Alternate Title
- Chinese patent remedies
Related Terms
- Acupressure, acupuncture, acustimulation, acutherapy, Asian bodywork, auricular acupuncture, chi kung, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese herbs, Chinese nutrition therapy, Chinese patent remedies, classical acupuncture, coining, cupping, eclectic Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, ethnic Chinese traditional medicine, feng shui, five element acupuncture, I Ching, Japanese acupuncture, medical acupuncture, moxibustion (moxa), qigong, Reiki, scraping, shiatsu, tai chi, taoism, tiji, ting sha, TCM, traditional acupuncture, tui na.
Background
- Chinese medicine is a broad term encompassing many different modalities and traditions of healing. They share a common heritage of technique and theory rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy (Taoism), elements of which are believed to date back over 5,000 years. The first recorded use of TCM is said to have been around 2,000 years ago. The phrase traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is actually a recent development with a specific meaning in the long history of Chinese medicine. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Chinese government undertook an effort to combine many diverse forms of Chinese medicine into a unified system to be officially defined as traditional Chinese medicine. The intent was to integrate the country’s large workforce of traditional practitioners into an organized health service delivery system. This would aid in providing care for a large population by using familiar and inexpensive methods.
- Because TCM and Western medicine are used side by side in modern China, China is relatively advanced compared to Western countries in using the concept of “integrative medicine.” TCM figures are prominently in treatment and planning of services — including for major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TCM is fully integrated into the Chinese health system with 95% of Chinese hospitals practicing it. As an example of such integration, it is common that children being treated with intravenous antibiotics are simultaneously treated with Chinese herbs in order to counteract the side effects of the antibiotic and boost the child’s immune system.
- TCM places strong emphasis on herbal medicine since herbs can be taken every day. TCM regards acupuncture as more of a supportive treatment, although the two are used together when feasible for the patient. Herbs are usually given in the form of manufactured or processed pills, extracts, capsules, tinctures, or powders. This contrasts with the raw and dried form used in the more informal and older forms of practice. There are more than 2,000 different kinds of herbs of which about 400 are commonly used.
- TCM has herbal regimens for use with major illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Herbal combinations are commonly used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and improve immune functioning in cancer and to improve cardiovascular health in heart and circulatory diseases. Other herbal combinations are used in diabetes, infections, and other conditions.
- Cupping is a therapeutic method in TCM that refers to the application of a heated cup over an area of the body. As the air inside cools, its volume decreases thus creating a slight suction on the area that stimulates blood circulation.
- Moxibustion is a therapeutic method in TCM in which an herb, usually mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), is burned above the skin or on the acupuncture points to introduce heat into an acupuncture point and alleviate symptoms. The herb may be applied in the form of a cone, stick, or loose herb or it may be placed on the head of an acupuncture needle to manipulate the temperature gradient of the needle.
- TCM practitioners may call upon a wide range of other modalities as well, from meditation and martial arts to feng shui.
- In the West, TCM offers a popular alternative to conventional medicine. Despite this growing popularity, there is debate as to the evidence of its effectiveness. The modality within TCM with the largest body of evidence is acupuncture. Few well-designed trials of TCM herbal formulas are available. Establishing and applying stronger clinical trial methodologies in TCM is imperative for integrating it with modern medicine and achieving the end goal of creating evidence-based options for patient care.
- Note: To supplement the evidence described in this TCM monograph, the evidence table below gives additional examples of research that have taken place using TCM herbs for various conditions. This is not a complete list of evidence on traditional Chinese medicine. It should be noted that there has been very little standardization of Chinese herbal medicine. This makes the available evidence weak for establishing reliable evidence-based expectations for treatment of any condition with Chinese herbs.
Evidence Table
Disclaimer
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
C Arrhythmia –
TCM herb combinations have been used to stabilize arrhythmia after viral myocarditis (inflammation of the heart). Furthermore, patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent Qi gong training walked on average more at the end of treatment. More studies are needed before recommendations can be made.
