Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a medical system that’s been around for at least 23 centuries. It aims to prevent or cure diseases by keeping or restoring the balance of yin and yang. China has one of the oldest medical systems globally, with practices like acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies dating back over 2,200 years. The earliest written record of Chinese medicine is from the 3rd century BCE, known as the Huangdi neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic).

In this article, we will learn about the Traditional Chinese Medicine in detail. Let’s get started!

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Aspect	Description
Definition	A system of medicine with roots dating back thousands of years in China, encompassing various practices and treatments based on traditional Chinese philosophy and principles.
Philosophy	Grounded in the concepts of Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang (opposing forces), and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).
Diagnostic Methods	Pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, observation of the complexion, questioning about symptoms and medical history, palpation of the body.
Treatment Modalities	Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Cupping Therapy, Moxibustion, Tui Na (Chinese Massage), Qigong (Energy Healing), Dietary Therapy, Tai Chi.
Principles of Treatment	Restoring balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit; treating the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms.
Conditions Treated	TCM is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, reproductive issues, mental health disorders, and more.
Herbal Formulas	Combinations of herbs tailored to individual patients based on their specific constitution and symptoms.
Acupuncture Points	Specific points along the body’s meridians where needles are inserted to regulate the flow of Qi and restore balance.
Regulation and Training	TCM practitioners undergo extensive training and certification, and TCM is regulated by government bodies in many countries, including China.
Research and Modern Integration	TCM is increasingly being studied and integrated into modern healthcare systems worldwide, with research focusing on its efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Definition

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long existed and evolved over thousands of years. People who practice TCM use different methods, like acupuncture and tai chi, which work on the mind and body. They also use natural remedies made from plants to help with health issues.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Overview

Aspect	Description
Age of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)	At least 23 centuries old, aiming to prevent or heal disease by maintaining or restoring yin-yang balance. China has one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies date back at least 2,200 years. The earliest known written record of Chinese medicine is the Huangdi neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic) from the 3rd century BCE.
Theoretical Basis	TCM is based on the concept of maintaining a dynamic balance between two complementary forces, yin (passive) and yang (active), which pervade the human body and the universe as a whole. Health is achieved when harmony exists between these forces, while illness results from a breakdown in their equilibrium.
Components of TCM	Traditional Chinese healers use various methods, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies, to restore balance. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, while herbal remedies utilize an enormous variety of desiccated plant and animal materials. The Bencao gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), published in 1578 by Li Shizhen, lists numerous drugs and prescriptions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Idea Behind TCM

Western medicine often sees the body as a machine, like a car, with different parts needing proper care and function. It’s very straightforward and logical, relying heavily on science and medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, doesn’t focus much on scientific explanations or medicine. Instead, it’s centred on balance, harmony, and energy. There are two main concepts in TCM:

1. Qi: This is known as life energy or vital energy, believed to flow throughout the body, always changing and moving. TCM treatments often aim to support and maintain this flow of qi.
2. Yin and Yang: These are opposing forces describing the qualities of qi.
   • Yin: Associated with night, darkness, coldness, femininity, and negativity.
   • Yang: Linked today, light, warmth, positivity, and masculinity.

According to TCM, everything in life contains elements of both yin and yang, and balance is essential. For instance, a medicine prescribed by a doctor can heal illness, but too much of it can be harmful.

In TCM, these concepts apply to our bodies. When the yin and yang of qi are balanced, we feel healthy and well. But when they’re imbalanced, we may feel unwell. TCM aims to restore harmony and ensure a healthy flow of qi in the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Safety

Reports and studies on herbal products used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have found various safety issues.

