Ancient Healing part 1: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM is the umbrella of various components

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is thousands of years old, making it one of the oldest (natural) medical systems globally. It encompasses a holistic approach to healing, rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and natural medicine principles. TCM employs various modalities, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, Tuina, Moxa, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and many more, to restore balance and harmony to the body. When experiencing health issues, TCM views them as signs of imbalance and seeks to activate the body's innate healing ability. TCM considers humans as interconnected beings of physical, energetic, and spiritual elements, where disturbances in one aspect can affect the others. For instance, mental or emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms, and vice versa.

Let your Qi flow

Chinese medicine prioritizes revitalizing Qi flow, the body's vital energy, alongside increasing spiritual awareness. A personalized treatment plan typically incorporates diverse therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping, Tuina massage, reflexology (targeting blocked energy release), and physical activities such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and specific stretches. Depending on your symptoms and preferences, your plan may include multiple or singular components, ensuring tailored care to meet your individual needs.

Stress as the primary cause of health issues

TCM acknowledges stress as a significant factor in various health issues, rendering it an effective approach to tackle modern-day challenges. In today's fast-paced world, many people suffer with stress-related symptoms such as tension, insomnia, digestive issues, weight gain, and anxiety. By embracing the principles of classical Chinese medicine, these issues can be addressed at their core. We have listed our selection of health resorts offering TCM treatments, spanning destination spas, medical spas, and luxurious hotels with TCM practitioners. Surrounded by tranquility and nature, you'll have ample opportunity to fully immerse yourself in healing treatments. A wellbeing retreat featuring traditional Chinese medicine will enable you to be revitalized and energized.

TCM elements...

1. Acupuncture

Tiny needles are placed at precise points on the body, known as acupoints, to encourage the flow of Qi, the body's life force, and to release any blockages. While some may feel apprehensive about the idea, the sensation is often minimal, akin to a gentle prick or hardly noticeable at all.

2. Body treatments

TCM offers a diverse array of massage techniques, including acupressure, Tuina, cupping, and gua sha, all aimed at enhancing blood circulation and alleviating bodily tension. Tuina, which translates to 'push' and 'pull', involves various hand techniques, including pressing, kneading, rolling, and rubbing, applied to specific acupressure and meridian points. By stimulating Qi (energy), Tuina relieves tension and induces relaxation. Widely utilized for musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck pain, and sports injuries, Tuina can be complemented by other TCM practices like cupping therapy.

3. Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to stimulate specific acupoints on the body. The dried mugwort is formed into a small cone or stick, known as a moxa stick, and held close to the skin or directly applied to the acupoint. The heat generated by burning the moxa stimulates circulation and promotes the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Moxibustion is commonly used in TCM to treat conditions related to cold and dampness in the body, such as arthritis, menstrual disorders, digestive issues, and fatigue. It is believed to strengthen the body's immune system, improve circulation, and alleviate pain and discomfort.

4. Mindfulness

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there's a holistic view that considers the body and mind as one. Practices like meditation and mindfulness are valued for their ability to bring emotional and mental balance. 

5. Exercise and movement

Tai Chi and Qigong are practices specifically crafted to improve both physical and mental well-being by increasing circulation, balance, and flexibility.

6. Healthy food

In the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy, a balanced and nutritious diet plays a vital role. Emphasizing the consumption of vegetables and herbs, TCM aims to nourish the body, increase energy levels, and eliminate toxins known as ama.

7. Herbal remedies

A variety of herbs, plants, and roots are prepared in teas, meals, or supplements.

Our selection of Spas with a TCM

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary (Thailand)

Kamalaya has a team of various TCM doctors and therapists, ensuring that nearly every program offered includes one or more TCM treatments tailored to your specific goals, whether it's embracing change, detoxification, or stress relief. Each program starts with an initial TCM Consultation with a doctor who crafts a personalized treatment plan rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles to enhance both mental and physical well-being. The TCM treatments encompass a range of therapeutic techniques, including moxibustion, cupping, and acupuncture.

Lefay Lago di Garda (Italy)

Lefay Lago di Garda is surrounded by lush green hills, citrus trees, and olive groves, and offers unrivaled views on Lake Garda. The Lefay Spa Method are Lefay's signature health programs under the guidance of Professor Maurizio Corradin and Dr Carlo Di Stanislao (both disciples of TCM). The programs are based on the concept that Qi (energy) moves through five different phases, depending on the season and time of day. You can choose five treatment paths, based on an initial consultation: the Green Dragon (for impulsive and nervous people), the Red Phoenix (for anxiety), the White Tiger (for weakness and melancholy), the Black Tortoise (for stress), and the Centre (from which all four paths apparently emanate). Each path has a recommended daily sequence of specific treatments. 

La Clairiere (Frankrijk)

La Clairière is nestled near La Petite Pierre, a picturesque village in Alsace, within the tranquil surroundings of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. In addition to offering newfound energy and inspiration, this four-star wellness hotel immerses you in nature. It's dedicated to helping you  embrace a healthier lifestyle. La Clairière offers TCM programs of 3, 5 and 7 nights, including various TCM treatments such as individual Qigong session to balance the 12 meridians, Chinese Tuina massage of the 5 elements, foot reflexology, Chinese Tuina massage with acupressure with essential oils and the 5 elements and Chinese Tuina HE massage of the 5 seasons. The kitchen specializes in organic cuisine, making La Clairière the first hotel in France with a certified organic restaurant. 

Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort (Italy)

Near the picturesque town of South Tyrol’s Merano under the Dolomites, this is a region deeply steeped in the culture of wellbeing and outdoor sports. Preidlhof draws both die-hard hikers, who use the thermal waters and saunas post mountain forays, and guests in residence for one of the transformational health retreats. Preidlhof offers an intuitive 360-degree approach to health and wellbeing using both Eastern and Western treatments, such as Traditonal Chinese medicine, which they incorporate with wellbeing programs such as sleep improvement, trauma release or de-stress. In addition to the spa itself, the seven-floor sauna tower is the property centerpiece with multiple saunas, a steam room, rooftop pool, and relaxation area.

Master TCM in the PureandCure teacher's team

PureandCure's TCM practicioner

Mariken Fliervoet, working for PureandCure, is Traditional Chinese Medicine therapist, next to her role as yoga, reiki and detox specialist. Mariken leads various retreats both domestically and internationally, drawing on her diverse expertise in yoga, nutrition, relaxation, and personal growth. Her primary aim is to help you find balance, both mentally and physically, offering personalized attention to support progress. During her retreats, you can book private TCM-sessions with her.

About Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.