You may have encountered Practitioners like acupuncturists, Traditional Chinese herbalists, or Ayurvedic healers and wondered how they approach health and treat illness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and Western Herbalism are rooted in their own ancient systems of medicine and philosophies - they draw on wisdom that dates back thousands of years. In modern times, these Practitioners have become more mainstream with research and science helping to verify what these practices have known for a long time.  

Their unique understanding of the body, combined with a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of illness, has contributed to the growing popularity of these Practitioners. These centuries-old approaches often emphasise preventive care, promoting wellness and vitality, while also addressing chronic conditions that conventional medicine may have difficulty in providing adequate resolve. Let’s explore what these Practitioners do and what their therapies can do for you. 

 

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates backs thousands of years and the central principle of modern Traditional Chinese Medicine is that optimal health depends on restoring ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’ or sometimes referred to as ‘vital life force’) that flows through the body - the imbalance of qi contributing to illness. TCM employs a range of tools, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage (known as Tui Na), and exercise practices like Tai Chi and Qi Gong. These tools aim to maintain balance, harmony and order within the individual, supporting the flow of ‘qi’. Taking a holistic approach, TCM emphasises both the prevention of illness and the treatment of disease, focusing on understanding the body's natural functions and the processes underlying illness. 

 

What is Western Herbal Medicine (WHM)? 

Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) is a clinical practice that uses minimally processed plant materials, such as roots, bark, and flowers, to create remedies for treating diseases, improving health, and promoting wellbeing. Rooted in Anglo-American traditional herbal medicine, WHM distinguishes itself from systems like Ayurveda (explained below) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Known also as traditional Western herbalism, phytotherapy, or botanical medicine, it encompasses diverse practices and is widely used here in Australia and in other regions such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Western Europe. 

 

What is Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that comes from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (knowledge). As one of the oldest medicinal disciplines in the world, it has the philosophy that everything and everyone in the world is composed of the 5 elements (air, fire, water, earth and space) which are grouped into energetic properties called ‘doshas’. An individual can display dominant signs in these elements or doshas relating to disease or symptoms. Re-balancing these energetic systems through specific herbal medicines, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications and wellness practices helps to create balance and harmony in the body, ultimately restoring wellness. 

 

When Should I see a TCM or Ayurvedic Practitioner? 

Like other complementary health professionals such as Naturopaths and Nutritionists, these Practitioners can help you manage a broad range of conditions – the difference is in how they treat and the tools they use to do so. Acupuncture may also be particularly beneficial in those with acute or soft tissue injuries requiring pain relief and tissue repair. 

• Digestive symptoms such as bloating and reflux 
• Metabolic health and Diabetes 
• Conditions impacting children 
• Allergies and Food intolerances 
• Weight management and body composition 
• Tissue injuries, arthritis and pain or inflammation 
• Chronic conditions such as autoimmune disease 
• Reproductive and fertility issues 

 

Herbal Medicines Used by Traditional Practitioners 

A common aspect of how these Traditional Practitioners treat is the inclusion of herbal medicines in their recommendations. Some specific traditional blends of herbs, which have been tried and tested over hundreds of years, have been included in formulations that still benefit to this day. 

• Relaxan and Resilian are 2 unique herbal blends that are traditional formulations, based on the principles of TCM. In the view of TCM, herbs have specific energetic properties that help to move the ‘qi’ through the body and support emotional and mental wellbeing.  
• Withania or ‘Ashwagandha’ is another popular herb that’s used in the Adrenotone formula, with history of its use in traditional Indian medicine dating back nearly 3000 years. Withania helps the body adapt to stress and may support a healthy sleep. 
• O-Lift contains a TCM combination of herbs referred to as ‘Rehmannia Six’, a blend of 6 herbs that have been used for centuries to relieve menopausal hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue and mild anxiety. 

 

Find A Traditional Practitioner Near You 

Now that you understand the differences between some of these Traditional Practitioners, you might be keen to get in touch. You can find the right Traditional Medicine Practitioner for you using the Find a Practitioner tool. Filter by Practitioner Type and enter your postcode to find an acupuncturist, herbalist, TCM or Ayurveda Practitioner near you.