What is TCM?
TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a complete system of health care with a history of at least 2,000 years. TCM makes use of a range of therapies including Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Herbal Medicine, Massage and Diet. The main aim of TCM is to encourage healing, prevent illness and improve the general functioning of body, mind and spirit. Overall, TCM promotes health and longevity.

The concept of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is a major part of TCM theory. Qi can simply be translated as vital energy. It is the substance that permeates every cell of the body allowing movement, thought, emotion and above all life itself.

In good health the flow of Qi is smooth and plentiful. In poor health or following injury, Qi flow may become blocked or there may not be enough to ensure proper functioning. A practitioner of TCM uses specialised techniques to correct the flow of Qi, which in turn allows the body to return itself to a state of health.

In the human body, we recognises 12 main channels and eight extra channels and these are the main passageways for Qi. Although Qi flows throughout the entire body it is along these channels that it can be most easily influenced by the techniques of TCM.

Practitioner                                                                                    Ben Heathcote is the practitioner at TCM - Richmond. He completed a Bachelor of Health Science in TCM in Melbourne, finishing his studies in Nanning, China. Ben is registered with the CMRB of Victoria and a member of AACMA.

Ben splits his week between TCM - Richmond and True Health, a multi-modality clinic in Ormond. True Health offers Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, Naturopathy, Massage (sports/remedial/pregnancy), Bowen Technique, Reflexology and Ear Candling.

What’s involved?
Acupuncture involves the use of fine needles being placed into the skin at various places of the body in order to affect the flow of Qi. Acupuncture stimulates energetic pathyways, allowing the body and mind to relax and proper functioning may be restored where imbalance exists.

Moxibustion involves the burning of the plant mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) that is pressed into a cigar shape, to warm different parts of the body. The warming properties of Moxa improve blood flow into soft tissue, helping tight muscles to relax and encourage healing to occur in cases of injured muscles.

Tui na massage is a deep tissue, therapeutic massage that focuses on encouraging the free flow of Qi through the body. Tui na works well in combination treatments with Acupuncture to break through widespread muscluar tension and relax muscles that are in spasm.

Cupping involves glass cups being suctioned to the body. It is great for localised muscle spasm, widespread muscular tension, muscle injury and is also used for colds and flu.

Chinese Dietetics differentiates foods depending on their energetic properties. Advice is given regarding what foods to consume and which ones to avoid based on your constitution or illness.

Other Services:
Also found at Level 1, 206 Bridge Road is Bridge Yoga Studio for all levels of yoga instruction and Cleanse for all your naturopathic and hydrotherapy needs.

                                                                                 Common treatments

*Neck spasm

*Back pain

*Soft tissue injury/pain

*Frozen shoulder

*Carpal tunnel syndrome

*Sciatica

*Sleep disturbance

*Anxiety/stress

*Headache/migraine

*Sinusitis

*Digestive problems

*Menstrual irregularities

*Acupuncture for pregnancy

*Stop smoking

*Colds/flu

*Constitutional wellness