Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of healing that has developed in China over several thousand years. It encompasses a wide range of practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, therapeutic massage, dietary therapy, and movement practices such as tai chi and qigong. TCM is part of the broader family of East Asian medical systems, which also includes traditional Japanese and Korean medicine.
At the heart of TCM is the understanding that all processes within the human body are interconnected and constantly influenced by the surrounding environment. Because of this, practitioners look for signs of imbalance both inside the body and in a person’s external conditions. Identifying these patterns of disharmony helps guide treatment and supports the prevention of illness.
TCM is grounded in several key philosophical frameworks, including:
- Yin–Yang Theory — the dynamic balance of opposing yet complementary forces
- Five Element Theory — the relationships among Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water
- Meridian Theory — pathways through which qi (vital energy) flows
- Zang‑Fu Theory — the functional relationships among the body’s organ systems
Diagnosis and treatment in TCM are based on these principles, allowing practitioners to address the root causes of imbalance rather than just the symptoms.
