BY DR ONG SIEW SIEW

Phrases like , “ Why are you always having headaches ? You should go and see my TCM guy , he ’ s very good !” or “ Your immune system is not so good , TCM can help with that ” are common , and so are dire warnings about TCM going wrong .

So , where is the truth ? Even though most of us have heard of it before , it is difficult to grasp what this ancient practice involves and whether it can support our health and wellness .

Here are some nifty tips and what should you know , for those who are considering TCM for the first time . 1 . Always look for a registered TCM practitioner TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine , and it is a legitimate practice recognised in Malaysia by the Ministry of Health . Under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine ( T & CM ) Act 2016 [ Act 775 ], the TCM industry is going through an important transition towards greater uniformity and credibility among the TCM practitioner community and the services they offer , which is great news for those seeking TCM advice .

From March 2024 , all licensed TCM practitioners will be registered with

the T & CM Council and issued an Annual Practising Certificate ( APC ). This will make it easy to verify the authenticity of a registered TCM Practitioner . 2 . TCM uses different principles from

Western medicine Based on TCM principles , every person has a unique body constitution pattern , signifying the intricate equilibrium of opposing elements and these elements must co-exist harmoniously for a person to be in good health . TCM aims to restore this equilibrium and regulate the body ’ s dynamic energy , which can be influenced by various factors such as diet , stress , chronic illnesses and more .

Based on these principles , TCM practitioners can help to manage many ailments . For example , TCM can help to relieve chronic pain , support the immune system , improve sleep quality , and much more . Some practitioners also specialise in certain areas of health , such as the heart , lungs , digestion or the reproductive system .

In TCM , our philosophy centres on achieving balance among various elements . Therefore , two patients with a similar ailment may receive different therapies because each presents a unique imbalance that requires rectification .

As the treatment evolves and the patient ’ s constitution undergoes changes , the prescription and treatment may require modification . Therefore , it is highly advisable to maintain continuity of treatment with the same practitioner , who can closely monitor your progress .

This approach markedly differs from Western medicine , which typically focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases by targeting the affected organ or body part . However , it ’ s worth noting that TCM and conventional medication can go hand-in-hand , as long as both parties are well-informed . It ’ s essential to take any oral medications from the two disciplines at least four hours apart to minimise the risk of interactions . In contrast , for external modalities like acupuncture , cupping or moxibustion , the likelihood of interactions is minimal . 3 . There is nothing mystical or religious about TCM , so don ’ t worry ! Many people of different backgrounds seek help from TCM practitioners . Your first visit will be similar to any other medical appointment – the practitioner will take note of your medical history and perform some diagnostic techniques

to check the body ’ s constitution .

It can be helpful to bring along medical records such as blood test results and any imaging like scans or X-rays to provide more background . You can also list your medications and supplements and discuss your daily routines and lifestyle . All this information will help the practitioner to understand more about you and your needs , so that an effective treatment plan can be formulated .

In this way , a TCM practitioner assesses a patient ’ s condition using TCM diagnostic principles and utilises a personalised combination of treatment methods . These are all grounded in scientific and non-spiritual principles to address any imbalances in the body . By and large , TCM employs four primary treatment methods : acupuncture , cupping therapy , moxibustion ( burning of moxa herb or mugwort ) and herbal prescriptions . 4 . Similar to Western medicine , the result of treatment with TCM will take time . Treatment will vary according to the specific condition or ailment that needs to be addressed . Simple ailments may only need one or two sessions , while those with chronic conditions would need more time . In addition , every person has a different constitution , lifestyle and habits .

As a result , even if a patient sees improvement in just one session , an existing pattern or situation in a person ’ s lifestyle may resume and cause the problem to recur , so it is normal for a practitioner to ask you to come back for a few sessions .

Remember , both TCM and Western medicine have different strengths and principles . In addition to seeing a certified practitioner at a registered clinic , patients should exercise proper judgement so that they feel comfortable and confident with the care they receive .

Malaysia is currently undergoing a transition phase , shifting from selfregulation to statutory regulation , which includes regulatory-bound TCM education , training and medical recordkeeping . This transition aims to enhance the code of professionalism and raise the standards of care in TCM , ultimately leading to improved patient safety and outcomes . - The HEALTH

Dr Ong Siew Siew is Clinician-in-Charge and Senior Chinese Medicine practitioner at IMU Healthcare ’ s Chinese Medicine Centre .