Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical
system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent
illnesses for more than 2,000 years. TCM is based on a belief
in yin and yang—defined as opposing energies,
such as earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and
sadness. When yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed
and energized. Out of balance, however,
yinandyang negatively affect your health.
Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or
energy in every body, known as qi (pronounced "chee").
In order for yin and yang to be balanced and for the body to
be healthy, qi must be balanced and flowing freely. When
there's too little or too much qi in one of the body's energy
pathways (called meridians), or when the flow of qi is
blocked, illness results.
The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance the
yinand yangin our lives by promoting the natural
flow of qi. In an interesting analogy, often used to
explain its nature, qi is described as the wind in a sail; we
do not see the wind directly, but we are aware of its presence
as it fills the sail.
What is the history of TCM?
The first writings about TCM date back to 200 B.C.E. Herbal
medicine and acupuncture, including theory, practice,
diagnosis, and treatment, were recorded in classical Chinese
texts and refined over many centuries.
The practice of TCM stayed in Asia for centuries. Chinese
immigrants had been practicing TCM in the United States since
the mid-19th century, but its existence was unknown to most
Americans before 1971. That year, New York Times
reporter James Reston, who was in China covering former
President Nixon's trip, had to have an emergency appendix
operation. After the operation he received acupuncture for
pain, and his stories about this experience with TCM
fascinated the public. Since then, TCM has gone on to become a
mainstream alternative medicine practiced all over the world.
How does TCM work?
Disease (alterations in the normal flow of qi such that yin
and yang are imbalanced) is thought to have three major
causes: external or environmental factors, your internal
emotions, and lifestyle factors such as diet. Through the use
of its therapeutic modalities, TCM stimulates the body's own
healing mechanisms. Practices used in TCM include:
- acupuncture and acupressure
- moxibustion (burning an herb near the skin)
- herbal medicine
- nutrition
- Chinese massage (called tui na)
- Exercise (such as tai chi and qi gong which combine
movement with meditation)
In TCM, the body's internal organs are not thought of as
individual structures, but as complex networks. According to
TCM, there are five organ systems (kidney, heart, spleen,
liver, and lung) through which qi flows via meridians. Despite
their specific names, these five systems correspond to more
than individual body parts. The kidney, for example,
represents the entire urinary system along with the adrenal
glands that sit a top of the kidneys. The heart represents
both the heart and the brain.
What should I expect on my first visit?
The TCM practitioner will ask you questions about your
medical history and conduct a physical exam to look for signs
of imbalance. He or she will examine your skin, tongue, and
hair, as well as other parts of your body (from the brightness
of your eyes to the color of your nails), and will check six
pulses on each of your wrists. The practitioner will also
listen to your voice to assess your shen (spirit), and
will work to determine if one or more of your organ networks
are affected. He or she will then try to correct any
imbalances in your body by providing a combination of the
therapies discussed above.
What is TCM good for?
Over the centuries, TCM has been used to treat countless
conditions. Western scientists are still studying its
effectiveness for various diseases. Some of the conditions for
which TCM is known to be particularly helpful include:
- obesity
- diabetes and its complications such as retinopathy
(damage to the retina located in the back of the eye)
- high cholesterol
- male and female fertility disorders
- Alzheimer's disease
- digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel
syndrome)
- recurrent cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
TCM may also be an effective treatment for the following
ailments:
- allergies
- sinusitis
- addictions
- pain (including childbirth and abdominal)
- menopausal symptoms
- osteoporosis
- arthritis
- infections (respiratory, bladder, vaginal)
- sleep disorders
- stress
- constipation
Is there anything I should watch out for?
You should not treat yourself with Chinese herbs,
especially if you are pregnant or nusing. Over-the-counter
herbal products are often poorly labeled, and important
information may be missing. Some herbal products contain drugs
not listed on their labels. For example, some Chinese herbal
creams that are used to treat eczema contain steroid
medications. Also, be on the alert for Chinese herbal
medicines containing aristolochic acid. This acid, derived
from an herb, has been implicated in nearly 100 cases of
kidney failure and even cancer. A trained and certified TCM
practitioner can identify herbs that are safe to take. The
practitioner should also explain the potential side effects of
the herbs he or she prescribes.
How can I find a qualified TCM practitioner?
To locate a qualified practitioner in your area, contact:
What is the future for TCM?
Already there are 35 Oriental medicine training programs in
the United States. Recently, nine Chinese medical institutions
and Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine joined
forces to study how TCM can be applied to Western medicine.
Similarly, the University of Pittsburgh created an
International TCM Center to coordinate research efforts with
TCM institutions in China. Future research studies and
clinical trials on TCM are needed to find out exactly how it
works, and its effectiveness, safety, and cost.
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REVIEWED BY: Jacqueline A. Hart, MD, Department of
Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma and
Senior Medical Editor A.D.A.M., Inc.; Lonnie Lee, MD, Internal
Medicine, Silver Springs, MD.