What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditionally used in China and nearby countries for over 2000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a range of techniques with a common goal. These techniques aim to achieve health and wellbeing by restoring the balance of qi (chi), which is believed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of being. In TCM, a person's health requirements are determined through a tongue and pulse analysis. Sometimes the practitioner may also check the inner part of the patient's lower eyelid. To restore qi, balancing the body's yin and yang, which are the essential forces of nature, is essential.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Hobart

What Are the Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The majority of TCM modalities can be used safely without negative effects. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, dietary therapy and moxibustion are all typical techniques that have been scientifically proven to be helpful. Some of the health issues that can be effectively addressed by TCM include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic pain
  • Depression 
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis
  • Weight management problems
  • Cancer
  • Neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis
  • Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases

What Is the Cost of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hobart?

The cost of TCM in Hobart depends on the particular modality used. Some practitioners charge per treatment, while others charge by the duration of the treatment. Acupuncture treatments usually cost between $65 and $120, while herbal medicines cost between $40 and $70 for a week or month's supply.

How Many Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Work in Hobart?

Hobart and the rest of Tasmania account for less than 1% of Australia's TCM workforce, which is estimated to be 4,800. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are the most common TCM specialities in the region. TCM practitioners work at acupuncture clinics or run their own private clinics.

How Many Hobart Residents Use Traditional Chinese Medicine?

TCM is used by Hobart residents on a daily basis, primarily for disease prevention. Other types of TCM modalities are less popular than movement exercises like qigong and tai chi. Although the precise number of persons who visit traditional Chinese medicine practitioners each week in the city is unknown, practitioners claim there are hundreds.