TCM is a system of medicine over 2500 years old. It is a holistic system, viewing health as a balance between the two polarities of yin and yang. Yin is the feminine aspect of us all, and traditionally refers to the body’s vital fluids. Yang is the masculine aspect, referring to the body’s vital heat. Qi or Chi refers to the body’s vital energy. When our yin, yang and Qi are in balance, optimum health is possible. An analogy is that the body is like a kettle containing liquid (yin) heated by fire (yang). The resulting steam (Qi) circulates through the body, warming and nourishing it. If either yin or yang predominate, conditions of excess or depletion result and lead to imbalances. Qi runs through specific pathways called meridians in the body. Stagnation or blockages in the meridians can also lead to health problems. TCM treatments include acupuncture, herbs and nutrition.
Prevention
"Digging a well after
you’re thirsty is like waiting until you’re sick to get treated."
Prevention is a cornerstone of TCM. Traditionally, Chinese doctors were paid
only if their patients remained healthy.
Treatable Conditions
The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in a wide variety of medical problems including:
· Digestive disorders: gastritis,
hyperacidity, spastic bowel, constipation, diarrhea
· Respiratory disorders: sinusitis,
bronchitis, asthma
· Neurological and muscular disorders:
headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica,
arthritis
· Urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders
· Addiction
· Insomnia