Chinese medicine, also called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or oriental medicine in America, is a range of traditional medical practices used in China, which have been developed and refined over 3000 years. Today it is a comprehensive practice to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, as well as improve overall health and well-being in China.
Chinese medicine focuses on the integrity of human body and the close relationship with its environment. Chinese medicine considers the human body as a whole, and emphasizes improving the inter-connections among systems and organs, thus strengthening the body’s own resistance to diseases. Chinese medicine’s theory is based on a number of philosophical frameworks such as the theory of Yin and Yang, Five Elements, Meridian system, and Zang Fu.
Overall, Chinese medicine considers health as a balance of yin and yang (negative force-positive force), with qi modulating this balance. The qi is described as body natural energy, which travels throughout our entire body via specific pathways called meridians to reach every part of the body. All the procedures of Chinese medicine are intended to improve the flow of qi.
Chinese medicine uses different approaches, such as natural methods (herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Tui Na and reflexology, as well as mind-spiritual methods (such as qigong and taiji). These methods generally have fewer side effects than Western medicine since they are natural. A Chinese medicine doctor applies a specific treatment plan depending on the individual’s needs. The plan may include a single manipulation or combinations of several therapies.