Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its roots in the ancient philosophy of Taoism, which originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. The Taoists believed the universe to be an infinite web of complex and ever-changing patterns. The expression of these patterns is carried out by two opposing yet complementary primal forces, Yin and Yang, which we human beings perceive as a variety of opposing qualities, such as day and night, heat and cold, excess and deficiency, interior and exterior, activity and rest. The interactions between such opposing qualities weave the grand patterns of the universe. Everything in nature exhibits varying combinations of both Yin and Yang; nothing is purely one or the other and one has no meaning without the other. In the human body, just as in nature, a fine balance between Yin and Yang must be maintained for good health. When the balance is upset, illness or dysfunction occurs.
The view of Western medicine emphasizes the physical structures of the human body. Anatomy and physiology study these structures from the largest bones, muscles, and skin to the smallest cells or even molecules. This structural map forms the basis of modern medicine. In contrast, the traditional Chinese medicine model emphasizes process rather than structure. The human body is seen as an energy system in which various substances—such as Qi, Blood, Jing, Body Fluids, and Shen—interact with each other to create the whole physical organism. Among these substances, Qi is the most important. Qi is a vital essence that is part matter, part energy. Qi flows within a closed system of channels, or so-called meridians, throughout the human body. This network of meridians allows Qi to reach all the tissues and organs, providing nourishment, warmth, and energy to all parts of the body. If this flow is weakened or blocked in any way, the ensuing imbalance in turn will manifest itself as illness.
Western medicine relies on modern technologies—from stethoscope to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)—to monitor patients' physical, chemical, and pathological statuses in order to make a diagnosis. Of course, during its thousands of years of development, TCM learned to utilize quite different techniques. They are Looking, Listening and Smelling, Questioning and Touching. Through these techniques the practitioner analyzes the information gathered and reaches a diagnosis. Instead of naming a specific disease, as is done in the Western medicine, the Chinese practitioner diagnoses what kinds of imbalances, such as a certain type of Yin deficiency or Yang excess, exist in the body. Then, the practitioner tailors an individual treatment plan according to these disharmonies.
Although the meridians are deep within the body, points along them are accessible from the surface of the skin. At such points, a traditional Chinese healer can manipulate the flow of Qi by pressure, heat, or needle, bringing healing essence to the organs that need it. In general, the goal of all TCM therapy is to regulate Qi and other substances to ensure their optimal flow and to keep the balance of Yin and Yang in the human body. Traditional Chinese medicine works totally different from Western medicine, because it does not treat the disease; rather it treats the whole person through harmonizing within.
Traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine both have advantages and disadvantages. They often complement each other and alternate in their leading roles. One becomes the complementary medicine of the other, depending on the clinical condition of the patient, so integration of two medical systems is the key to your own health.
If you have any symptoms that concern you, see your physician first. Depending upon the diagnosis, you can choose which treatment is in your best interest. It could be only the Western approach, only Chinese medicine, or it could be a combination of both. After visiting your physician, you will know if you can treat yourself at home.
Another kind of integration involves all aspects of TCM—Chinese herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, scraping, cupping, Chinese massage, reflexology, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. Each of these therapies has its own advantages. They complement each other. If you combine these different therapies into your daily life over the long term, you will get excellent results for many chronic diseases.
Finally, be open-minded. Keeping a positive attitude is essential in getting the most from traditional Chinese medicine. Try not to interpret every detail of TCM with the language used by Western medicine. They are totally different systems. (Note: The Appendix includes a quick measurement conversion chart for use with the recipes and remedies included in each section.)