Note: I am certainly not a physician. Please consult a doctor before trying any of the techniques and treatments described in this article. If possible, consult a doctor trained and licensed to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced in China for over a millennium. Only within the last century did Western culture learn of these healing techniques. Now, these techniques are viable treatment options in the USA, as well as many parts of Europe. Many people are turning to TCM as an alternative source of healing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine started with the Yellow Emperor during his reign from 2697 to 2598 B.C. A conversation between the emperors’s minister Qibo (Chi Bo) and the Yellow Emperor about internal medicine was recorded as Neijing Suwen (The Basic Questions of Internal Medicine) by an unknown author. This manuscript is the first manual on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Chinese philosophy, the Universe consists of Yin (dark, cold) and Yang (light, warm) elements. In order for the Universe to stay balanced, Yin and Yang energies must be balanced and harmonized. Since each person is part of the Universe, optimal health is only achieved through harmony of the yin and the yang within each of us. TCM uses different techniques to harmonize these elements within our body.

The list of elements used in determining a patient’s illness is extensive. The balance of Yin and Yang with the Wu Xing (the Five Elements) which are Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, as well as body fluids, emotions, physical sensations, and Shen (soul/spirit) are considered when diagnosing a patient. A series of techniques are used to measure all of these elements.

The number of TCM treatments is immense. This list has been narrowed down to include only the fundamental techniques:

Acupuncture is the technique of sticking long, thin needles into acupuncture points, or meridians, which are several streams of energy throughout the body that are all connected to one another. Clearing the “clogged” meridians is said to cure the illness that affects the patient.

A similar technique is called acupressure, which also involves the meridians but instead of inserting needles into the body, pressure is applied to the meridian points.

Moxibustion involves burning cones or sticks consisting of ground-up mug wart over certain parts of the body, usually acupuncture points. The heat from the cone or stick stimulates circulation, restoring blood and “qi” (life-force) to the area.

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) involves mixing different Chinese medicinal herbs for the use of curing a patient’s ailments. An herbalist creates a customized blend which specifically targets the patient’s illnesses. These blends can be taken in capsule form or by steeping in water and drunk as a tea.

Qigong involves matching various breathing patterns with different postures and movements of the body. Qigong is used to manage one’s breathing in order to maintain good health.

Hopefully this information has given you a taste of what TCM is, fundamentally. TCM is a vast subject that could not possibly be covered in a single article. More articles will be added in the future concerning Traditional Chinese Medicine.