What is Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in Ancient China. It is an independent and cohesive system of healing which has survived thousands of years. As a form of holistic medicine, TCM views the human body as an integrated whole, inseparable from the rest of nature. The body is defined as in opposition to nature and yet unified with it.

TCM consists of many different practices including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, Tuina (therapeutic massage), diet therapy, tai chi and qi gong. TCM can be used to prevent as well as treat states of disease.

TCM treatment is tailored to the individual, and not necessarily to the disease. In this system, maintaining health is achieved by balancing the two opposing, but inseparable principle elements: “Yin” and “Yang”.

TCM believes that Qi is the life force or energy that influences health. Maintaining a balance between Yin and Yang is considered to be the basis for the healthy flow of Qi. Therefore, any disturbance in the Yin and Yang system would disrupt the flow of Qi, resulting in a state of disease or pain.