What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Built on a foundation of over 2,500 years of medical practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique system to diagnose and cure illness. Common TCM modalities of treatment include herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, Tuina massage, exercise or qigong, and dietary therapy.
In TCM, the human body is viewed as a small universe, including his/her inner Zang-Fu organs and spirit, that reflects the big natural universe. Instead of only targeting pathologies and pathogens, TCM aims to diagnose the person as a whole system and to devise treatment principles according not to diseases, but to the differentiation of syndromes.
Prevention is always better than cure. TCM not only focuses on diagnostics and treatments, but also has very detailed principles regarding lifestyle and well-being to prevent illness.
TCM in Canada
In Canada, TCM is currently regulated in five provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Their regulatory Colleges are:
British Columbia
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC)
Alberta
College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA)
Ontario
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO)
Quebec
Order of Acupuncturists Quebec (OAQ)
Newfoundland and Labrador
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Newfoundland and Labrador (CTCMPANL)
The currently regulated titles in each province:
British Columbia: Doctor of TCM, TCM Practitioner, Herbalist and Acupuncturist
Alberta: Acupuncturist
Ontario: TCM Practitioner and Acupuncturist
Quebec: Acupuncturist
Newfoundland and Labrador: Acupuncturist
TCM in British Columbia
In the Province of British Columbia, acupuncture is included in the Supplementary Benefits of the Medical Services Plan of BC and is covered in plans provided by various private insurance companies.
Last update: July 2024