What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that dates back over 3,000 years. It's an umbrella term for different modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion and tai chi, to name a few. These holistic approaches work with the yin and yang forces to restore balance and harmony in the body. When the yin and yang are not balanced, this leads to a disruption in the flow of qi, or vital energy, which in turn causes a slew of health disorders.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Adelaide

What are the Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine?

TCM does more than just treat the symptoms of disease. By regulating the flow of qi along the body's meridians, also known as energy pathways, it supports the body's innate ability to heal itself, allowing it to reach its full potential once again. TCM is used for the treatment, management and prevention of a variety of conditions, including:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Arthritis
  • Eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
  • Infertility
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Thyroid problems
  • Cancer
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Cerebral palsy

How Much Does Traditional Chinese Medicine in Adelaide Cost?

The cost of TCM in Adelaide depends on the nature of the condition you are seeking treatment for, the treatment approaches used and the duration of treatment. The average price of acupuncture treatments ranges from $50 to $90, cupping is around $50, while herbal medicine may cost $30 to $70, depending on the types of herbs that the practitioner prescribes.   

How Many Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine are Located in Adelaide?

The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia currently has more than 4,000 practitioners registered as acupuncturists, over 3,000 practising as Chinese herbalists, and about a thousand registered as Chinese herbal dispensers. About 200 of them run their own private practice in Adelaide and other regions of South Australia.   

How Many People in Adelaide Use Traditional Chinese Medicine?

While there is lack of data on the exact number of people who use TCM in Adelaide, a 2017 population-based research conducted throughout the country served as a useful indicator of the modality's popularity in the city and the rest of South Australia. TCM is especially popular among Australian women between ages 34 and 67, who reported consulting an acupuncturist and using Chinese medicine over a 12-month period for the treatment of arthritis, endometriosis and chronic fatigue.