Chinese traditional medicine
Key facts
- Chinese traditional medicine is an ancient system of health and wellness.
- Chinese medicine uses many techniques including acupuncture, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, dietary therapy, Tui Na massage and Chinese herbal medicine.
- To practice in Chinese medicine, you must be registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.
- Acupuncture therapy inserts very thin needles into your body to clear energy blocks and encourage normal flow of energy.
What is traditional Chinese medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine is an ancient system of health and wellness. It has been developed from thousands of years of knowledge and experience.
Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on prevention of illness.
One of the most important concepts of Chinese medicine is the Yin and Yang. These are opposing forces that complement each other. Chinese medicine believes that balance between the Yin and Yang Is essential for wellbeing. Illness results from imbalance between your Yin and Yang.
Chinese medicine treatment is supposed to balance the Yin and Yang through the body, mind and spirit with food, herbs and other practices.
Chinese medicine also focuses on altering harmful external environmental factors, such as toxins, extreme temperatures and physical and emotional stressors.
The use of Chinese medicines in Australia has increased in recent times.
What are the different types of Chinese medicine practices?
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Acupuncture was first introduced to Australia, as part of Chinese medicine.
Acupuncturists are professionally regulated throughout Australia. Chinese medicine practitioners, as well as other health professionals can practice acupuncture.
Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions. It involves inserting fine needles into specific parts of your body. These are called acupuncture points. The needles are used to clear energy blocks and encourage the normal flow of energy through the body.
The needles used in acupuncture are sterile, single use and disposable.
Tai chi
Tai chi is a mixture of postures, gentle movements, breathing, meditation and relaxation. Tai chi has been shown to improve balance and prevent falls in older people.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine focuses on both preventing and treating illness.
All Chinese medicine practitioners must prescribe and dispense Chinese herbal medicines according to guidelines published by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. These guidelines are important as they aim to protect your health and safety.
Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions are personalised, so people with similar health conditions may receive different Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions.
A qualified Chinese herbal medicine practitioner will adapt your formula as you recover.
Hundreds of substances are used in Chinese herbal medicine. Most substances are of plant origin, although some animal and mineral substances may also be used.
Like all herbal medicines, Chinese medicines can be toxic. They can also interact with other prescription medicines that you may be taking.
Always tell your doctor if you are taking Chinese herbal products.
Dietary therapy
Food therapy aims to maintain balanced nutrition through diet.
Medical diet therapy aims to balance Yin and Yang through the combination of nutrition and medicine.
Chinese massage (Tui Na)
Tui Na is a form of therapeutic massage used to treat specific patterns of imbalance.
Tui Na uses strong mechanical stimulation to your muscles and tissues. This is said to activate your nerves and create physiological and biomechanical changes that encourage healing.
Research shows that Tui Na can help improve insomnia.
Does Chinese medicine work?
For most conditions, there is not enough clinical evidence to know if traditional Chinese medicine methods work. Many studies have been carried out in China, but the many results aren't easily available.
In Australia, herbs and medicines used by Chinese medicine practitioners are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA makes sure that the medicines meet quality and safety standards. Some herbs used in Chinese herbal products may be safe, but others might not be.
You should check with your doctor before taking any Chinese medicines.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
The future of Chinese medicine in Australia
Further research is needed to improve the understanding of Chinese medicine. Research will also improve the quality use of traditional Chinese medicines.
In Australia, Chinese medicine is a nationally registered profession.
Chinese medicine practitioners are regulated in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can check whether your practitioner is registered on the AHPRA website.
Resources and support
- Look up your practitioner — Check if your Chinese medicine practitioner is registered in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Learn more about acupuncture at Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.
- Read more about how the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulates the use of herbal ingredients in Australia.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: June 2024
