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5 Things You Must Know About Chinese Medicine

1. Traditional Chinese medicine also known as "TCM" has been practiced in China and south East Asia for more than 3,000 years. Today it is formally practiced alongside western medicine in China, though in other parts of the globe it is considered as an alternative form of treatment.TCM is based on the philosophical understanding of the universe in treating diseases a concept known as "Taoism". The traditional Chinese medicine is based on two major theories namely "Ying Yang' and" "Qi "or "Chi". Ying yang theory stipulates that there exists two opposing but complementary forces in the universe; this concept is applied to the body system in order to achieve balance and harmony. The body system is approached in a holistic manner according to this practice; all body organs are interconnected and work in harmony. Any form of disharmony disrupts the body ecosystem thus results in a disease occurring, treatment of diseases is based on an attempt to restore balance in the body system. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes in the theory of "Qi" or "Chi". The belief holds that there exists a principle flow of energy in the body system along Meridians or paths. Should any block on this energy occur along the pathways, then diseases arise. Restoration of these paths to harmony results in well being of an individual.

2. Chinese medicine treatment is tailored to each individual meaning that two patients may suffer from the same symptoms but their treatment will vary. This is approached by investigating the causes from a long overview of the body system. Several forms of treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutrition, Massages, Exercises. Acupuncture involves stimulating various parts of the body which are believed to be the points which the vital energy flows (meridian) by use of needles.

3. There are over a thousand Chinese herbal medicine discovered .These herbal concoctions are mixed and administered depending on an individual diagnosis by the Chinese medical practitioner. Every condition has a set of combinations or formulas and is served as Capsules, powders, liquids or teas. Normally a concoction can comprise of four to fifteen herbal combinations depending on the patient diseases or needs at the time. Common Chinese herbs include "ginseng' and Astragalus.

4. Other forms of therapeutic treatments include "Moxibustion" which involves burning of certain herbs near skin to treat cramps, digestive problems and a host of other ailments. Chinese massage also known as "Tui Na" though not pleasant aims to restore joints and muscles to their normal stature. A form of Exercise also known as "Tai Chi" in Chinese is used to treat or restore normal body functions. Specific Chinese foods and diet (nutrition) are used to manage and treat ailments that may be deemed to have arisen from deficiency of vital nutrients in the body.

5. Chinese medicine can be used to treat many illnesses which include obesity ,asthma Alzheimer's Parkinson disease, kidney problems, depression ,back pain, menopause complications, diabetes, Arthritis, chronic illnesses etc. It is important to seek a qualified medical practitioner when one wants to seek or follow these types of treatments. According reports and statistics done, many countries have adopted Chinese medicine as complementary form of treatment and their rating by convectional doctors is favorable. Their popularity continues to soar even as great strides have been made in the field of convectional medicine.