Laser acupuncture and probiotics provided a beneficial clinical effect in children with asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
TCM uses over 120 different herbs in cancer treatment, depending on the type of cancer and its cause according to Chinese medical theory. Studies have reported significant benefits include reducing tumors, reducing treatment side effects, and improved response to treatment. Types of cancer that have been treated with TCM include breast, colorectal, hepatocellular, and others. More studies of stronger design are needed before TCM can be recommended with confidence as an adjunct to cancer treatment.
C Cardiovascular disease / angina –
TCM herb formulas as well as the traditional Chinese method of Liqi Kuanxiong Huoxue combined with conventional treatment have been reported to reduce symptoms of stable and unstable angina. However, more studies are needed before recommendations can be made.
C Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) –
TCM herbs have been reported to improve symptoms and improve immune function in COPD patients. However, research designs have been weak and more studies of better design are needed before recommendations can be made.
Many studies of TCM herbs have focused on treatment of congestive heart failure. Further research of better design is needed before recommendations can be made.
TCM herb combinations have been found to improve some markers of coronary heart disease. More studies of better design are needed before recommendations can be made.
TCM herbal combinations have been used for the treatment of dementia and reportedly improve cognitive function and activities of daily living. More studies of better design are needed before recommendations can be made.
C Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) –
TCM herbs may augment conventional Western medicine for better outcomes in diabetic nephropathy. More studies of better design are needed before recommendations can be made.
C Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) –
Chinese herbal preparations, including Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) have been used to effectively decrease menstrual pain. Such herbal preparations have been reported to provide better relief than acupuncture. Further studies of higher methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.
TCM herbs are a popular complementary therapy in HIV/AIDS. However, study results conflict. More studies are needed before the potential benefits of TCM herbs in HIV/AIDS can be established.
When compared to TCM therapy alone or Western therapy alone, a mixture of TCM and Western medicine has been shown to reduce pain and improve mobility of knee joints in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Further study is needed in this area.
TCM may provide liver protection. For example, the RDP (removing dampness and purgative) method has been shown to improve the efficacy of comprehensive treatment for chronic severe hepatitis. However, more studies are needed before recommendations can be made.
TCM herbs may augment conventional Western medicine for better outcomes in lower back injury. Additional study is needed before a recommendation can be made.
TCM herbs are commonly used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Evidence is mixed. More studies are needed to explore the possible contributions of TCM herbs in menopausal symptoms.
TCM herbs have been reported to improve the therapeutic effectiveness and counteract adverse reactions to hormone therapy in treating nephrotic syndrome as well as reduce the recurrence of symptoms. More studies of better design are needed before recommendations can be made.
TCM herbs have been reported to not reduce symptoms, but to increase pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. More studies are needed to explore the possible contributions of TCM herbs in this condition.
It has been reported that TCM is more effective than Western medicine in decreasing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A combination of TCM and Western medicine may be a very effective treatment. More studies are necessary in this area.
C SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) –
Currently, study results conflict, but overall results show promise for TCM in immunomodulation effects and decreasing depression associated with SARS.
Based on early data, Chinese herbal medicines may be helpful when combined with prescription medications. Schizophrenia should be treated by a qualified healthcare practitioner including a psychiatrist and pharmacist.
It has been reported that a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, and enema of Chinese herbs in combination with Western medicine was more effective at treating stroke than Western medicine alone. However, Danqi Piantan Jiaonang (NeuroAid™), a traditional Chinese medicine a mixture of 14 herbal and natural extracts, was ineffective in treating stroke. More studies need to be conducted in this area.
C Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) – (jaw pain)
TCM has been shown to decrease jaw pain more than naturopathic medicine or state-of-the-art specialty care. Further research is needed in this area.
D Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) –
TCM has been studied for diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome but herbal formulations used in available studies have not led to global symptom improvement. Further studies may be necessary to characterize the role of TCM in the management of IBS.
*Key to grades:
Tradition
Disclaimer
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Safety
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General
- Since traditional Chinese medicine covers so many different therapies and modalities, the below information includes only examples of safety concerns with selected herbs, supplements, and modalities. For more detailed information, please see Natural Standard monographs on individual therapies.
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Chinese herbs
- Chinese herbs can be powerful. Using Chinese herbs may further complicate an existing health condition. There have been reports of adverse effects; a qualified healthcare practitioner, including a pharmacist, should be consulted on dosage.
