Chinese Therapeutic Modalities: Herbs and Acupuncture

Chinese traditional medicine encompasses several therapeutic modalities: herbal medicine (中药), acupuncture (针灸), tui na massage (推拿), cupping (拔罐), and qigong (气功). These practices, developed over millennia, remain in active use alongside modern biomedical treatment.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine uses over 1,800 substances — plants, animals, and minerals — classified by their properties, flavors, and organ associations. Prescriptions combine herbs according to classic formulas, tailored to the patient's specific pattern of imbalance.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture (针灸) involves inserting thin needles at specific points along meridians to regulate the flow of qi. It is used for pain management, addiction treatment, and numerous other conditions. Modern research has validated its effectiveness for certain applications.