Chinese medicine, usually called “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
is an important component of the world medicine with its unique diagnostic methods,
systematic approach, abundant historical literature and materials. It is an
integrated system of primary healthcare that utilises acupuncture, herbal medicine,
massage, Qigong exercise and nutrition that has an uninterrupted history of
development dating back around five thousand years in China and other parts
of East Asia.
The theoretical system of Chinese medicine was formalised about two and a half
thousand years ago based on a number of philosophical frameworks including the
Theory of Primordial Qi, Yin-yang, the Five Elements, the human body Meridian
system, Zang Fu theory, and others. It looks for the signs of disharmony in
the external and internal environment of a person in order to understand, treat
and prevent illness and disease. It holds that energy known as Qi (pronounced
chee) or “life energy” flows through the body’s meridians
(a network of invisible channels through the body). If the flow of Qi in the
meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of Qi, then the body
goes out of balance and fails to maintain harmony and order, and disease or
illness follows. This can result from stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens
and environmental conditions, and is evident to TCM practitioners through observable
signs of bodily dysfunction. TCM in general takes a holistic approach to lifestyle
management to prevent the occurrence of disease, and regards good health as
the basis for wellbeing and happiness.