What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine originating in ancient China more than 2,500 years ago.
Nature is the primary hallmark of TCM as its basic principle is that our bodies are a microcosm of our surrounding world and universe. Clinical diagnosis and treatment are mainly based on the yin and yang and the five elements theories which apply the laws of nature to the human body and its interrelationships. The opposite forces of yin and yang need to exist in balance and harmony, as harmony promotes health, whereas imbalance results in disease.
TCM Therapies
The principle TCM therapies are acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage and associated techniques, such as cupping, moxibustion and qi gong. Acupuncture stimulates certain areas of the external body, herbal medicines act on zang-fu organs internally, while qi gong restores the orderly flow of Qi. These therapies, though very different in approach, all share the same underlying beliefs in the nature of the human body and its place in the universe, as they aim to rebalance the body’s energy systems.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is mainly used for headaches or chronic pain, but it also helps to relieve a variety of symptoms including depression and anxiety.
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles in to different parts of the body (called acupoints). Acupuncture works by stimulating the acupoints which are located in the meridians or channels. There are 14 main meridians, along which are the acupoints, of which there are several hundred. Very fine needles are quickly inserted into various points of the body and are stimulated, normally by the practitioner gently twiddling the needles; this creates a momentary sensation called Da Qi. This stimulates nerves and muscles which release natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that health problems arise when the flow of energy (Qi) becomes blocked. It aims to unblock the energy channels to restore the flow of Qi.
During the centuries of clinical practice and research the functions and clinical effectiveness of each acupoint, or combinations of points, in treating different diseases have been studied in detail. In recent years these actions have been verified by modern scientific research.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
This involves the use of natural plants, minerals and even small amounts of animal products. Each herb has its own specific characteristics and particular medical use to treat various diseases, rectifying the over activity of Yin and Yang, and helping to restore the body’s normal physiological functions.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a Chinese therapeutic massage closely related to acupuncture in its use of the meridian system. It is effective for treating a similar range of health problems, especially musculoskeletal conditions, and some internal diseases such as abdominal and digestive disorders. Tui Na is regarded alongside herbal medicine and acupuncture as one of the fundamental arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It primarily focuses on the meridians and points where Qi gathers and can be easily manipulated. It is thought that the Tui Na massage affects not only the physical body but also the Chi body (the network of meridians and points) and the mental body (emotions, thoughts and spiritual facilities). Since both physical and mental health are dependant on a smooth and abundant flow of Chi, massage can effectively affect all 3 aspects.
Qi Gong
Qi gong (or Chi Gong) is the practice of controlling the flow of chi through the body by using breathing techniques and sometimes movements. It improves the flow of energy in the meridians used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
It is a mind, body, spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound and focused intent. Physically, slow gentle qi gong movements warm tendons, ligaments, and muscles; tone vital organs and connective tissue; and promote the circulation of body fluids (blood, synovial, lymph).
Thousands of studies have shown qi gong to be effective in helping to heal conditions ranging from high blood pressure and chronic illness to emotional frustration, mental stress, and spiritual crisis.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is an art embracing the mind, body and spirit which originated in ancient China. It is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easily learnt and soon delivers its health benefits. For many it continues as a lifetime journey.
The essential principles of Tai Chi include mind integrated with the body; control of movements and breathing; generating internal energy, mindfulness, song (loosening) and jing (serenity). The ultimate purpose of tai chi is to cultivate the chi, or life energy, within us to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body.
Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, empowered through healthy chi through the practice of tai chi. Tai Chi is aesthetically pleasing, easy and enjoyable to practice. It can be a meditation and an integral exercise for all parts of the body and the mind. It brings tranquility and helps you think more clearly. Regular practice will bring better health and wellness.
The flowing movements of tai chi contain much inner strength, like water flowing in a river. Beneath the tranquil surface there is a current with immense power; the power for healing and wellness. With consistent practice, people will be able to feel the internal energy (chi ), convert it to internal force (jing ) and use it to generate more internal energy.
This process greatly enhances tai chi development, leading to a more balanced mental state; at the same time fitness, agility and balance will improve. The uniqueness of tai chi is that it is internal. Internal means building the inner strength from inside out, therefore you can continue to develop at any age.
Numerous studies have shown tai chi improves muscular strength, flexibility, fitness, improves immunity, relieves pain and improves quality of life. Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints and is essential for normal physical function. Flexibility exercises enable people to move more easily, and facilitate circulation of body fluid and blood, which enhance healing.
Fitness is important for overall functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles. In addition to these components, tai chi movements emphasise weight transference to improve balance and prevent falls.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic therapy which aims to rebalance the body’s energy systems. As scientific studies prove the effectiveness of TCM, it is being adopted by more and more people and, in some practices, modern Chinese medicine is a blend of TCM and Western medicine.