WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE?
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is the oldest, professional, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world. This medical system's written literature covers almost 2,500 years! Currently 25% of the world's population makes use of it.
What TCM is not is a system of folk healing. This system has been created by some of the best educated and brightest scholars in Chinese history. It is estimated that there are between 30,000 and 40,000 books written on TCM before the turn of the century. Since then, thousands more books and articles in professional journals have been written all reflecting the current state of TCM and it's approach to modern medical issues. TCM is used in modern medical hospitals and at teaching universities all over the world.
HOW DOES TCM WORK?
TCM works by re-establishing balance and harmony within the body. This means balance between yin and yang, balance between the five phases, balance between the Qi, blood, and body fluids. This balance is re-established by supporting the body's healthy energy and attacking any unhealthy energy.
WHAT ARE YIN-YANG, THE FIVE PHASES / ELEMENTS AND QI?
The Yellow Emperor's Classic consider yang as positive and yin as negative. Yang people react to disease in an aggressive, active, progressive and warm way. For example, if a yang person has a cold, his pulse speeds up, temperature rises, face reddens, throat becomes sore, body pain intensifies, and thirst occurs. Contrarily, yin people react to disease in a negative, passive, cool way. If a yin person-the very old and very young in particular-contracts an acute upper respiratory infection, he or she loses energy and develops a yellowish complexion and a slow, weak pulse; usually there is no fever or coughing. Although they seem healthy, yin people are resistant to cure and require extensive help. TCM ususally suggests tonics for yin problems and sweating / antipyretic formulas for yang problems.
The five phases or elements refer to wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Your state of health is related to characteristics of these elements. For example fire can relate to inflamation, water can relate to edema or dampness, etc. There is a lot more behind their theories and it can get complicated trying to sift your way through them. Needless to say, TCM, over the last few thousand years, has related the organs and systems of your body to the emotions, seasons, directions, colors and tastes. All these interconnectons relate to the approach an acupuncturist or herbalist will take in resolving any health issues you may have.
Qi (chee) is your life force or energy. The state of your health relates directly to Qi. Depending on the issue, you can have a lack of Qi, excessive Qi, trapped Qi, Qi stasis, misdirected Qi, rebelious Qi or variations of each issue.
