Unsure if Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is for you? We talk treatments, outcomes and methods like acupuncture in Hong Kong with the founder of a TCM clinic.
Starting a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic
VIOLA TSANG’s journey into TCM was sparked by her personal experiences as a patient while working as an advertising executive. The intense demands of her 100-hour working weeks led to various health issues, including insomnia, skin allergies and menstrual disorders. She was impressed by how her TCM practitioner addressed her conditions holistically.
Drawing on an extensive background in advertising and banking, along with her experiences as an expat in London and Singapore, Viola launched Bloomsbury TCM clinic, in order to “de-mystify” TCM and offer high-quality services in a more accessible way, tailored to a modern and international context.
Why should we consider TCM and acupuncture in Hong Kong?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient healthcare framework that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It encompasses various therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy and exercises like tai chi and qigong. TCM is based on the concept of qi (vital energy) and emphasises a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and environment.
TCM is believed to be effective for a range of conditions. Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate chronic pain conditions, including back pain and arthritis, and herbal remedies are frequently used to treat issues such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. These practices can also help to reduce stress levels and improve mental wellbeing, and aid in the treatment of hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders and fertility issues in women.
The stigma around Traditional Chinese Medicine
One significant challenge that Bloomsbury aims to address is the cultural differences and unfamiliarity surrounding TCM.
When Viola engages in discussions with friends or former colleagues, including those from Hong Kong, she often encounters perceptions of TCM practices as being strange or intimidating.
“Many people are understandably hesitant about practices such as acupuncture and cupping, because of their unconventional nature compared to Western medical practices,” she says. “The lack of familiarity can lead to doubts regarding the efficacy and scientific basis of these treatments.”
It might come as a surprise to some, therefore, to learn that in Hong Kong, aspiring Chinese medicine practitioners attend the same medical schools that offer Western medicine courses – and they must pass a challenging open examination. Like a few other Asian markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong also enforces strict regulations on its Chinese medicine practitioners and the provision of Chinese medicine itself.
TCM and modern medicine
Viola believes that TCM and Western medicine can work together to offer a comprehensive recovery solution for various health conditions. “Internationally, there’s a rising demand for therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, often as adjuncts to Western medicine treatments,” she says. “Many patients seek these therapies for chronic pain management, stress relief and overall wellness.”
Indeed, many hospitals, especially in China, are now adopting integrated TCM and Western medicine strategies. “Collaborative treatment models are emerging where TCM practitioners work alongside Western doctors,” says Viola. “For instance, in Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority has initiated programmes that enable TCM practitioners to collaborate with their Western counterparts to treat chronic conditions like stroke care, musculoskeletal pain management and cancer palliative care. This approach fosters mutual learning and the development of evidence-based practices that blend both medical traditions.”
Treatment and results
The timeline for seeing results from TCM treatments can vary significantly based on several factors, including the nature of the condition being treated and individual patient responses.
According to Viola’s experiences, for acute conditions such as headaches, many patients experience noticeable relief almost immediately after their first acupuncture session. For chronic issues such as longstanding pain or stress-related conditions, patients typically start to notice changes within two to six weeks of consistent treatment. “The general guideline suggests that patients may require four to six sessions before they see substantial improvement. The frequency of these may decrease as symptoms improve, transitioning to maintenance visits every few weeks or months, but it should be based on the assessment of progress upon each visit.”
What to expect from a first appointment at Bloomsbury TCM clinic
#1 Initial assessment:
Comprehensive health information is gathered through a health questionnaire, a visual observation of the patient’s appearance and tongue, listening to voice and breathing patterns, olfaction of body odours, and palpation of pulse at various wrist points. These methods aim to provide insights into the patient’s medical history, current symptoms and overall internal health.
#2 Discussion of symptoms:
Following the assessments, the practitioner will engage you in a detailed conversation about your symptoms. You can expect questions about pain levels, sleep quality, energy levels, digestive health and any other relevant issues. This inquiry helps the practitioner understand your unique health pattern.
#3 Treatment recommendations:
Based on the findings from the assessment and discussion, the TCM practitioner will suggest a tailored treatment plan that may include acupuncture in Hong Kong, herbal medicine and/or cupping therapy. You might be advised on lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments to support your healing process.
Five treatments offered at Bloomsbury
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Utilises a variety of herbs in formulas tailored to individual health needs.
Acupuncture: Involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of qi (energy).
Cupping Therapy: Uses suction cups placed on the skin to promote blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
Ear Acupoint Therapy: Replaces the use of needles with “ear seeds” made of Chinese herbs, which are placed on the ear to serve as tiny acupressure devices and held in place with waterproof tape for up to three days; the continuous stimulation can help to improve pain, insomnia, mental issues ranging from anxiety to grief and weight loss.
Plum Blossom Needle Therapy: Uses the Plum Blossom Skin Needle technique to tap specific somatic areas and acupuncture points to stimulate skin and effectively promote blood circulation, enabling qi and blood to flow more smoothly in order to promote hair growth and pain relief.
Did you know?
- In Hong Kong, TCM practitioners must adhere to specific qualifications and licensing requirements as stipulated by the Chinese Medicine Ordinance.
- Practitioners at Bloomsbury TCM are all Registered Chinese Medicine Practioners and experienced in treating urban ailments and disorders related to stress imbalances.
Final word
So, what suggestion would Viola give to someone who is interested in exploring TCM but doesn’t know where to start?
“The best way is to make an appointment with a TCM clinic that you feel comfortable with and have an introductory discussion. Since TCM emphasises a personalised and holistic strategy for addressing health concerns and enhancing overall wellbeing, establishing a mutual understanding between the practitioner and the patient is a crucial first step in the recovery process. As with any medical or service provider, it is essential to choose someone whom you can trust and feel comfortable with.”
WhatsApp 9012 8301 | bloomsburytcm.com/en
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