TCM Basics
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is that portion of Integrated Medicine that is an ancient medical system. It focuses on a deep understanding of the laws and patterns in nature and applies them to the human body. TCM is not "New Age," nor is it a patchwork of different healing modalities. It is a complete medical system that has been practiced for more than five thousand years.
At the heart of TCM is the principle that the root cause of illnesses, not their symptoms, must be treated. In modern-day terms, True integrated medicine is holistic in its approach; it views every aspect of a persons body, mind, spirit, and emotions as part of one complete circle rather than loosely connected pieces to be treated individually.
Major Treatment Modalities
Often Western CAM practitioners (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) and their patients or clients derive their understanding of TCM from acupuncture. However, acupuncture is only one of the major treatment modalities of this comprehensive medical system based on the understanding of Qi or vital energy. These major treatment modalities are:
At the heart of TCM is the principle that the root cause of illnesses, not their symptoms, must be treated. In modern-day terms, True integrated medicine is holistic in its approach; it views every aspect of a persons body, mind, spirit, and emotions as part of one complete circle rather than loosely connected pieces to be treated individually.
Major Treatment Modalities
Often Western CAM practitioners (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) and their patients or clients derive their understanding of TCM from acupuncture. However, acupuncture is only one of the major treatment modalities of this comprehensive medical system based on the understanding of Qi or vital energy. These major treatment modalities are:
- Qi: a focus on energy, simple movements and breathing techniques.
- Chinese Medicine: the use of natural combinations or formulas to strengthen and support organ system function
- Acupuncture: the insertion of needles in acupoints to help Qi flow smoothly.
- Acupressure: the use of specific hand techniques to help Qi flow smoothly.
- Foods for Healing: the prescription of certain foods for healing based on their energy essences or energy signatures, not just their nutritional value.
- Chinese Psychology: the understanding of emotions and their relationship to the internal organ systems and their influence on health.
