TCM 101
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is a holistic healing system with thousands of years of history, developed through clinical practice and refinement. Rooted in Chinese philosophy and Dao, TCM focuses on achieving balance in the body, mind and spirit to promote long-term heath and wellbeing.
TCM’s holistic approach takes into account not only the symptoms a person presents but also lifestly, emotions and the internal and external factors affecting their health. TCM offers a pathway to a healthier life, addressing the root causes of health, not just the symptoms.
What are the basic theories of TCM?
At the heart of TCM are several foundational concepts that guide diagnosis and treatment. These theories help to explain the flow of Qi (energy) within the body and it’s interaction with the environment.
Yin & Yang
In TCM, Yin and Yang represent opposing but complementary energies that govern everything in the universe, including our health. Yin is associated with coolness, rest, nourishment and stillness, while Yang is related to warmth, activity and movement. According to TCM, these forces are interdependent, and their balance is essential to maintain optimal health. An imbalance between Yin and Yang can result in illness, and restoring their equilibrium is the key to healing.
The Five Elements
Another key concept in Chinese Medicine is the Five Elements theory, which classifies all things in nature into five categories: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These elements not only represent physical components in the environment but also correspond to different organs and functions in the human body. For example, wood corresponds to Liver, fire to Heart, earth to Spleen, metal to Lungs and water to the Kidneys. Maintaining this relationship between the elements is essential for balanced health.
Classification according to the Theory of Five Elements
Zang-Fu Organ
The Zang Fu organ theory categories the organs of the body into two types: Zang (Yin) and Fu (Yang). The Zang organs (Lung, Spleen, Heart, Kidney and Liver) store and produce vital substances such as Qi and Blood. The Fu organs (Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Urinary Bladder, Gall Bladder, Stomach and San Jiao) are primarily responsible for digestion and elimination. Proper function and balance between the Zang and Fu organs are essential for overall health and vitality.
Vital Substances
In TCM, five vital substances support the body’s function and maintain health. These are Qi, Jing, SHen, Jinye and Xue. Each substance plays a specific role in maintaining life, growth and vitality.
Qi is the basic life force of all things. Qi flows through our bodies via a network of channels known as Meridians. It governs the body’s ability to move, transform and protect. When Qi is blocked or weakened it can lead to illness. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies help restore the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.
Jing is often compared to the concept of genetic inheritance in Western medicine. It is stored in the kidneys and governs growth, development, reproduction and aging. Jing is inherited from our parents and gradually depletes over time. Protecting and nourishing Jing is important for long-term health and vitality.
Shen is often translated as the spirit or mind. It resides in the heart and is responsible for our emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. When the Shen is nourished by blood, it fosters clarity, focus and emotional stability.
Jinye refers to body fluids and is divided into Jin (light fluids like sweat) and Ye (thicker fluids like marrow). Jinye nourishes and moistens the body, helping to maintain balance and prevent dryness.
Xue refers to blood, which nourishes the organs and tissues. Blood in TCM is also thought to house the Shen therefore it is vital for emotional well-being. A deficiency in Xue can lead to issues with mental and emotional health.
What are TCM therapies?
TCM includes a variety of therapies designed to restore balance, promote healing, and enhance well-being. These therapies are used alone or in combination to address the root cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Some of the most common TCM therapies include:
Acupuncture: Involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi, reduce pain, and address various health conditions. It is one of the most well-known and widely practised TCM therapies.
Moxibustion: The burning of Aiye (mugwort herb) near the skin to stimulate Qi and blood flow, warming the body, and supporting immune health.
Herbal Medicine: Customised herbal formulas are designed to address specific imbalances in the body. Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions, including digestive issues, women’s health concerns, and immune health.
Diet Therapy: In TCM, food is considered medicine. A personalised diet plan can be tailored to your individual constitution to support your body’s healing and maintain long-term wellness.
Tuina (Chinese Massage): A therapeutic massage technique that uses a variety of hand techniques to stimulate the body’s meridians, relax muscles, and relieve pain.
Qi Gong & Tai Chi: These mind-body exercises combine slow, controlled movements with focused breathing to improve circulation, balance Qi, and promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Why Choose TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a comprehensive approach to health that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Its treatments are deeply personalised to address the root causes of illness, helping to restore balance in the body and mind. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, digestive issues, or simply want to enhance your overall health, TCM provides a pathway to holistic wellness.
References/Further Reading:
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists & Herbalists by Giovanni MACIOCIA
Chinese Medicine: The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted KAPTCHUK
Between Heaven & Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Harriet BEINFIELD & Efrem KORNGOLD
