What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
A comprehensive guide to understanding the ancient healing system that has helped billions of people over 5,000 years — and how it can help you today.
5,000 Years of Healing Wisdom
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the refined compendium of over 5,000 years of medical, clinical, and research experience from the Chinese civilization, spanning from 300 BC to the present day. It includes the knowledge of several Imperial Pharmaceutical and Medical Colleges, hospitals, research institutes, and generations of prominent physicians and their publications.
Far from being a static, ancient practice, TCM continues to evolve. Today, it maintains active clinical research programs just as the Western allopathic medical system does. The World Health Organization recognizes TCM as the world's second-largest medical system, and it is the primary care system throughout East Asia.
In the United States, the practice of TCM is rigorously regulated. The National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) works alongside the FDA and state health departments to ensure practitioners meet the highest standards of training and competency.
More Than Just Needles
Acupuncture
The insertion of very fine filiform needles at specific points on the body to rewire the body's natural bioelectrical relay system. By stimulating these precise points along the body's meridians (energy pathways), acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing response, reduces pain, and restores balance to the organ systems.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
The use of carefully formulated combinations of natural herbs, minerals, and botanical ingredients. Unlike Western pharmaceuticals that typically target a single symptom, Chinese herbal formulas are designed to address the root pattern of imbalance while supporting the body's overall constitution. Each formula is customized to the individual patient.
Cupping Therapy
Glass or silicone cups are placed on the skin to create suction, drawing blood flow to the area and promoting healing. Cupping is particularly effective for muscle pain, respiratory conditions, and detoxification. The characteristic circular marks are temporary and indicate increased circulation to the treated area.
Moxibustion
The burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia) near or on specific acupuncture points to warm and stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy). Moxibustion is especially effective for conditions caused by cold or stagnation, including certain types of pain, digestive issues, and immune support.
Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage)
A therapeutic form of massage that uses specific hand techniques at specific acupuncture points and meridians. Unlike relaxation massage, Tui Na is a clinical treatment that addresses musculoskeletal conditions, internal organ dysfunction, and pain. It can be used alone or in combination with other TCM therapies.
Gua Sha
A technique involving gentle scraping of the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate microcirculation and promote the body's natural healing response. Gua Sha is effective for chronic pain, inflammation, and immune support. It helps break up stagnation and promotes the free flow of blood and Qi.
How TCM Approaches Healing
Whole-Person Assessment
Unlike Western medicine which often focuses on isolated symptoms, TCM evaluates the entire person — body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Through detailed interviewing, pulse diagnosis, tongue analysis, and observation, the practitioner identifies the underlying pattern of imbalance causing your symptoms.
Pattern Differentiation
TCM uses a sophisticated diagnostic framework called "pattern differentiation" to identify the root cause of disease. Two patients with the same Western diagnosis (e.g., headaches) may receive completely different TCM treatments because their underlying patterns of imbalance are different.
Individualized Treatment
Based on the pattern identified, the practitioner selects the most appropriate combination of therapies — acupuncture, herbs, cupping, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications — to restore balance. Treatment plans are continuously adjusted as the patient's condition evolves.
Prevention & Maintenance
TCM places great emphasis on preventing disease before it manifests. Through dietary guidance, lifestyle advice, and regular maintenance treatments, TCM helps patients maintain optimal health and catch imbalances early — before they develop into serious conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is. After millennia of research and application, TCM is fact-based science that has developed its own methods of research and experimentation. Much as Mandarin and English grammars are very different from each other, they are still grammar, and both languages express the same thoughts and emotions. Similarly, TCM and Western medicine are different frameworks that both describe and treat the same human body.
Absolutely. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TCM is the number two medical system in the world after the modern allopathic model. It is the primary care system in East Asia and is rapidly becoming the chief alternative medical system in the West. The WHO's strategic plan envisions TCM reaching parity with allopathic medicine in global public and private health insurance systems.
No, it is not. Outside of China and East Asia, America has the best structured and supervised TCM system. Together with the FDA and both federal and state health departments, the Oriental Medicine profession is organized and monitored by the National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). TCM has the same specializations as Western medicine: OBGYN, physiatry, psychiatry/psychology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more. Medical databases like the National Institute of Health contain over 30,000 bona-fide medical research papers on TCM.
No. While commonly perceived as one and the same, acupuncture is actually only one therapy out of many available to a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. A DOM has training in herbal medicine, cupping, Gua Sha, Tui Na massage, moxibustion, dietary therapy, and many other modalities. Acupuncture is an important tool, but it's just one part of a much larger medical system.
Not necessarily, and you don't have to be needled every time you visit. After long years of training, Dr. De Puigdorfila is able to needle quite painlessly. However, some people and some acupuncture points are more sensitive. The doctor is trained to manage cases where patients are extra-sensitive to needles, and there are many other therapeutic alternatives — some of which are actually quite pleasant!
Chinese herbal medicine uses ingredients sourced from reputable, quality-controlled suppliers that meet FDA standards. While the formulas originate from thousands of years of Chinese medical tradition, the herbs themselves are sourced from various regions worldwide and undergo rigorous quality testing. Your practitioner will prescribe formulas specifically suited to your condition and constitution.
Yes! Our practice accepts insurance for acupuncture and TCM services. We can verify your insurance benefits before your first visit to ensure you understand your coverage. Please contact us or use our online insurance verification form to get started.
Your first visit includes a comprehensive interview, intake, evaluation, and diagnosis. We take the time to understand your complete health picture — not just your current symptoms. You'll receive a basic initial treatment and we'll determine the full spectrum of your treatment plan, including the number and type of sessions recommended.
Ready to Experience TCM?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. De Puigdorfila to learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you.