What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture?

And how can it help with your stress, pain, hormones, digestion and more

If you've been Googling natural ways to manage stress, hormonal imbalances, or chronic pain relief without medication, chances are you’ve come across Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or acupuncture.

But what actually is TCM? And how can it help your headaches, sleep, period problems, or gut issues?

Let’s break it down.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health care that’s been around for over 2,000 years. It’s based on the idea that your body, mind, and environment are all connected. When something’s out of balance, stress, emotions, lifestyle, even the weather, it can show up as physical symptoms.

Rather than treating just the symptom (like bloating or back pain), TCM aims to treat the root cause.

It includes tools like:

• Acupuncture (tiny needles that stimulate the body’s energy points)

• Chinese herbal medicine

• Cupping

• Moxibustion (a form of heat therapy)

• Diet and lifestyle advice based on your unique constitution

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the most well-known part of TCM. It involves inserting ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate blood flow, ease pain, and regulate your nervous system.

It doesn’t hurt (you might feel a slight tingling or heaviness), and most people find it calming even those afraid of needles often end up having a nap on the table!

Common Symptoms Acupuncture Can Help With:

Let’s get specific — here’s what people often come to see us for:

🧠 Mental Health & Stress Symptoms

• Anxiety

• Low mood

• Irritability

• Overthinking or racing thoughts

• Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep)

• Fatigue or burnout

💃 Hormonal & Menstrual Symptoms

• PMS and period pain

• Irregular cycles

• PCOS or endometriosis symptoms

• Menopause symptoms (hot flushes, insomnia, mood changes)

💩 Digestive Symptoms

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Reflux

• IBS-like symptoms (abdominal pain, irregular bowels)

💪 Muscle & Joint Pain

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Back pain

• Sciatica

• Arthritis

• Sports injuries

• Chronic tightness that doesn't ease with massage

🤧 Immune & Respiratory

• Frequent colds or sinus infections

• Hayfever or allergies

• Long Covid or post-viral fatigue

What Does a TCM Session Look Like?

When you book in for a Traditional Chinese Medicine session, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. We take time to ask about your symptoms, sleep, digestion, stress, lifestyle and more even things like what time of day your symptoms are worse can be clues in Chinese Medicine.

You might get:

• A combination of acupuncture, cupping, or herbs

• A personalised plan that shifts over time

• Advice on foods or habits to help support your system

Final Thoughts

People often turn to TCM when they feel like they’ve tried everything else or, when they want a natural approach without relying on medication forever. Whether your issues are physical, emotional, or a mix of both, TCM is about bringing the body back into balance.

If you’re dealing with hormonal issues, chronic pain, gut symptoms, or just feel like your body isn’t working how it used to — acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine might be worth exploring.

Interested in trying Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cromwell, NZ?
At The Recovery Project, our registered acupuncturist Xinyi combines TCM with a deep understanding of stress, hormones and health.

✅ ACC-covered acupuncture available
✅ Female practitioner
✅ Herbal support if needed
✅ Calm, supportive environment

Click here to book a session or contact us to ask what’s right for you.