- Studies of the Chinese herb ma huang, which is the main active ingredient in the weight-loss drug ephedra, indicate that use of the substance is associated with serious health complications, including acute hepatitis and deaths. Pregnant or lactating women should not use ma huang or other herbs such as ginseng where safety has not been clearly established.
- Chinese herbs, when taken by mouth or applied on the skin, may cause an allergic reaction. For example, shi-un-ko, a Chinese medicine that is applied to the skin, may cause an allergic skin rash.
- There have been reports of manufactured or processed Chinese herbal products being tainted with toxins or heavy metals or not containing the listed ingredients. A qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, should be consulted for recommendations of safe herbal products.
- Based on one study, Sang Ju Yin or Yu Ping Feng San formulas may cause headache or dizziness. Aristolochic acid, found in some Chinese herbal remedies, may cause kidney damage.
- Chinese herbs can interact with drugs, interfering with or exaggerating their effects. In particular, ma huang should not be taken with caffeine. Consumers should consult with a medical professional, including a pharmacist, before mixing herbs with any prescription drugs.
- Traditional Chinese medicine should be used with extreme caution in infants and children as harmful effects including blood disorders have been reported.
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Acupuncture
- Acupuncture is generally reported as a safe procedure when performed by an experienced practitioner using standard sterile techniques. Needles must be sterile in order to avoid disease transmission (most practitioners now use disposable needles).
- Rare serious and potentially lethal complications have been noted, including infection and organ, nerve, or vascular injury, such as cardiac tamponade. There are several reports of fatalities in the available medical literature. Acupuncture may be unsafe in particular when performed on patients with emphysema or other pulmonary disease (due to multiple case reports of pneumothorax), elderly or medically compromised patients, diabetics (due to poor circulation), or patients with history of seizures.
- Electrostimulation acupuncture should be avoided in pregnant women (theoretical) and in patients with a cardiac history, including those persons with an arrhythmia or a pacemaker, due to risk of arrhythmia or interference with pacemaker functioning.
- Acupuncture should be avoided in the following conditions: valvular heart disease, known bleeding disorders, use of anticoagulant drugs, unstable medical condition or infection, pregnancy (may induce unwanted labor and possible miscarriage), systemic or local infection, pain of unknown medical origin, medical condition of unknown origin such as dermatologic lesions, neurologic disorders. Acupuncture should also be avoided on areas that have received radiation therapy.
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Cupping and moxibustion
- Adverse events reported in the scientific literature from cupping and moxibustion are extremely rare. Cupping commonly leaves a temporary bruising of the skin, which disappears on its own. For both cupping and moxibustion, the following precautions and contraindications are based on tradition, clinical experience, and theory rather than controlled research.
- Cupping: Avoid the abdomen/sacral area during pregnancy, contraindicated acupuncture points, during high fever, during convulsions or cramps, over allergic skin conditions or ulcerated sores, over an inflamed organ, over inflamed areas in general, in patients with cardiac disease and/or aneurysms, in patients with extreme fatigue and/or anemia, in patients who have just finished exercising or taking a hot bath or shower. Avoid sliding cups over the spine, moles, or other skin abnormalities.
- Moxibustion: Use caution with patients with neuropathy. Avoid face, head, nipples, and genitals, skin adhesions, points where needling is contraindicated for the individual patient, in patients with any kind of “heat syndrome” according to acupuncture theory, in patients with strong heat signs (high fever, etc.), on or near inflamed and/or red areas of the body, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, or in any situation where the patient may not respond to the sensations of heat. Patients are advised not to bathe or shower for up to 24 hours after a moxibustion treatment.
- Pregnancy and lactation: The abdominal area and the lower back during pregnancy are traditionally avoided in both cupping and moxibustion practice out of concern for adversely impacting the uterus or fetus, although there are no published reports of related adverse effects.
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Other modalities
- More safety information can be found in the specific monographs on this site for related modalities that are sometimes used with TCM.
Disclaimer
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Attribution
- This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration ().
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View Abstract
Disclaimer
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.