What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM is a traditional medical practice that has evolved over thousands of years in China. It takes a holistic approach to treating the whole person, instead of focusing on specific symptoms or illnesses. As well as preventing illness from occurring by focusing on balancing the body's yin and yang, two opposing forces that regulate the qi or life force energy, TCM treats both physical and emotional issues using a range of modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na, qi gong and tai chi.
What Conditions Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help With?
TCM has been proven effective in treating both chronic illnesses and musculoskeletal pain, which is why it's so beneficial for people of all ages. Some common conditions that TCM practitioners focus on include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Infertility
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Food allergies
- Respiratory issues including asthma and bronchitis
- Skin problems like acne and eczema
- Chronic fatigue
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Neuropathy
- Cancer
How Much Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Cost in Townsville?
The cost of TCM in Townsville is generally more affordable than conventional therapies. The price is determined by the modality used. A herbal consultation, for example, may range anywhere from $55 to $90, depending on the practitioner and location of their clinic. The cost of herbal medicines vary in price depending on the amount and types of herbs used, as well as how long you will be taking them. Acupuncture treatment sessions usually cost between $80 and $90. It is best to enquire with your preferred TCM practitioner before scheduling an appointment so that you have an idea of how much you need to spend.
How Many Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners are Based in Townsville?
Around 900 TCM practitioners work and live in Townsville and other parts of Queensland. According to the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia's registrant data, there are 586 acupuncturists and over 224 practitioners who specialise in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The remaining practitioners offer services in other TCM disciplines.
How Many People in Townsville Use Traditional Chinese Medicine?
According to a 2007 survey conducted by Australian academic researchers in Queensland, more than 25% of 200 residents had used some type of TCM in the previous 12 months. TCM is used by nearly 4,000 people in Townsville as their primary method of treating illness or maintaining health.
