After graduating from university, I started my career as a financial specialist and have remained in the financial sector for over 20 years. Throughout this time, I've been a patient of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, and I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this ancient healing concept. The holistic approach of TCM not only addressed my physical complaints but also nourished my mind and spirit, leaving me with a renewed sense of vitality and well-being. Inspired by the noticeable results that I experienced, a profound desire ignited within me for further exploration of TCM and I decided to study TCM - despite the demands of my ongoing career in financial services. My journey from the corporate world to the TCM area has been guided by a deep-seated belief in the power of holistic healing and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for the opportunity to make my passion real.
A woman in her 50s asked my assistance after experiencing persistent lower leg pain and foot numbness following lower back hernia surgery. By the time she approached me, it had been 6 weeks after the surgery. She was on medication and her doctor explained to her that the pain and the numbness might take up to a year to recover. To improve her quality of life and alleviate her discomfort she decided to pursue TCM treatment besides medication.
I made a treatment plan for her condition, combining (electro) acupuncture and therapeutic techniques to relief underlying imbalances contributing to her symptoms.
Remarkably, after just three treatments, the patient began to regain sensation in her foot—an encouraging sign of the body's responsiveness to TCM applications. By the fifth treatment session, her leg pain had completely subsided.
This case exemplifies the profound effectiveness of TCM in managing health issues and restoring harmony within the body. By addressing the root causes of her discomfort and promoting natural healing processes, we observed tangible improvements in her symptoms and overall well-being.
I think the first step should be joining professional organizations and associations. I am a member of Zhong and I regularly follow the updates, news that is published by Zhong. In the meantime, I regularly attend seminars, explore reputable websites and online resources, collaborate with my colleagues, and also follow the experts via social media.
When it comes to pursuing a career in TCM, there are a few key steps to follow.
First, getting a formal education from accredited TCM Institutions or Universities is the most crucial part. This sets the foundation for your knowledge in TCM theory, diagnosis, and treatment methods. It's like building a strong base for a solid structure.
Gaining clinical experience through internships with experienced TCM Practitioners is equally essential. This hands-on experience allows you to apply what you've learned during the lessons and improve your clinical skills.
I think, understanding Chinese philosophy and culture is imperative. This is essential for getting a deeper grasp of TCM. It's like getting to know the roots of a tree – it helps you understand the whole picture better.
Moving on, empathy and active listening skills are absolute must-haves. Building trusted relationships with the patients is a golden key to effective communication and providing compassionate care.
And finally, I would like to mention about preventive care. This is a big part of TCM philosophy – it's all about maintaining optimal health and preventing illnesses before they even start. Think of it as taking care of your car with regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns ☺
Challenges:
One of the major challenges facing the TCM community is integrating with conventional medicine. Bridging the gap between Western and traditional medical systems requires collaboration and communication between the practitioners of different modalities by overcoming cultural and philosophical barriers.
Lack of robust scientific evidence-based practice to support the efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of TCM is another challenge. If there is more research, I believe it will also have a positive impact on the public perception, as misconception and skepticism about TCM persist among both the public and medical community. It also plays a crucial role in fostering greater acceptance of TCM within the broader healthcare community including the health insurance companies.
Opportunities:
It is very thrilling to see that there is a growing demand and interest in holistic and tailor-made healthcare approaches that focus on treating the root causes of illnesses and promoting wellness, which align well with TCM emphasis.
Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology has the potential to contribute to the evolution of TCM. Collaboration between TCM practitioners and technology experts can enhance the diagnostic tools, foster innovation, and accelerate the accessibility of TCM knowledge for both students and professionals. If there were a device that measures TCM pulse, it wouldn't be bad at all.
Furthermore, thanks to technology, it is possible to expand high-quality TCM education and training programs via online platforms to reach more TCM practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide, regardless of geographical constraints or physical limitations.
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