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Traditional Chinese Medicine is 5,000 years old, and is based on an ancient Chinese philosophy known as Taoism. It is a path for achieving a long life full of good health and relatively free of disease, and also for achieving mental and spiritual well-being. TCM encourages striving for balance in our bodies through our daily activities, which in turn encourages the potential for health and vitality through prevention. TCM helps us become aware of Qi (see definition below), to control its flow, and to live in harmony with the vital energy that is present in the human body and in the universe.
Yin and Yang are the opposing and yet complementary forces that, governed by the laws of the universe, sway between balance and imbalance. Like everything in the universe, we are a combination of Yin and Yang. If Yin or Yang is out of balance, illness may result.
The basis of interrelatedness in TCM is Qi, the vital energy of the universe. Strong and free-flowing Qi in all its manifestations is what animates us and gives us health. Illness and symptoms are reflections of disharmony in the movement of Qi.
The harmonious movement of Qi in the world is a reflection of the balance of five basic phases: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The Five Phases are used to describe aspects of climate, colour, flavours, seasons — virtually everything in the universe. Each of our five major Organs corresponds with one of the Phases.
Not all TCM doctors follow the exact same procedures or use the same methods, but I can describe a typical visit to my clinic. When a patient comes to see me or one of my colleagues, we observe her expression, her complexion, her demeanour, her build, her posture, and the way she smells. We take her pulse and examine her tongue. We ask questions to open a dialogue and listen carefully to what she says. We then will use acupuncture, herbs and Tui Na (see explanations below), and might also make dietary and exercise recommendations.
Acupuncture is one of the therapeutic treatments of TCM (others are Tui Na and herbal medicine) that involves the placing of very fine needles into acupuncture “points” along the invisible energy pathways (or Meridians) in the body. These needles either increase the flow of Qi in certain Meridians or calm it, restoring the balance of energy in the body and facilitating health. Acupuncture needles are very flexible and thin. They vary in size, depending on what part of the body they're being applied to, but they're typically not much thicker than human hair and thinner than a hypodermic needle.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi are orchestrated dances of breathing and movement, combined with meditation, which restore the flow of Qi along the Meridians and reestablish harmony in the body as a whole. These are ancient Chinese practices that prevent disease and promote health, long life, physical strength and spiritual growth.
Tui Na is a fundamental component of TCM, and is a form of massage that focuses on establishing a flow of Qi throughout the body to restore health and prevent disease. Tui Na translates into “push-grasp” in English, and uses techniques of pressure and manipulation.
Herbal medicine, an integral part of TCM, harmonizes the movement of Qi in the body, bringing Yin and Yang into balance, and in so doing, produces a bio-chemical affect as well. 'Herbs' used are sourced from plant extracts, as well as animal and mineral products, all from the natural world. Generally, TCM practitioners combine herbs to produce remedies that are specifically designed for a patient's unique constitution, emotional and physical health, and environment. There are also patent remedies available, which are packaged herbal pills based on classical formulations.
Herbs can be very powerful, and so you should be careful about which herbs you take. You should also be careful about where you buy them, because herbal remedies are not regulated and the quality can differ greatly depending on the source. Your TCM practitioner should be able to offer herbs directly or make appropriate recommendations. Check with your doctor before beginning use of herbal medicines if you have allergies, drug sensitivities or any serious illness like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy or glaucoma, or if you are taking any prescription medication. Stop taking the herb and call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms within two hours of taking it: nausea, diarrhea, headache or vomiting.
According to TCM, foods have qualities that can be used therapeutically to balance internal Yin and Yang and have been promoted as the basis for maintaining health and countering disease in the daily lives of Chinese people for over 5,000 years. From a Chinese perspective, it’s best not to focus on a lack of nutrients, but rather on types of foods we consume too much or too little of, and which will impair or disturb the balance within our bodies. Food, with its therapeutic attributes, is medicine, and an unbalanced diet can be the origin of disease.
In Canada, contact the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC). In the United States, try NCCAOM.
As is the case with any kind of medical practice, a qualified TCM physician should not offer diagnoses or specific recommendations without seeing a patient in person. General recommendations for diet and exercise can be found online or in books, some of which we have listed in Recommended Reading.