What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a millennia-old treatment approach based on traditional Chinese healing practices. It has been practised for over 2,000 years and is founded on the idea that health and wellness are influenced by a balance of yin and yang, nature's opposing yet complementary forces. TCM seeks to improve a person's overall wellbeing by addressing the underlying cause of a health problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, cupping, gua sha and tai chi are all TCM therapies.
What are the Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In addition to treating common ailments like cough, sinusitis, headaches and flu-like symptoms, TCM is beneficial for many serious health conditions. In fact, there is growing evidence that it can help treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Other conditions that may benefit from TCM include:
- Anxiety
- Digestive problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Cirrhosis
- Kidney disease
- Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
- Lupus
- Cancer
- Thyroid problems
How Much Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Cost in Sydney?
An initial consultation with a TCM practitioner in Sydney will cost anywhere from $100 to $150, depending on the length of the consultation and the treatment methods used. Prices are also influenced by the location and nature of a practitioner’s practice. Acupuncturists, for example, may charge between $50 and $100 per session, whereas herbal medicine practitioners may charge between $3 and $50 for one week of herbs.
How Many Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine are There in Sydney?
According to the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia's register as of 2021, there are almost 2,000 TCM practitioners in Sydney. The majority of them are acupuncturists and herbalists, with the remainder offering other TCM treatments. They can be found working at holistic clinics, hospitals, wellness centres, or in private practice.
How Many Sydney Residents Use Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM use is more prevalent in Sydney and the rest of New South Wales, according to studies, than in other states. According to one cross-sectional study from 2007, 10% of Sydney residents who were surveyed used acupuncture to treat a health condition in the previous year, whereas more than 6% used Chinese herbal medicine.
