Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years through ancient knowledge passed down through generations. The TCM knowledge is deep-routed in Chinese culture and life. The practice stems from the belief that everything associated with the body should be considered in the process of diagnosis.
Meridian points
The Human Body
TCM uses the following to explain the components of the human body:
- Yin and Yang (passive and active).
- 5 elements that correspond to body organs (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood).
- Chi (energy), Xue (blood), Jing (essence), Jin Ye (fluids), Shen (spirit).
- Meridian system (body's channels accommodating the flow of Chi).
Yin and Yang are paired with each of the 5 elements, which relates to a body organ. Any imbalances in Yin or Yang manifest in illnesses. TCM finds the cause of the problem and corrects any out-of-balance elements.
Diagnosis - Tongue and the organs
Making A Diagnosis
In western medicine, often only the symptoms are treated. For example, a doctor will prescribe pain killers for a headache, but not find the cause of the headache. In TCM, it is believed that when body is out-of-balance, the body reacts in many places. During your visit to a well-qualified practitioner, a combination of the following methods will be used to make a diagnosis:
- Tongue analysis (looking at the colour, coating or any abnormalities).
- The pulse.
- The colour of the face/skin.
- The history of symptoms.
- Lifestyle and diet.
From this information, the practitioner determines the pattern in the body and the organs associated with the problem that should be treated.
Acupuncture treatment
Treatment
From the diagnosis, your practitioner plans the best treatment combination to relieve your discomfort.
TCM refers to a range of treatment methods used to treat illnesses. It is not limited to Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, but can also include the following:
- Chinese herbal medicine.
- Acupuncture.
- Moxibustion.
- Ear needles.
- Cupping.
- Acupressure.
Dr. Zhang and Dr. Li are proficient in all treatment methods. Dr. Zhang majored in Acupuncture during his studies under the world acclaimed Acupuncture master Dr. Zheng Kuishan. Dr. Li majored in Chinese herbal medicine. They work closely together to provide the best treatment outcome for patients.