Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been the primary form of medicine in Asia for centuries, even thousands of years, and includes Chinese Herbal medicine, nutritional therapy and acupuncture. Some TCM practitioners also include Shiatsu or Tui Na massage as a regular part of their practice. There are many theories on which Chinese medicine is based. Keep reading to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
One of the core principles of TCM is the idea that there must be a balance of yin and yang for the body to function at its optimal level. Practitioners believe this balance supports qi, or life force energy. TCM theory also emphasizes blood and jing, often called the body's essence. Practitioners believe jing naturally declines with age. The organs can also be classified in terms of their yin (or Zang) and yang (Fu) functions. The functions of the liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, and pericardium make them Zang organs, while the small intestine, large intestine, gallbladder, urinary bladder and stomach are all Fu, or Yang organs. TCM pairs each yin organ with a corresponding yang organ. These pairings aim to maintain balance within body systems. Examples include the heart and small instestine. Other examples include the liver and gallbladder.
There are also meridians or channels along the body which correspond to these different organ systems. Acupuncture points sit along pathways called meridians or channels. Practitioners believe these points influence specific functions along each channel. TCM practitioners assess patterns involving qi, blood, and essence. They may describe these patterns as excesses or deficiencies.
What To Expect At A TCM Appointment
Your TCM practitioner may ask you a series of questions about your temperature, emotional tendencies, specific symptomology, cravings, food intake and appetite, thirst, sleep, and if your a woman, about your menstrual cycle. They will also look at your tongue, as TCM practitioners see the tongue as a map of the body. Colour, shape, consistency and distribution of coat all correspond to certain organ systems of the body, and again point to either an excess or deficiency and therefore an imbalance in yin or yang. They will also feel your wrist pulses. There are said to be three pulses on each arm, and again the rate, rhythm and characteristics of these pulses signify pathology in terms of excess or deficiency in one or more of the organ systems.
After diagnosis, TCM practitioners may recommend herbs, acupuncture, dietary changes, or combined approaches. These therapies aim to restore balance and support symptom management. Practitioners may recommend warming or cooling foods based on TCM principles. Food choices often focus on supporting yin or yang balance. Practitioners choose acupuncture points based on symptoms and affected systems. They may also select local or distant points along related meridians. These approaches aim to strenghen or reduce activity within specific systems.
Today, acupuncture is being studied in terms of its ability to reduce inflammation by calling attention to certain areas of the body. Studies are showing efficacy with the use of acupuncture for pain management, including: low back pain, neck pain and headache. Research devoted to acupuncture and infertility or menstrual irregularity is also showing promising results. Practitioners use Traditional Chinese Medicine for many acute and chronic health concerns. Some healthcare professionals incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbs into treatment plans. Many people hesitate because acupuncture uses needles. Some people find acupuncture more comfortable than expected after trying it. Combined with some very powerful and effective TCM herbs, acupuncture can lead to significant improvements. Some people find it a relaxing and even addictive experience.
Common Herbs Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Asian Ginseng (Ren Shen): An adaptogen used to boost vitality, combat fatigue, and support immune function.
- Astragalus Root (Huang Qi): Prized for its properties to tonify Qi and strengthen the immune system.
- Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi): Mostly used in herbal soups and tonics, these berries help nourish the liver and kidneys while also providing antioxidants.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): This herb is known to harmonize and is added to many formulas to balance harsher ingredients, soothe digestion, and detoxify the body.
- Ginger (Sheng Jiang): Ginger is a warming herb used to aid digestion, relieve nausea, and dispel cold from the body.
- Reishi Mushroom (Lingzhi): Celebrated in TCM as the ultimate herb for longevity, it is used to protect liver health and calm the mind.
- Dong Quai (Dang Gui): Often called "female ginseng," this root is frequently used to promote healthy blood circulation and regulate menstrual irregularities
