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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a healing system widely practiced in Asia and used for thousands of years. It is based on the idea that energy moves through the body and interacts with the surrounding environment.

Acupuncture helps guide this energy toward balance, or homeostasis, but TCM practitioners use many tools to support that process.

TCM includes five main branches:

Using these branches together helps support patients’ overall balance and may reduce the likelihood of more serious illness.

In TCM, one area of the body can affect another, and over time, imbalance may lead to dysregulation. While the biomedical healthcare system often focuses on treating symptoms after they appear, TCM emphasizes identifying patterns in the body and supporting prevention before illness develops.

 

How is TCM best applied?

TCM and acupuncture are most effective when used consistently. Regular treatments can support overall health, strengthen immunity, manage pain, and promote emotional balance. While Western medicine is essential in urgent or acute situations, it often places less emphasis on prevention.

Routine acupuncture can help address imbalances before symptoms fully develop, and working with an experienced acupuncturist can support long-term health and well-being.

I've been seeing Dana for 5 years or so. Visiting her practice is so much more than a traditional acupuncture experience. Dana's combination of TCM knowledge and various applications, genuine care for her patients' wellbeing, intuitive gifts, and a wonderful balance of humor and and "real talk" make her a great healthcare advocate and partner. I look forward to all of my visits with Dana!
— Lisa J.