Since becoming a regulated health care profession over 12 years ago Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (TCM&A) has become a significant part of Ontario’s medical system offering treatments for a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries including mental health and addictions.
TCM and Acupuncture have become part of the mainstream of healing arts and medicine. In many jurisdictions around the world, including the US, TCM&A have become integral to healthcare systems, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to acknowledge the importance of TCM&A disciplines and encourage greater adoption in community health care.
Current research has proven the use of TCM based modalities can reduce and eventually eliminate the use of opiates for pain, and the concurrent dependence on these drugs.
Our ask of the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility and the Government of Ontario is support for the broader integration of TCM&A, delivered by registered professionals into Ontario’s health institutions and clinics, to better support mental health and addictions.
Mental Health:
• TCM herbs, prescribed by an R.TCMP can naturally lift mood and alleviate anxiety and depression.
• TCM herbal medicines can also be taken in conjunction with prescription drugs to address side effects.
• Acupuncture, performed by an R.Ac. or R.TCMP, has been proven to support the mental health of patients, assist in regulating emotions, lowering stress and calming anxiety and depression with reduced reliance on prescription drugs.
Addictions:
• TCM herbs, prescribed by an R.TCMP can ease symptoms caused by withdrawal from addictive substances. Furthermore, TCM herbs are also a natural way to help restore and support one’s physical and mental health during recovery from addiction.
• Acupuncture, performed by an R.Ac. or R.TCMP, has been used for many years in residential addiction treatment programs.
• The NADA protocol, acupuncture applied to the ear, often in community settings, supports the patient through the stages of detox and recovery.
For more information, please contact:
Katrina Dollano, Vice-President, TCMO: katrina.dollano@tcmo.ca
Heather Kenny, President, TCMO: heather.kenny@tcmo.ca