Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (also known as TCM) dates back more than 2,000 years. Considered a complementary or alternative medical system in comparison to traditional, Western medical practices, TCM views the body, mind and spirit as one system. TCM emphasizes the healing of the whole person and seeks the root cause of illness or dysfunction, as opposed to treating the symptom as Western medicine often does.

Ancient Chinese culture created and developed the theories of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements through long and faithful observation of nature’s cycles and changes. The ancient Chinese believed wood, fire, earth, metal, and water were the basic elements that comprised the material world and that they were an indispensable part of daily life. They also noted that constant change characterizes the material world, continual, dynamic movement and mutual antagonism of yin and yang.

Acupuncture is the most-readily thought of Chinese medicine practice, but TCM is a broad system of medicine that includes herbs, massage, diet and exercise therapy. According to TCM, creation is born from the interdependence of two opposite principles, yin and yang. In constant motion, these opposites create a fluctuating balance in the healthy body. When either yin or yang is in overabundance or deficiency for an extended period of time, dysfunction turns into disease and illness. TCM pinpoints and addresses areas of imbalance for whole body, mind and spirit wellness.

According to TCM, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the energy that gives us the ability to move, think, feel, and work. Qi circulates along a system of conduits, known as channels or meridians. The 12 principle bilateral channels of Qi are each intimately connected within the body. When the flow of Qi becomes unbalanced through physical, emotional, or environmental insults, illness may result.