Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also referred to as Chinese medicine (CM) has a rich history spanning approximately 4,000 years. It distinguishes itself from Western medicine by its own underlying medical theory and therapeutic techniques, and its origin and development are intimately linked to Man’s experience of living close to his natural environment and the influence of his culture. TCM encompasses acupuncture, the use of moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy and tuīná.
An ancient saying in China is that medicine and food have the same origin – thus medicinal substances would have been discovered in the search for food. This, and the application of external treatments to heal wounds, the use of heat to soothe pain and the use of sharpened stones/bones to drain pus or let blood are all precursors to what we now know as TCM. Ancient manuscripts such as the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine) which may date from between either 475-221 B.C or 206 B.C to 220 A.D (dependent upon which source text is consulted), offer insights into early Chinese medicine.
Underlying theories in Chinese medicine include those of Qì 气 (pronounced ‘chee’) a ‘substance’ which is both material and immaterial and forms the basis of all phenomena, often translated as ‘energy’, and Yīn and Yáng 阴阳, opposite yet interdependent forces which correspond to the cyclical movements seen in the natural world e.g. darkness changing to light. Other important principles include the Five Elements (Wŭ Xíng 五行) and the Internal Organs (Zàng Fŭ 脏腑).
Patterns of imbalance are identified using four diagnostic methods – looking, hearing/smelling, asking and feeling, all of which take into account the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual aspects of the patient. A personalised treatment plan is then devised which consists of either the individual or combined therapies of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and tuīná. TCM is regarded as a holistic system of health care; important not only in the re-active treatment of disease, but also in the pro-active prevention of ill health. Little wonder then that common Chinese sayings include “A good doctor treats a disease before it occurs” and “Treating disease by the time it is manifest is like starting to dig a well when you are dying of thirst”.