Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with recorded instances dating as far back as four thousand years ago. TCM is based on the Taoist belief that we live in a universe in which everything is interconnected. What happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body. The mind and body are not viewed separately, but as part of an energetic system. Similarly, organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning.

 

Many of the concepts emphasized in TCM have no true counterpart in Western medicine. One of these concepts is qi (pronounced "chi"), which is considered a vital force or energy responsible for controlling the workings of the human mind and body. Qi flows through the body via channels, or pathways, which are called meridians and is responsible for the proper functioning of the internal organs. There are a total of 20 meridians: 12 primary meridians, which correspond to specific organs, organ systems or functions, and eight secondary meridians. Imbalances in the flow of qi cause illness and correction of this flow restores the body to balance.

 

Traditional Chinese medicine encompasses several methods designed to help patients achieve and maintain health. Along with acupuncture, TCM incorporates adjunctive techniques such as acupressure and moxibustion; manipulative and massage techniques such as tuina and gua sha; herbal medicine; diet and lifestyle changes; meditation; and exercise often in the form of qi gong or tai chi.

 

Several studies have reported on traditional Chinese medicine's success in treating a wide range of conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis elbow and back pain. Many Western-trained physicians have begun to see the benefits traditional Chinese medicine has to offer patients and now include acupuncture — at least on a limited basis -- as part of their practice. More Americans are also using acupuncture, herbal remedies and other components of traditional Chinese medicine than ever before. The increasing interest in, and use of, TCM is due in large part to its effectiveness, affordability and lack of adverse side-effects compared to Western medicine.

 

The term "acupuncture" describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

 

Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 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. A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing yin and yang and disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi. 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 and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. Sources vary on the number of meridians, with numbers ranging from 14 to 20. One commonly cited source describes meridians as 14 main channels connecting the body in a weblike interconnecting matrix of at least 2,000 acupuncture points.

 

 

Chinese herbs are effective and safe when prescribed by a well-trained herbal practitioner. They may be used to effectively treat infants, elderly patients and pregnant women.  Careful attention to dosage, combinations of herbs and any known drug-herb interactions, are covered in comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine education programs. To allow health care providers to provide effective and safe treatment, patients should inform Western medical physicians of the herbs they are taking as well as inform the herbal practitioner of any prescription medicines being used.

 

Qi Gong

Qi means energy and gong means a skill or a practice. Qi gong therefore means a skill or practice of cultivating energy. There are various kinds of qi gong - broadly categorized as internal and external. Internal qi gong is much like meditation with visualizations in order to guide the energy. External qi gong includes gentle movement accompanying the meditation.

 

No one knows exactly who invented qi gong, or when it originated. Some scholars estimate the practice of qi gong to be upwards of 5,000 years old and believe that it was first implemented by monks and other teachers.