TCM

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

There are endless sources of information and documentation regarding acupuncture and herbal therapy; when and where it first began, and its application. For the purposes of this website, and in an effort to keep things simple, we shall address Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM is a complete system of health care that began in China approximately 3,000 years ago. It encompasses all therapies in its understanding, most commonly, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage and stretching techniques. DCA most always include other elements such as diet, nutrition, exercise, environmental balance, breathing exercise and lifestyle choices. TCM treats the whole person by acknowledging that there is a vital life force that flows though all things. This life force is commonly referred to by practitioners as Qi (pronounced “chee”, and translates as energy or a life force). Qi flows along the pathways of the human body. It is this flow of energy which allows humans to think, talk, walk and show emotion. The primary focus of TCM is to keep the Qi flowing in a balanced, regular pattern throughout the body. When the flow of Qi is unimpeded, the human body functions in a harmonious, balanced environment which in turn brings about good health. When the balance of energy is upset, the flow of Qi becomes “stuck” or “blocked”. This upset may be caused by many elements, such as trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, genetic predisposition, or emotional state.

Through the use of TCM, the practitioner will focus on correcting these flow obstructions to create a more harmonious body of energy, which promotes the body’s ability to heal itself.