Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)

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History of TCMTCM is a well of medical knowledge gained from over 4,000 years of observation, investigation and clinical experience. TCM has evolved as an empirical science and its theories and treatments have been repeatedly in use and refined over long period of time. More and more patients accept TCM as the therapeutic methods for diseases.

What is Traditional Chinese MedicineTCM has its systematic medical theory which is strongly influenced by the theory of Yin-Yang and five elements.It is distinguished for the holistic concept, which as dominant idea, Views the various parts of the human body as an organic whole, Emphasizes the harmony and coordination of the internal organs with other parts or structures And also stresses the unity of the human body with the external environment.

Theoretical Basis of TCMThe theory of Yin and Yang The theory of five elements The theory of MeridiansThe theory of Zang-Fu organsThe theory of Qi, blood and body fluid

Yin and Yangthese two words are Chinese pronunciation.It is very difficulty for youDont worry

The theory of Yin and YangThis theory holds that everything in the world consist of two basic forces. According to this theory, Yin and Yang exist between inside and outside aspects of every tissue and structure of the human body. When there is a balance between the two, there is no disease; if the balance is disturbed, illness is sure to arrive.

Five elementsIn this theory, the material world is basically made up of five elements.

metalwoodwaterfireearth

The theory of five elementsTCM uses a system of inter-relationships between the five elements in order to understand how the various processes of the body support and control each other. These five elements move and change constantly to promote and restrain each other.The human body is part of the physical world and the internal organs such as liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney correspond with the five elements in the universe.

The theory of MeridiansThere are 12 main meridians. Branching from them is a network of other smaller channels. Each main meridian is connected to one of the twelve organs and travels along its own route within the body.

The theory of Zang-Fu organs (viscera) SpleenHeartLungsLiverKidneysSmall IntestineLarge IntestineGallbladderBladderStomachThree Jiao (special organ in TCM, unknown to modern medicine)

Etiology Endogenous factorsExogenous factorsCertain-case factors

TCM holds that human body forms an organic integrity; all parts of human body are not only structurally inseparable, but physiologically kept in harmony, they are depending on, making use of and restricting to each other. TCM also holds that there is a close relation between human body and natural environment, any changes in the nature will inevitably influence over human body directly or indirectly. However, human body will make reaction to respond to it. Reaction within physiological limitation is called reaction of physiological adaptability, beyond the limitation is called pathological reaction.

Endogenous factorswhich are illnesses caused by emotions. include angry, sadness, worry, fear, joy, grief, pensiveness and shock and are usually termed as the seven emotions.

Exogenous factorswhich are causes of disharmony that relate to climatic conditions. Called six pathogenic factors or the six outside evils. They are: wind, cold, damp, fire, dryness and summer-heat.

Certain-case factorsinclude work, exercise, diet, sexual activity and physical trauma.

DiagnosisIn TCM, the diagnostic process is considered in four areas - known as the Four Examinations. These are:Visual examination

complexion, five sensor organs, tongue,

auscultation and olfaction examinationsound of voice and breath, odor of breath

Inquiry Current complaintHealth historyFamily health historyPatterns of sleepAppetiteDigestionBowel movementBladderSweatPainEmotional featuresLifestyle featuresGynecological features

PalpationPalpation of the body is to discover body temperature, body moisture, pain Pulse examination

Special examination the Four Examinations are very same to modern medicinetongue and pulse examination is special in TCM

Syndromes differentiationWith holistic concept as the dominant idea, the observation and analysis of physiological phenomenon, pathological changes, syndrome differentiation, and treatment are performed. Proceeding from the situation as a whole, applying special diagnostic methods of TCM, making a comprehensive investigation on the complicated symptoms and signs, seizing the root cause of the diseases, such procedure is called Syndromes differentiation.

treatment based on syndrome differentiationunder the final differentiation, the principle of treatment is worked out, the method of treatment is determined, the prescription is given. This procedure is called treatment based on syndrome differentiation.

There are a number of methods to differentiate syndromes in TCM, differentiation of syndromes according to the eight principles;differentiation of syndromes according to the theory of Qi, blood and body fluid; differentiation of syndromes according to the Zang-Fu organs theory; differentiation of syndromes according to the theory of six meridians; differentiation of syndromes according to the theory of wei, qi, ying and xue, differentiation of syndromes according to the theory of three jiao.

Each method, while having its own features and laying stress. They should be applied flexibly and accurately so as to understand a disease comprehensively, Thereby providing the basis for treatment.

TreatmentAcupunctureHerbologyMassageQigong (yoga)

Acupuncture and moxibustionAcupuncture and moxibustion, as two important methods of treatment, form an indispensable part of TCM. Acupuncture and moxibustion have many advantages. First, they are applicable in various kinds of diseases and suit therapeutic needs in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, as well as in preventive medicine. Second, they produce prompt and appreciable cures; increase resistance to disease by providing stimulation at certain points, and stop pain. Third, they are easily practiced and mastered. Furthermore, they produce no or slight side effects, are generally safe, and can be applied together with other therapies.

Massage Chinese massage is closely related to acupuncture in its use of the meridian system and is considered to be effective for a similar range of health problems. However it should not be seen as a poor relation to acupuncture. It is an effective and comprehensive therapy and is regarded alongside herbs, diet, Qigong and one of the fundamental arts of TCM.

HerbologyThere is a great variety of Chinese material medica, including plants, animal parts and minerals. Among these materials, flowers, herbs and trees are the ones most frequently used, that is why Chinese material medica is called Chinese medicinal herbs.The prescriptions in TCM are not merely collections of medicinal substances in which the actions of one herb are simply added to those of another in a cumulative fashion. They are complex recipes of interrelated substances, each of which affects the actions of the others in the prescription. It is this complex interaction, which makes the prescriptions so effective.

mineral Plant-leaf decoction Plant-stem

Qigongis being used as part of the TCM in preventive and therapeutic health care. Qi is seen as the vital energy in one's body to maintain life. Qigong will train one to work on physical to control and exercise this energy for own good or if becomes an expert, one can even use Qi for treatment. Exercise is good for patients as well as any age group who would like to maintain good health and a state of peaceful mind. Qigong is good in treatment of mental and physical stress.

Today, There are more than 70 million Chinese practicing Qigong, some for treatment and most as a physical exercise. Qigong lets people experiencing higher levels of energy, and slow down the aging process. It may not be effective in treating acute illness or medical emergencies. It is good in preventing disease and also treating chronic conditions or disabilities.

Review Basic theories of TCMEtiologyDiagnosisSyndrome differentiationTreatment

How to studyIn the system of TCM, different theories which contain various subjects are embraced, some of which are complicated and recondite. However, to the beginners, the most important thing is to be familiar with the way of thinking by at first just following it, till gradually see the frame of TCM, and further get a more clear picture and complete network.