Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
This ancient (and modern) theory of medicine with unique diagnostic methods and systematic approach includes medication, pharmacology, herbology, acupuncture, massage and QiGong. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which encompasses many different practices, is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 5,000 years. Today, TCM is practiced side by side with Western medicine in many of China's hospitals and clinics, and is widely used in the U.S.
In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a 'balanced state'; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of Qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians.
This view is based on the ancient Chinese perception of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding universe-interconnected with nature and subject to its forces. The human body is regarded as an organic entity in which the various organs, tissues, and other parts have distinct functions but are all interdependent. In this view, health and disease relate to balance of the functions.