
- TCM Herbal Medicine
- Acupuncture
- Cupping
- Moxibustion
- Dietary and Lifestyle Education
- Clinical Nutrition
What to expect on your first visit
During your initial traditional Chinese medicine appointment we will discuss the history of your health, your current health condition, and anything related. The assessment will also involve taking your pulse and looking at your tongue. So, please do not brush your tongue or drink coffee before coming to your TCM appointment. Michael Cote, R.Ac, will then work with you to develop a treatment plan aimed at optimizing your health. The initial visit typically takes 60-90 minutes with follow-up appointments lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.
Frequency of treatment
There is no hard-and-fast rule about how often a patient should visit their TCM professional, as every approach is individualized. Typically, follow-up appointments are scheduled one week from the initial visit. Some people require very little follow-up and simply return if a new concern arises. Others require a few monthly follow-ups to implement and reassess treatment. Certain serious conditions may require daily acupuncture treatments. Other people just like to maintain their health through acupuncture and TCM and book their appointments on a bi-weekly or monthly basis.
Medical plan coverage of TCM
Those on Medical Savings Plan (MSP) premium assistance may be eligible for limited coverage of acupuncture. We can use your care card number to check if you are eligible for such coverage.
Many extended health care plans offer coverage for acupuncture, but often not for traditional Chinese medicine. Coverage varies among plans so it is best to check with your coverage provider.
We accept WCB, ICBC, and DVA coverage.
Other questions you may have
- Is TCM the same as Naturopathic medicine?
- No. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on eastern philosophy and has been continuously studied and practiced as a primary source of health care since approximately 2 500 BCE.
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- Acupuncture needles are so thin that many people have described the initial insertion as being akin to a mosquito's bite without the itching. Other people have said that the insertion is painless. After the needle is inserted people may feel a mild hot or sharp sensation. This sensation means that the needle is close to or touching a blood vessel or tendon. Just let your acupuncturist know and he will adjust the needle so it is more comfortable.
- I don't like needles, can I still utilize TCM?
- Of course. There are many ways in which traditional Chinese medicine can help you achieve optimal health. Herbal medicine, moxibustion, qi gong (a type of breathing exercise), and dietary recommendations are a few ways in which TCM can help.
- Why can't I just tell my TCM professional the diagnosis my family doctor gave me and have the TCM professional understand everything that I'm going through?
- TCM uses distinct theories of diagnosis. People with the same allopathic diagnosis may have different symptoms which can mean different TCM diagnoses. Different TCM diagnoses may require different TCM treatments.
- Is traditional Chinese herbal medicine safe?
- TCM herbal medicine is generally considered safe if used properly, but there are risks inherent in any form of medicine. Some people may experience allergic reactions from herbs. The safety and efficacy of the herbs used in TCM have been extensively studied, debated, and tested in clinical trials over thousands of years. There is a saying in TCM that says, "Even food that is normally considered safe can be toxic if taken at the wrong time for the wrong reasons, and toxic medicinals must be used in certain circumstances to revive and restore health."