1. Some Chinese herbal products have been discovered to contain hidden plant or animal material, medications like the blood-thinner warfarin and the anti-inflammatory agent diclofenac, as well as heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. They might also have pesticides or sulfites, which could trigger asthma or severe allergic reactions. Sometimes, incorrect herbs are used, which have caused harm to organs.
2. Complications from acupuncture are rare, but they can happen due to unsterilized needles or incorrect treatment. When acupuncture isn’t done properly, it can lead to infections, punctured organs, collapsed lungs, or harm to the nervous system.
3. Tai chi and a similar practice called qigong seem to be safe. While tai chi typically doesn’t cause serious harm, it might lead to minor pains. Pregnant women should discuss with their healthcare providers before starting tai chi, qigong, or any other exercise routine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Various Practices

Traditional Chinese Medicine has various practices which include:

1. Acupuncture: The use of very thin needles gently inserted into the skin.
2. Cupping: Applying heated cups to create suction on the skin.
3. Herbs: Using teas, powders, and capsules mainly made from plants.
4. Meditation: Sitting quietly to calm the mind.
5. Moxibustion: Burning dried herbs near the skin.
6. Tai chi: Engaging in slow movements and focusing on breathing during exercise.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Effectiveness

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is a method where practitioners poke specific spots on the body with thin needles. Research shows that acupuncture can trigger the body to release natural pain relievers and impact the brain areas linked to feeling pain.
• However, some studies suggest that real acupuncture and fake acupuncture work equally well, hinting at a placebo effect. Nevertheless, findings from various research suggest that real acupuncture might help relieve certain types of long-lasting pain, like back pain, neck pain, knee pain from osteoarthritis, and wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.
• It might also reduce how often tension headaches happen and even prevent migraines.

Tai Chi

• Tai chi is a mix of specific poses, gentle movements, focusing your mind, breathing deeply, and relaxing.
• Studies show that doing tai chi could enhance balance and steadiness in older individuals and those dealing with Parkinson’s disease.
• It might also ease knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, aid in managing fibromyalgia and back pain, and boost quality of life while lifting moods for people with heart failure.

Chinese Herbal Products

• Chinese herbal products have been looked into for various health issues like stroke, heart problems, mental disorders, and breathing conditions such as bronchitis and colds. However, since many studies haven’t been well done, we can’t say for sure how effective they are.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Who Should Use TCM?

It’s up to individuals to decide if they want to use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). People turn to TCM for various reasons, such as relieving carpal tunnel syndrome or reducing stress. Some may use it alongside Western medicine. TCM might be a good option if:

• You have many symptoms without a clear cause.
• You need to address side effects from medications.
• You’ve tried Western medicine without success.
• You want to focus on preventing illnesses.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Who Should Avoid Using TCM?

Doctors generally advise against using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a complete substitute for Western medicine, especially for serious conditions like cancer or liver disease.

They also recommend being cautious, particularly with herbs, if you:

• Are elderly
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have scheduled surgery (some herbs could cause bleeding issues or interfere with surgery medications)
• Are taking other medications
• Are treating a child

Traditional Chinese Medicine: How Do I Find Someone Who Practices TCM?

Your safest option is to seek out someone certified by the Accreditation Committee for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). They accredit schools that teach Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and you can visit their website to locate a certified practitioner.

Conclusion

Visiting a traditional Chinese pharmacy resembles visiting a small natural history museum. These pharmacies hold a vast number of dried plant and animal materials stored in numerous drawers, cases, and jars. In 1578, Li Shizhen published the Bencao gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), listing 1,892 drugs and over 11,000 formal prescriptions for various ailments.

FAQs on Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is traditional Chinese medicine called?

Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage. Also called Oriental medicine and TCM.

What are traditional Chinese medicinal practices?

• Acupuncture.
• Moxibustion (the burning of herbal leaves on or near the body)
• Cupping (the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on certain points of the body)
• Massage.
• Herbal remedies.
• Movement and concentration exercises (such as tai chi)

What are the 5 elements in traditional Chinese medicine?

It is based on the notion that different forces combine in nature to create balance and harmony. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water and they are connected in a cycle of creation, destruction, and transformation.

Does Chinese medicine really work?

Chinese herbal products have been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold). Because many studies have been of poor quality, no firm conclusions can be made about their effectiveness.

Is traditional Chinese medicine Ayurveda?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM for short) originates in China, while Ayurveda originates in India. Both practices are thousands of years old and consider mind and body as one inseparable unit. The holistic concept is thus common to both traditions.