TCM and Addictions

Traditional Chinese Medicine, often abbreviated to TCM, has long been used to benefit people’s health and restore harmony to mind body and soul. A perhaps lesser known benefit of TCM, however, is the ability to use it to help overcome damaging addictions and assist with resisting and preventing various cravings.

TCM is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. It has gone through lots of research over the years, and methods have been used for literally thousands of years. One of the main principles is restoring balance between Yin and Yang, the opposite forces that are responsible for maintaining internal equilibrium.

No addiction is easy to break. There are so many addictions, and TCM can help with all. Some people who use TCM are trying to overcome addiction to a substance, for example nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and marijuana, some people are trying to eat less and be successful with a healthier eating regime, and TCM is also used where the habit has actually been broken but people are still struggling with withdrawal detoxification processes or other reactions.  

There are different branches of TCM. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are both particularly useful branches when dealing with addictions. The great beauty of TCM is that it can be used alongside conventional medicine and treatments, complimenting any existing regimes that a person may be trying. The two branches of medicine are not mutually exclusive, although both can also be used independently as well.  

Acupuncture is often used because it calms the nervous system, in a way similar to sedatives, but without any chemical substances entering the body and without the same side effects. Acupuncture can then immediately relieve the instant craving. Repeat sessions continue to remove cravings, with then leads to habits being broken and an addiction no longer present.

Unfortunately in today’s modern world, more and more people are seeking help to overcome addictions. A large percentage of these seeking help are turning to alternative medicines, or TCM, for assistance.  

Research indicates that people who have addictions and dependency issues quite often have a range of physical problems as well, including a deficiency of vitamin B, hypoglycaemia, mineral deficiencies, depression, liver problems and hypothyroidism. Other health problems can include diabetes, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, heart disease, yeast infections and abnormal levels of cholesterol.  

It is often the case that when people are trying to overcome an addiction, they often simply replace one addiction with another. People often replace nicotine with sugary foods, or alcohol with caffeine. TCM can help people to treat the root causes of addictions and thus prevent addiction displacement.   

Nutrition is a vital part in beating addictions and cravings, and a TCM practitioner can help you work out a realistic and beneficial nutrition plan. As well as avoiding certain foods, you will also be guided as to which foods to eat in abundance and which to moderate intake. There will likely be recommendations of herbal remedies and natural supplements to consider along with your nutrition plan.  

As addictive substances are toxins, TCM can help to overcome the harmful effects caused during the period of addictive.  Practitioners can advise you on the most efficient methods to help cleanse your body and mind and release these poisonous substances. Ridding yourself of residual toxins can also prevent cravings, which in turn increases the likelihood of success at beating an addiction.

TCM takes a holistic approach to treatment and cure. As TCM helps to calm the mind and create a more relaxed and harmonious state, people are less likely to return to previous addictions at the first sign of stress or trouble.  

TCM methods can be used as ongoing measures to prevent relapses. Unlike conventional medication, which if taken for long periods of time can become just as addictive and as harmful as the initial addiction, TCM only provides beneficial effects. It is therefore very suitable for long term use. 

Research indicates that TCM can be very effective at correcting addictive behaviours and tendencies. It is sometimes recommended by conventional practitioners, and in some jurisdictions around the world is included in court ordered rehabilitation programs. TCM can be incredibly effective, but does require a certain amount of dedication and motivation on the part of the patient.  It is not a quick fix solution, but instead requires several sessions to be effective.

If you want to beat an addiction once and for all and stop those hard to ignore cravings, speak to an experienced and reputable TCM practitioner to discuss the best ways to move forward hand in hand with TCM to set you on your way to a life free from addictions and cravings.